Dill Rice Recipe – Delicious, bold Persian rice dish that’s made with just a few ingredients. If you’re looking for a simple, flavorful rice dish that feels both comforting and elegant, this dill rice recipe is one of my absolute favorites to make.
A simple rice recipe that stands alone as part of the main course or sits nicely in the background to be served as a side. It’s light, fluffy, aromatic, and incredibly easy to prepare — yet it tastes like something you would order at a restaurant.
Rice is a staple in many households and many people cook plain white rice or brown rice at home, particularly for dinner.
In most cases, people add cumin seeds to the rice, but dill rice is one of the most delicious ways of consuming rice.
Adding dill to the white rice can help transform the regular pot of rice. However, this Persian-inspired dill rice is made with basmati rice, fragrant dill, garlic, and sweet peas.
The flavors are fresh and savory, making it the perfect side dish for seafood, chicken, lamb, or even as a stand-alone vegetarian meal.
Dill rice utilizes a mixture of dried dill or fresh dill.
The dried dill is added to enhance the fragrance and flavor of the rice and helps draw out humidity from the dill, which means the rice won’t become mushy when the rice is steamed.
What Is Dill Rice?
Dill rice is a fragrant rice dish inspired by Persian cooking techniques, where rice is often parboiled and then steamed to create a fluffy, separated texture. Instead of becoming mushy, this method actually helps the grains stay light and airy while absorbing flavor beautifully.
Dill adds a bright, herbal flavor that transforms simple rice into something special. Combined with garlic and peas, the result is a comforting yet fresh side dish that pairs well with almost any protein.
Many people think that boiling and steaming make the rice overcooked but it’s not correct as it actually makes the rice fluffier.
The dill rice can be served with salmon or other seafood and chicken. Dill rice is a Persian recipe with bold and delicious flavor and can be prepared from a few ingredients only.
As the name suggests, dill is used to flavor rice, which is one of the most versatile herbs. Dill is an annual herb and works with various recipes.
It’s a great source of carbohydrates, phosphorus, magnesium, potassium, iron, protein, and sodium. In simpler words, the rice will be loaded with nutrients.
It goes well with poultry and fish and takes less than half an hour to be prepared. Dill rice is a perfect choice for people who want to make rice or an entire dinner ahead.
Making Dill Rice At Home
To prepare the dill rice, you can use basmati rice as they are fluffier and have a light texture, or you can use Jasmine rice.
If you should use Basmati rice, note that basmati rice is not sticky, even if you wash them. In addition, the recipe is pretty simple and straight forward. It is also a great option for people who want something quick.
You can use dried or fresh dill to prepare the rice, but it’s recommended that you use a dried drill because it has a more concentrated flavor and lasts longer.
Why You’ll Love This Dill Rice
- Quick and easy — ready in about 25 minutes
- Perfectly fluffy texture every time
- Made with simple pantry ingredients
- Vegan, gluten-free, and budget-friendly
- Great for meal prep or make-ahead dinners
- Versatile — serve with seafood, poultry, or grilled meats
This is one of those recipes I return to whenever I want a side dish that feels elevated without extra effort.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- One bunch of fresh dill but trim and chop it or dried dill.
- White rice but make sure you rinse them out until the water runs clear.
- Olive oil and water for cooking
- Chopped Garlic
- Sweet Peas
- Kosher salt and ground pepper
I personally love using basmati rice because it stays light and separate, even after rinsing. Frozen peas add a pop of sweetness and beautiful color.
Instructions
These ingredients are readily available, and if you use the same measurements, you will have dill rice enough for six people. Now, let’s check out the step-by-step instructions;
- In medium size pot, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook for about 1 minute or until fragrant.
- Add the dry dill and cook for about 45 second; stirring frequently.
- Add the rice, stir and cook for an additional 45 seconds; stirring constant to avoid burning.
- Add the rice, stir well to combine.
- Add the water and season with salt and pepper. Cover and cook for 14 minutes. Adjust the heat as needed.
- Reduce the heat after 14 minutes, add the peas. Fluff with fork, cover and cook for an additional 2 minutes. Serve warm and enjoy!
Additional Tips To Prepare Dill Rice
It’s better that prepare the dill ahead (preferably one day ahead) and store it in a lined container.
Wash the rice before you cook them to remove starch, which not only delivers a fresh flavor but prevents clumping as well.
Make sure you wrap the pot’s lid with a kitchen towel to make sure the condensation doesn’t make the rice mushy (wrapping the lid is actually a Persian technique).
Dill rice is one of the most delicious varieties of rice and it’s suitable for people following the vegan, gluten-free, and soy-free lifestyle.
In addition, the rice is incredibly easy to digest and actually improves digestive health. You can use brown rice as well – brown rice might take longer to cook (over forty-five minutes).
Chef’s Notes
- Wash the rice before cooking it to remove the starch. Washing rice helps to prevent clumps and provides a fresh taste.
- The rice will expand in size. Be sure to use a pot that’s big enough to accommodate the size.
- If using frozen peas as it is already cooked, thaw the peas in cool or Luke-warm water. Add the peas at the end once the rice is cooked and the water has evaporated. Stir and serve immediately. Adding the peas at the end help keep the peas to look green longer.
- Persian rice recipes require you to use a kitchen towel to wrap the lid. You can also use a Dutch oven to make this rice and find the result to be the same and the lid is pretty tight. However, if you feel it is necessary to use the wrapped lid method, please do so. The choice is completely yours as the results are the same!
What To Serve With Dill Rice?
This rice serves well with this easy baked lamb, this air fryer duck, this air fryer lamb chops, this scallop provencal, this air fried porgy fish, and this bouillabaisse.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Yes! Fresh dill works wonderfully. Use one large bunch and add it early so the flavor infuses the rice.
No soaking is required, but rinsing is highly recommended to improve texture.
Yes. Refrigerate cooled rice in portions and reheat with a splash of water.
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Dill Rice Recipe
Equipment
- Medium Cooking Pot
Ingredients
- 2 cups Basmati Rice; Or Jasmine Rice. Rinsed until water runs clear.
- 1 cup dried dill
- 2 garlic cloves; chopped
- 4 cups water
- 1 cup sweet peas frozen or canned
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 ½ teaspoon salt; Or to taste
- ½ teaspoon ground pepper; or to taste
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a medium pot over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook until fragrant. Stir in the dill and cook briefly to release the flavor for about 45 seconds; stirring constantly to avoid burning. Add the rinsed rice and toast lightly for 2 minutes. Stir often.
- Pour in water and season with salt and pepper. Cover and cook for about 14 minutes.After 14 minutes, reduce the heat to low and remove the lid, and add the peas. Add the peas, fluff the rice. Serve warm and enjoy!The key is allowing the rice to steam gently at the end — this creates that signature fluffy texture.
Notes
Tips For Perfect Dill Rice
- Rinse the rice until the water runs clear to remove excess starch and prevent clumping.
- Use a pot with a tight-fitting lid to help trap steam.
- Add peas at the end so they stay bright green.
- You can wrap the pot lid with a kitchen towel to absorb condensation — a traditional Persian technique that helps keep rice from becoming soggy.
- Brown rice can be used but will require a longer cooking time.
Natalie says
Rice is my kids favorite side dish. I have never prepared it this way, and I loved it. Thanks!
Anjali says
The dill and garlic made this rice so flavorful! It was the perfect side dish for our family dinner tonight!
Mahy says
OH wow, this rice is fantastic! I could make it with so many other dishes. Just love it!
kushigalu says
What a flavorful rice recipe. I love the flavor of dill, and I am making this tonight.
MacKenzie says
Love this recipe. My kids even liked it! The combination of dill and rice is perfect.
Greatfon says
I m making this tonight, but all I have is basmati rice. Will that work? Do I still rinse and soak it?
Mirlene says
Yes, you can use basmati rice. No, you do not need to soak the rice, but I would recommend rinsing it first.
Veronica says
Hi! How much fresh dill would you use?
Thank you!
Mirlene says
Hi Veronica,
I would use one large bunch of fresh dill. No more than 2 bunches as the taste of fresh dill is a lot more vivid once cooked.
Kari Heron says
I LOVE the new look of your site and the photo of this dill rice is so beautiful! I used to love going to Persian restaurants when I lived in the Middle East for 7 years. Last year, I found a nice Persian spot in Plano Texas on an extended trip and it took me back to living in Dubai. This looks like a great recipe.
Mirlene says
Thank you, Kari! 🙂
Maman de sara says
I like this Persian dill rice recipe. I will make it and call it green rice so that my kids will eat it. Thanks for sharing.
Mirlene says
hahaha, Green rice! Love it.Whatever works to get the kiddos to eat. 🙂
Lathiya says
I love such easy rice recipes for quick lunch or kids lunch box. This dill rice looks so delicious and rice is perfectly cooked
April says
I would enjoy this dill rice like noone else! I love having rice on the side and I enjoy it as a stand-along, too. And that dill must be giving the dish so much special flavor – with just a few ingredients involved – amazing!
Mirlene says
Thank you!
Jori says
I love rice in all its forms, but my husband only likes it when it has stuff on it. This looks so flavourful and interesting, I’m sure my family will love it.
Mirlene says
Thank you!
Anne Lawton says
mmm! I love the taste of dill and this rice sounds delicious! Can fresh dill be used in this recipe?
Mirlene says
Yes, it can. it will actually enhance the flavor even more.
Jacqueline Debono says
This dill rice looks really good. I love dill with salmon so I think this rice would be a perfect side dish for a nice grilled salmon!
Mirlene says
Thank you 🙂
Hope says
This looks like a tasty and different way to enjoy white rice – love how simple it is too!
Chihyu says
That looks so delicious! Totally love it!
Celeste says
I love the flavor of basmati rice and this recipe takes it to a whole new level. I will be trying this recipe very soon. My family is going to love it.
Mirlene says
Glad to hear!
Megan Stevens says
This recipe is wonderful and surprising to me. I had no idea you could put this much dill in a recipe. It sounds and looks amazing. Thank you!
Mirlene says
Yes; the flavor is bold. The dill has a strong presence in the rice.
Kacie Morgan says
I bet this dill rice would be the perfect companion for some freshly steamed fish. I would opt for cod myself
Mirlene says
YAAASSSS! I agree with you 100 percent!!!!!
Geetanjali Tung says
A simple and flavorful dish. I love dil. The addition of garlic must have added a beautiful aroma to it. Love it. I will definitely going to try this. Thanks for sharing!
Mirlene says
Thank you!
Byron Thomas says
In our home, dill flavour is like butter, meaning that we use it as much as we possibly can. I do find that the flavour of fresh dill is so much better than dried dill and I was wondering if I could use fresh dill instead. If so, when would you suggest I add it into the recipe? Thank you!
Mirlene says
I have made this rice with fresh dill. In my opinion, I definitely would add it in the beginning as instructed. By doing this, it helps to release the flavors faster. Rice cooks fast. It’s best to develop the flavors first, then add the rice last with the exception of the peas.
Zuzana says
O my,
this looks really nice and healthy as well. I love dill. Have to try it.
Danielle Wolter says
basmati rice is literally one of my favorite rices ever. i love the nutty flavor it has! this sounds incredible!!
Mirlene says
I love it too, especially of how light it is.
Stine Mari says
I don’t use dill that much, but this is a breath of fresh air! It looks so easy to make and I would love to use my jar of dill more so this is just perfect.
Mirlene says
Thank you, Mari!
linda spiker says
Wow! Sounds delish! Can’t wait to try it:)
Sophia says
I love dill! I’ve never thought to add it to rice, what an easy and delicious dish! Can’t wait to try!
paleoglutenfreeguy says
Love how easy this is! I could see this going with just about anything.
Mirlene says
Thank you 🙂
Taranjit says
I love rice! But never had it like this before. Definately have to try it out.
Mirlene says
The flavors in this rice are definitely strong.
Erin Carter says
This rice looks delicious!!
Tessa Simpson says
Wow! I have never seen a recipe use so much dry spice, I am so intrigued!!
Renee D Kohley says
I love dill! We grow it every spring and summer here! I can’t wait to try this!
Mirlene says
That’s wonderful you get to grow it. I have never had any luck.
Jean says
Yum! The color looks amazing and sound so flavorful!
Mirlene says
Thank you!
Amanda says
With the dill and peas, I love how fresh-tasting this rice is! I’m definitely making this all spring long. It’s the perfect side for grilling on the patio.
Kelly Anthony says
I didn’t know dill was filled with so many nutrients. This dill rice looks like the perfect side dish to serve with any protein.
Mirlene says
Yes. Than you.
Dee says
I LOVE LOVE LOVE THIS !!!!! My grandmother used to make this dish all the time and I tried many many times with no luck!!!! thank you so much for sharing!!!! can’t wait to try this!!!!!!!
Mirlene says
Awww you are very welcome, Dee. It is very easy to make. I hope you find my instructions simple enough. Enjoy and happy cooking 🙂
Joni Gomes says
Love this recipe! Rice and peas go so well together and then adding dill is such a great combo!
Mirlene says
Than you, Joni 🙂
Gloria says
How have I not tried dill with rice before? The Ukrainian in me really needs to taste this delicious combination. What a great side for chicken, fish or beef.
Mirlene says
haha – I say you let the Ukrainian in you take over and try this delicious combination 🙂 Happy eating!
Lesli Schwartz says
I wasn’t much of a dill fan until I lived overseas in Sweden for a few years. They put dill in EVERYTHING! I’m sure I would love this dill rice recipe, it looks incredibly easy and delicious!
STACEY CRAWFORD says
I love Persian food especially their rice! This looks wonderful! I would even crack a raw egg over it and mix it in the way my Persian friends do it and sprinkle with a dash of Sumac!
Mirlene says
ahhh! Good Idea! Thank you.
Raia Todd says
Sounds yummy! I love new ways to use dill!