Dill Rice Recipe – Delicious, bold Persian rice dish that’s made with just a few ingredients. 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.
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.
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 prepared by leveraging a Persian technique where the rice is boiled for several minutes at high heat and wrap the pot’s lid in the kitchen towel – it’s a great way of catching the condensation and the rice is steamed at low heat.
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.
Ingredients
- 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
To make this dish you’ll need rice; I used Basmati rice as I find it to be lighter and fluffier, and not as sticky as most rice even after washing it.
Garlic cloves, dill, water, sweet peas (frozen or canned); I used the frozen because of its bright green color and I find it to be sweeter than the canned peas. Olive oil, salt
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.
It warms our hearts to see the recipes you make from this site, and we’d especially would love to know if you tried this recipe.
Tag us on Instagram or Facebook so we can see your beautiful dish.
Also, we would appreciate if could give it a star rating below.
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
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the oil on medium heat. Add the garlic and cook for about 1 minute or until fragrant. Add the dill and cook for about 45 seconds; stirring constantly to avoid burning. Add the rice, stir and cook for 2 minutes. Stir often.
- Add the water, season with salt and pepper. Cover with the lid and cook for 14 minutes. Adjust the heat as needed.After 14 minutes, reduce the heat to low and remove the lid, and add the peas. Stir; this will also fluff the rice. Cover with the lid and cook for 2 minutes and serve warm. Enjoy!
Notes
- Wash the rice before cooking it to removes the starch. Washing rice helps to prevent clumps and provides a fresh taste.
- The rice will double in size. Before 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 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 helps keep the peas to look green longer.
- Persian rice recipes require you to use a kitchen towel to wrap the lid. The choice is yours to follow this method. I used 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 necessary to use the wrapped lid method, please do so. The choice is completely yours as the results are the same!
Byron Thomas
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
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
O my,
this looks really nice and healthy as well. I love dill. Have to try it.
Danielle Wolter
basmati rice is literally one of my favorite rices ever. i love the nutty flavor it has! this sounds incredible!!
Mirlene
I love it too, especially of how light it is.
Stine Mari
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
Thank you, Mari!
linda spiker
Wow! Sounds delish! Can’t wait to try it:)
Sophia
I love dill! I’ve never thought to add it to rice, what an easy and delicious dish! Can’t wait to try!
paleoglutenfreeguy
Love how easy this is! I could see this going with just about anything.
Mirlene
Thank you 🙂
Taranjit
I love rice! But never had it like this before. Definately have to try it out.
Mirlene
The flavors in this rice are definitely strong.
Erin Carter
This rice looks delicious!!
Tessa Simpson
Wow! I have never seen a recipe use so much dry spice, I am so intrigued!!
Renee D Kohley
I love dill! We grow it every spring and summer here! I can’t wait to try this!
Mirlene
That’s wonderful you get to grow it. I have never had any luck.
Jean
Yum! The color looks amazing and sound so flavorful!
Mirlene
Thank you!
Amanda
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
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
Yes. Than you.
Dee
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
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
Love this recipe! Rice and peas go so well together and then adding dill is such a great combo!
Mirlene
Than you, Joni 🙂
Gloria
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
haha – I say you let the Ukrainian in you take over and try this delicious combination 🙂 Happy eating!
Lesli Schwartz
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
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
ahhh! Good Idea! Thank you.
Raia Todd
Sounds yummy! I love new ways to use dill!