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If you are looking for a side dish with a citrus vibe and a hint of brightness, this dill rice is a delicious choice. Dill is a herb with a lot of flavor; however, not many people think to pair it with rice, and when they do, they are often surprised by the tangy taste.

Dill rice is popular in countries such as Greece, Türkiye, and parts of the Levant; its most expressive form is found in the heart of Persian cuisine, also known as Shevid Polo. Dill is often associated with symbols of rebirth and lushness in nature, while rice is viewed as a representation of a bountiful year. Dill is a herb that contains both carvone and limonene; the latter adds a bright, citrusy note, complemented by the herb’s deep, earthy undertones. When dill is combined with cooked fresh rice, it infuses into the starch molecules, which may result in a fresher taste compared to rice cooked with woodier herbs such as rosemary and thyme.
Fresh Dill Herb, White Rice, Onions, Garlic, Ginger, and Salt.
White rice forms the base of this dish; you can use any long-grain type of rice, such as long white grain rice or basmati rice. Fresh dill herbs add that herbaceous flavor. Onions, garlic, and Ginger are caramelized to offer crunch, and a sprinkle of salt adds seasoning.
Cook the white rice in a rice cooker or on the stovetop. If cooking in a pot, wash the uncooked rice under running water until the water runs clear. Combine the rice and water in the pot using a 1:1.5 ratio (for every cup of rice, add 1.5 cups of water). After the rice is cooked, let it rest for five to ten minutes.

Peel and slice the onion. Chop the ginger and garlic, and wash the dill under cold running water. Add cooking oil to a frying pan, then add the onions and ginger. Sauté for 3 to 5 minutes on medium-high heat. Thereafter, add the cooked rice and sauté for 3 minutes. Add the dill herb and mix for another minute or two. Turn off the heat and serve with your main meal.
Allow the rice to reach room temperature. This should take less than 20 minutes on the countertop; thereafter, place in a glass airtight container, or, if it is the pot, store in the fridge for 2 days.
You can serve this dish with a poached salmon or grilled white fish. Nowadays, many foodies enjoy Mediterranean rice bowls and consider adding roasted chickpeas, feta cheese, and a sprinkle of balsamic vinegar on top of the dill rice for a bit of tanginess.
