Persian Dill Rice Recipe
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If you love Persian cuisine, you’ll adore this Persian Dill Rice recipe. It’s an effortless way to bring the authentic flavors of Persian cooking to your table. With just a few ingredients, you can make this herb-infused rice in your rice cooker, perfect for pairing with kebabs or grilled meats.
Why You’ll Love Persian Dill Rice
- Bursting with fresh flavor: The combination of dill and rice brings a refreshing, herb-infused flavor that pairs beautifully with many main dishes. Whether you use fresh or dried dill, the taste is always aromatic and delicious.
- Easy to prepare: With the help of a rice cooker, this dish is a breeze to make. Simply add the ingredients and let the cooker do the work! Even on the stovetop, the instructions are straightforward and simple, making it accessible for any skill level.
- Versatile side dish: Persian Dill Rice complements a variety of cuisines, from Persian kebabs to grilled meats and Mediterranean dishes. It’s a great way to add something unique and flavorful to your meal plan.
- Uses pantry staples: This recipe requires just a few basic ingredients like rice, dill, oil, and seasonings—most of which you may already have on hand. You can even use dried dill, which stores easily and lasts a long time.
- Perfect texture: The rice is light and fluffy, with each grain perfectly cooked thanks to the rice cooker method. Fluffing it with a fork at the end ensures that it’s not clumpy, making it visually appealing and delicious.
I’ve tried Persian dill rice for the first time at Reza’s restaurant in Chicago. Persian dill rice is a very tasty rice with the dill herb added to it. Making your own dill rice is very easy. If you are a fan of Reza’s dill rice, make you own version by following this easy Persian dill rice recipe.
You can make this Persian dill rice recipe in either a regular pot or rice cooker. I’m really lazy, so I always use the rice cooker to make white rice :) My recipe instructions below are for the rice cooker, but if you are using the regular stove, just cook the rice and dill in a little oil in the pot, then add water and cook rice according to package directions.
For the dill, you can use either fresh or dry dill. The advantage of the dry dill is that once you get a jar of it, you’ll have it in your pantry and you can make dill rice whenever mood strikes – you won’t have to go to the grocery store to buy dill. You can get a large jar of dried dill really cheap in ethnic Eastern European stores.
Recipe: Persian Dill Rice Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp oil – Helps coat the rice grains and adds a slight richness to the dish.
- 2 tbsp dry dill (or 1/4 cup of fresh dill, very finely chopped) – The key flavor in this recipe. Dried dill is convenient, but fresh dill adds an extra burst of freshness.
- 1 cup white rice – This is the base of the dish, giving it a fluffy and light texture.
- 2 cups water – Essential for cooking the rice and softening the grains.
- 1/4 tsp salt – Simple seasonings to enhance the flavor of the rice and dill.
- 1/8 tsp pepper – Adds a subtle warmth and depth to the rice, balancing the fresh flavor of the dill with a mild, earthy spice.
See the printable recipe card at the bottom of this article.
Kitchen Tools You Need To Make Persian Dill Rice
- Rice Cooker or Pot – This is used to cook the rice to perfection. The rice cooker makes it effortless, while a pot works well for stovetop cooking.
- Measuring Cups – To measure the rice and water accurately, ensuring the right texture.
- Measuring Spoons – For precise measurements of dill, salt, and pepper.
- Fork – Used to fluff the rice once it’s done cooking, so the grains remain light and fluffy.
Instructions How To Make Dill Rice
- Put the oil, rice, dried dill, salt and pepper in a rice cooker bowl. Mix until everything is combined and all rice grains are coated with oil.
- Add water. Set the rice cooker to “White Rice” setting and press the “Start” button.
- When the rice cooker cycle is done, fluff the dill rice with a fork.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair this Persian Dill Rice with grilled meats like chicken kebabs for a full Persian-inspired meal.
- Serve it alongside a fresh cucumber yogurt salad to add a refreshing and creamy contrast.
- You can also use this rice as a side for roasted vegetables, providing a light and fragrant base.
- Garnish with extra fresh dill or a squeeze of lemon for added brightness and color.
- Try it with Mediterranean dishes like stuffed grape leaves or falafel for a tasty and balanced plate.
Tips For Success
- Use fresh dill if possible: While dried dill works well for this recipe, fresh dill adds a burst of vibrant, herbal flavor that really elevates the dish. Just make sure to finely chop it to distribute it evenly through the rice.
- Don’t skip the oil: Coating the rice in oil before cooking ensures that each grain remains separate, giving the dish a fluffy and light texture. This step also helps the dill and seasonings stick to the rice better.
- Adjust the seasoning to taste: The amount of salt and pepper can be adjusted to your liking. Taste the rice once it’s cooked and add a pinch more salt or pepper if needed. This dish is meant to be light and flavorful, but you can tweak the seasoning to suit your preferences.
- Fluff the rice immediately: As soon as your rice cooker finishes, fluff the rice with a fork. This prevents the grains from sticking together and ensures a perfect texture. If cooking on the stovetop, keep an eye on it to avoid overcooking.
- Use the right rice-to-water ratio: For fluffy rice, it’s important to get the water ratio right. Using too much water can make the rice mushy, while too little will leave it undercooked. Follow the measurements in the recipe card for best results.
- Add a squeeze of lemon: For an extra pop of freshness, squeeze some lemon juice over the rice right before serving. It balances the herbaceous flavor of the dill with a touch of brightness.
Variations and Substitutions
- Use Basmati Rice: While this recipe calls for white rice, you can easily substitute it with fragrant basmati rice. Basmati has a longer grain and a slightly nutty flavor, which pairs wonderfully with dill. Just be sure to adjust the water ratio to match the cooking instructions for basmati rice.
- Add Saffron: For a more authentic Persian twist, add a pinch of saffron. Dissolve the saffron in warm water and mix it into the rice before cooking. This adds a lovely golden color and a rich, unique flavor that will enhance the dish.
- Vegetable Broth Instead of Water: For added depth of flavor, swap out water for vegetable broth. This will give the rice a savory boost and make it even more satisfying. If you prefer a non-vegetarian option, chicken broth works just as well.
- Fresh Herbs: While dill is the star of this recipe, you can mix in other fresh herbs like parsley, cilantro, or mint for more herbaceous complexity. A mix of herbs can make the rice even more aromatic and flavorful.
- Brown Rice Option: For a healthier variation, try making this dish with brown rice. Brown rice has more fiber and nutrients than white rice but requires a longer cooking time and more water. Follow the cooking instructions on the package for best results.
- Spice It Up: For those who enjoy a little heat, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes or finely chopped chili peppers to the rice. This adds a spicy kick that contrasts nicely with the fresh dill.
- Vegan Butter: To make the dish even richer, consider using vegan butter instead of oil. This gives the rice a slightly creamy texture and a buttery flavor while keeping it plant-based.
Storage and Reheating
- Storage: To store leftover Persian Dill Rice, let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Place the container in the refrigerator, where the rice will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing: If you’d like to store the rice for a longer period, you can freeze it. Spread the rice out on a baking sheet to cool, then transfer it into a freezer-safe bag or container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to use, thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
- Reheating: To reheat the rice, use the microwave or stovetop. For the microwave, sprinkle a little water over the rice to keep it moist, cover it loosely, and microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until heated through. If reheating on the stovetop, add a splash of water and heat the rice in a covered pan over low heat, stirring occasionally until it’s warmed up.
- Reviving Frozen Rice: When reheating frozen rice, you can place it directly in the microwave or stovetop, adding a bit of water to restore moisture. Be sure to fluff the rice with a fork once heated to bring back the original texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make Persian Dill Rice without a rice cooker?
Yes, you can easily make Persian Dill Rice on the stovetop! To do this, start by heating the oil in a pot over medium heat. Add the rice, dill, salt, and pepper, and stir to coat the grains. Add the water and bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is fully cooked and the water is absorbed. Fluff the rice with a fork and serve.
Can I use fresh dill instead of dried?
Absolutely! Fresh dill adds a burst of flavor to the rice. If you’re using fresh dill, you’ll need about 1/4 cup of finely chopped dill instead of the 2 tablespoons of dried dill. Fresh herbs bring a brighter, more aromatic taste, but dried dill is more convenient and can be stored longer.
How can I add more flavor to this dish?
You can easily enhance the flavor of this dish by using vegetable broth instead of water, adding a pinch of saffron, or squeezing some fresh lemon juice over the rice right before serving. These additions will elevate the dish and add layers of complexity to the flavors.
What can I serve with Persian Dill Rice?
Persian Dill Rice pairs well with a variety of dishes, particularly grilled meats like kebabs or roasted vegetables. It also complements Mediterranean sides like hummus, cucumber yogurt salad, or stuffed grape leaves. You can even serve it alongside seafood like grilled fish or baked salmon for a light, flavorful meal.
How do I prevent the rice from becoming mushy?
To avoid mushy rice, make sure to use the correct water-to-rice ratio (2 cups of water for every 1 cup of rice in this recipe). Also, fluff the rice with a fork as soon as it’s done cooking to separate the grains. If you’re cooking on the stovetop, keep an eye on the pot to ensure the rice doesn’t overcook.
Can I make this recipe with brown rice?
Yes, you can substitute brown rice for white rice, but keep in mind that brown rice requires a longer cooking time and more water. Be sure to follow the cooking instructions on your brown rice package for the best results. The flavor will still be delicious, but the texture will be a bit heartier with brown rice
Other Easy Rice Recipes
Healthy Carrot Rice – Quick and Simple Side Dish: This easy carrot rice recipe is a nutritious and flavorful side dish that adds a touch of sweetness and color to any meal.
Protein-Packed Bone Broth Rice Recipe: Cooking rice in bone broth gives it a rich, savory flavor while adding an extra boost of protein and nutrients.
Delicious Mango Fried Rice Recipe: Sweet mango chunks and savory rice come together in this quick and easy fried rice recipe that’s perfect for a unique and tropical twist on a classic dish.
Easy Fried Brown Rice Recipe: This fried brown rice recipe is a simple, healthy alternative to white rice, packed with veggies and full of flavor.
Instant Pot Brown Jasmine Rice: With the Instant Pot, you can easily cook perfectly fluffy brown jasmine rice in just a few minutes.
Creamy Avocado Rice Recipe: This creamy avocado rice combines the smooth richness of avocado with fluffy rice for a delicious, comforting side dish.
Quick Microwave Rice Krispies Treats Recipe: These microwave Rice Krispies treats are a super quick and easy dessert that you can whip up in minutes with just three ingredients.
Persian Dill Rice Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp oil
- 2 tbsp dried dill or 1/4 cup fresh dill, finely chopped
- 1 cup white rice
- 2 cups water
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/8 tsp pepper
Recommended Kitchen Tools (click the links below to see the items used to make this recipe)
- Rice cooker or pot
- Fork for fluffing the rice
Instructions
- Add oil, rice, dried dill, salt, and pepper to the rice cooker. Stir to coat all the rice grains with oil and mix the seasonings.
- Pour in water, set the rice cooker to the “White Rice” setting, and press start.
- When the rice cooker cycle finishes, fluff the rice with a fork and serve.
Notes
- You can substitute fresh dill for dried if you prefer a more vibrant flavor.
- For stovetop instructions, cook rice and dill with oil in a pot, add water, and cook according to package directions.
Nutrition
Enjoy this yummy dill rice! A great main dish to be served with Persian dill rice is Persian kefta kabob made out of ground meat – check out my beef kefta kabob recipe and chicken kefta kabob recipe. Also, you will like Mediterranean stuffed grape leaves recipe and easy yellow rice recipe.
I love this rice. My husband is Persian and learnt how to cook it. I have many persian recipe on my blogg if you like
Greetings/ Gosia
Thank you for stopping by! I love Persian food!
Melanie
This was delicious, and I love Reza’s, their dill rice is the best! I make mine almost the same, in the rice cooker (the only way to make rice, I think!), I add a half teaspoon of Better Than Bouillon vegetarian “chicken” flavor to the water, and at then end, I squeeze the juice of a quarter lemon on the rice and stir it through.