How to make
Coriander Rice
What is coriander rice?
Coriander rice is enjoyed everywhere. You might see it in a burrito bowl in Mexico; accompanying a fresh and fragrant curry in India; or as a hotter, chilli-infused meal in the Far East. It’s versatile, full of flavour and unmistakable in taste. In its most basic form, it’s basmati rice garnished with coriander, but there’s a lot more to the tasty side than those two core ingredients.
How to make coriander rice
Coriander rice can be served in a few different ways, depending on what kind of main dish it’s accompanying. But the main thing to consider is that it’s not as simple as sprinkling chopped leaves, or grinding seeds, on top of white rice.
For the best results, we’d recommend browning basmati in olive oil over a medium heat in a non-stick pan. Introduce some garlic before adding your water and let all those delightful aromas out. After your rice has been simmering for 15 minutes in some water, stir in lime juice, some chopped coriander and some red chillies – if you like it hot.
What meats and proteins can be added to coriander rice?
While coriander rice is brimming with flavour on its own, there are near limitless accompaniments that can go with it. If you’re a meat eater, you could think about a pork or chicken dish to add a bit more protein to your dinner. Or if you’re whipping up a vegetarian feast, consider the likes of avocado, broccoli, or cauliflower. And for a fruitier twist, put papaya, pineapple, and strawberries on your shopping list.
Coriander rice top tips
Our top tip for coriander rice is to consider the difference between the leaf and the seed. The seed offers quite a different taste to the leaf and is better suited as an ingredient that will be cooked as part of a larger dish, for a longer period.
Were you to grind (or sprinkle pre-crushed coriander – common in Indian dishes) over rice, you’ll experience a milder, more floral and lemony taste compared to the leaf. That said… it’s very much each to their own. The best thing about experimenting with dishes is figuring out what suits your personal taste.
