Two things you will always find hiding in my fridge are – a little bit of leftover cooked rice, and fresh dhaniya (aka cilantro). So this quick cilantro rice is usually on frequent rotation at my house for lunches.
Cilantro rice is the type of basic recipe that I usually skip sharing because it feels too obvious, or too easy, but lately that is exactly what everyone is asking for on Instagram – simple, quick recipes. As we are heading into the third month of staying home, we are all running out of ideas for what to cook next. Trust me when I say, I’m right there with you. If someone asks me one more time what’s for dinner…
If there is one thing that is helping me stay sane during these strange strange times, it is scaling down my meals. Don’t get me wrong, some nights I go all out and cook complicated things. At the same time though, I’m perfectly content serving something like cilantro rice with a side of dahi too. As long as everyone is fed, it doesn’t matter if the meal was glamorous or not.
How to Serve Cilantro Rice
- Cilantro rice makes the perfect side dish for kabobs, or baked chicken. I like to give it a squeeze of lime juice when pairing with meat.
- Grate a generous helping of Parmesan cheese on top and serve with a side of crusty bread or garlic toast.
- Pair coriander rice with dahi for a kid friendly meal.
- Sometimes when I’m feeling a little extra, I toast some cashews in ghee and sprinkle them over top.
Cilantro Q&A …
Wondering how I manage to keep cilantro fresh in my fridge? Here’s a simple hack for storing cilantro so it stays fresh for at least a week (sometimes more).
Confused about the difference between cilantro & coriander. Here’s a great read on decoding the differences. (Spoiler, they are the same thing, just different names in different countries!)
Cilantro Rice Recipe | Coriander Rice
- Total Time: 15 min
- Yield: 4 1x
Description
Use up that last bit of leftover rice and cilantro for a quick lunch or side dish. Cilantro rice is fresh, flavourful, and quick to cook!
Ingredients
1 bunch of cilantro
4 cloves of garlic
1/4 cup finely chopped onion
1/2 cup of peas – fresh or frozen
4 cups cooked rice – at room temperature
1/2 tbs ghee
1/2 tsp salt (or to taste)
Instructions
1. Puree cilantro, garlic, and salt together into a fine paste. Use some of the stalks of the cilantro for extra flavour also. Keep aside.
2. Heat ghee over medium/high heat and add onions. Brown lightly for 2-3 minutes.
3. Add peas and cook for 2 minutes.
4. Reduce heat to low and add rice. If your rice is sticking together, you can add a few drops of water to help it break up.
5. Add cilantro puree to the rice and mix well. Cook for 2-3 minutes to warm through and incorporate flavours.
6. Serve as is, or top with a sprinkling of grated parmesan or a squeeze of lime juice.
- Prep Time: 5 min
- Cook Time: 10 min
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
Keywords: cilantro rice, coriander rice
