How To
Everything you need to know about coriander (dhania, cilantro… whatever you call it) this is the best way to enjoy it with rice.
Poor old coriander has become one of the most divisive herbs in the land… truly the Marmite of the plant world. Some love it, some positively hate it. The latter has been known to blame their distaste for the Chinese parsley on genetics, while coriander lovers think their aversion is a load of rubbish, made up by fussy eaters.
Be that fact or fiction, this article is for the coriander fanatics, written expressly for those who long for the herb’s unmistakable sage aroma, its fresh citrusy zest and its peppery finish. And if you’ve stumbled in here by accident, why not check out some of our non-coriander rice recipes, right here? We’ve got something for everyone.
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 taste than those two core ingredients. Learn more about this ingredient in or dedicated coriander guide.
Although it’s tricky to pinpoint which nation decided to serve coriander with rice first, it’s generally understood to have started somewhere between Western Asia and Southern Europe, where coriander grows seasonally. Coriander is now harvested and enjoyed all over the world, from Mediterranean islands like Cyprus to landlocked North African countries like Ethiopia.
Coriander rice can absolutely be a healthy dish, as its base is just rice and herbs. Swap out white rice for brown and add lean protein like chicken and plenty of veggies to take it to the next level. Brown rice offers more fibre and nutrients which can keep you fuller for longer. Coriander rice calories depend on the recipe, but it’s around 294 calories for one cup of 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.
While coriander rice is brimming with flavour on its own, there are near limitless accompaniments that can go with it. Tomato, lime and coconut are all simple ingredients that make a big difference to this humble dish.
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.
Try our quick and delicious 10-minute enchiladas with lime & coriander rice. This easy recipe is perfect for meal prep or family dinners, combining classic Mexican flavours with simple ingredients.
Burritos are delicious, filling and easy! Ideal for busy weeknights or a satisfying homemade meal. Packed with chicken, beans and red pepper, our spicy chicken burrito is perfectly accompanied by coriander rice.
Fakeaway night? Our vegetarian Thai stir fry is brimming with veggies and delicious flavours, straight out of the Tilda Kitchen and accompanied with…? Coriander rice of course!
The bold, savoury flavour profile of Cajun chicken makes it the perfect accompaniment for coriander rice – add a few corn on the cobs to the side and this is an ideal BBQ plate!