GREEN RICE PILAF WITH CORIANDER AND ONIONS

Green rice pilaf with coriander and onions

The stems of coriander have as much flavour as - or more than - the leaves, so be sure to use both in this recipe," says Waters.

INGREDIENTS

• ½ cup each (tightly packed) coriander sprigs, and parsley leaves
• 1 each poblano and serrano peppers (optional; see note), stems, veins and seeds removed, roughly chopped
• 2 tbsp olive or vegetable oil
• 1 cup long-grain brown rice
• ½ onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, chopped
• 500 ml (2 cups) light chicken stock or water

METHOD

Purée herbs and peppers in a blender with ½ cup (125ml) water.

Heat oil in a heavy-based saucepan over medium-high heat, add rice and stir occasionally for 5 minutes. Add onion and garlic, and cook for another 5 minutes; the onions should be softened and the rice lightly toasted. Add herb and pepper purée along with stock, season to taste, bring to the boil, then reduce to a bare simmer. Cover with a lid and cook until all liquid has been absorbed (about 45 minutes). Leave covered for 5 minutes, then gently stir the rice and serve hot.

NOTES

Note Poblano and serrano peppers are available from Monterey Mexican Foods. This recipe is from The Art of Simple Food II ($40, hbk) by Alice Waters, published by Clarkson Potter and reproduced with GT style changes.

Drink Suggestion: Citrusy dry riesling.