Cilantro and Dill Rice with Green Peas

This green rice has amazing flavor with cilantro and dill. The great thing is that the rice is cooked in the green sauce.

I blended a mixture of cilantro, dill, green onions and garlic. I then sauteed the sauce in oil and cumin seeds. This mixture smells amazing and can be used as a basic sauce for cooking all sorts of things- including shrimp, chicken or any kind of vegetables.

I then added some basmati rice, water or chicken broth and cooked the rice as I normally would. Right before the rice is done, I add a cup of frozen peas. I let the rice sit with the lid on and the peas cook in the steam.

This rice is delicious as a side dish with anything or even as light meal.

I love making it with some lentils on the side and I have a perfectly balanced dinner.

Try this rice next time you are looking for a side dish or a snack…

• 1 cup fresh cilantro, roughly chopped
• ½ cup fresh dill, roughly chopped
• 3 green onions, roughly chopped
• 3 garlic cloves
• ¼ water to move the blender along

Place the cilantro, dill, green onions, garlic and water in a blender and blend till smooth. Keep aside.

• 2 tablespoons extra light olive oil
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1 cup basmati rice
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 cup frozen peas

Add the oil into a wide and shallow saucepan. Add the cumin seeds and cook for 30 seconds on high heat. Add the green mixture and sauté on medium high heat for 3 to 4 minutes. Add the rice and sauté for a minute. Add the broth and salt. Bring to a boil and place lid half way across the pan. Once the broth begins to evaporate and bubbles begin to form on the surface, lower the heat and cover all the way. Cook for ten minutes and add the frozen peas on top. Place the cover back on and cook for another ten minutes. Serve hot with lentils or yogurt.