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Coriander Rice

Published: | LAST UPDATED ON: Jun 21, 2026 by Lubna Karim

This Coriander Rice is a simple yet flavorful South Indian rice dish made with fresh coriander leaves, vegetables, and aromatic spices. Known as కొత్తిమీర రైస్ in Telugu, it is a delicious way to transform plain rice into a wholesome and satisfying meal. Perfect for lunch boxes or quick weeknight dinners, this fragrant rice recipe is easy to make and packed with fresh flavors.

South Indian Rice Recipe

About This Recipe

Coriander, cilantro, dhania, kothimbir, kothimir, kothambari, kothamalli, and malli are just some of the many names for this wonderfully aromatic herb. No matter what you call it, fresh coriander leaves can instantly brighten any dish with their unique flavor and fragrance.

If you often find yourself staring at leftover rice and wondering what to cook for lunch, this Coriander Rice recipe is the perfect solution. It is simple, flavorful, and comes together with everyday pantry ingredients. The fresh coriander paste adds a vibrant green color and a delicious herbal taste that makes this rice stand out from ordinary rice dishes.

I first came across coriander rice years ago and have been making it ever since. Over time, I made a few small changes to suit my family’s taste preferences. I added mixed vegetables for extra texture and nutrition and balanced the spice levels to create a meal that everyone enjoys. The result is a wholesome rice dish that works beautifully for lunch boxes, quick dinners, or even weekend meals.

Southern Spice by Chandra Padmanabhan

Inspired by Southern Spice

I first came across this recipe in the wonderful cookbook Southern Spice by Chandra Padmanabhan. It is one of my favorite cookbooks and a treasure trove of delicious South Indian vegetarian recipes.

With its drool-worthy photographs, easy-to-understand glossary, and well-explained recipes, this book has earned a special place on my cookbook shelf. Every recipe I have tried from it has turned out beautifully, and this Coriander Rice is no exception.

As with most recipes I cook regularly, I made a few small changes to suit my family’s palate by adding mixed vegetables and adjusting the spice levels. The result was a fragrant, flavorful, and wholesome rice dish that quickly became a family favorite.

If you enjoy South Indian cooking or want to explore authentic vegetarian recipes, I highly recommend Southern Spice. This Coriander Rice is absolutely delicious, easy to prepare, and definitely worth trying.

Coriander Rice

Why You’ll Love This Coriander Rice Recipe

  • Easy to prepare with simple ingredients.
  • Great way to use leftover cooked rice.
  • Packed with fresh coriander flavor.
  • Perfect for lunch boxes and travel meals.
  • Includes vegetables for a wholesome meal.

What is Coriander Rice?

Coriander Rice is a flavorful South Indian rice recipe made by mixing cooked rice with a fresh coriander paste and aromatic tempering. The dish gets its signature taste from fresh coriander leaves, green chilies, curry leaves, and spices.

Different regions prepare this dish differently. Some keep it simple with just coriander leaves and rice, while others add vegetables, coconut, or peanuts. This version includes mixed vegetables and fried cashews, making it both nutritious and delicious.

Cilantro Rice

Ingredients You’ll Need

  • Rice – I used regular white rice (sona masoori) for this Coriander Rice recipe. You can also use basmati rice for a more aromatic version. Leftover rice works perfectly, making this an excellent recipe for using up extra cooked rice.
  • Coriander Leaves (Cilantro) – Fresh coriander leaves are the star ingredient of this dish. They add a vibrant green color and a refreshing flavor. Use fresh, tender leaves for the best results and discard any yellow or wilted leaves.
  • Mixed Vegetables – I used a combination of potatoes, green peas, and carrots. These vegetables add texture, color, and nutrition to the rice. Feel free to use sweet corn, beans, or your favorite vegetables.
  • Onion – Onions add sweetness and depth of flavor to the coriander paste. They also help create a smooth and flavorful base for the rice.
  • Green Chilies – Green chilies provide heat and balance the freshness of the coriander leaves. Adjust the quantity according to your spice preference.
  • Cashew Nuts – Ghee-fried cashew nuts add a delicious crunch and a rich, nutty flavor. You can substitute them with roasted peanuts if desired.
  • Mustard Seeds – Mustard seeds are an essential part of South Indian tempering. They add a subtle pungent flavor and aroma to the dish.
  • Cumin Seeds (Jeera)– Cumin seeds bring warmth and an earthy flavor that complements the fresh coriander beautifully.
  • Urad Dal and Chana Dal – These lentils add texture and a delightful crunch to the tempering. They are commonly used in South Indian rice recipes for added flavor.
  • Curry Leaves – Fresh curry leaves infuse the rice with their distinctive aroma and authentic South Indian flavor. Do not skip them if possible.
  • Dry Red Chili – A single dry red chili adds a mild smoky flavor to the tempering and enhances the overall taste of the dish.

Serving Suggestions

This Coriander Rice tastes delicious on its own, but you can also serve it with:

You can even serve this with spicy chicken or mutton or paneer gravy based recipes.

For a full Veg Meal, serve this Coriander Rice with Paneer Matar Masala or Achari Paneer or Kadai Paneer.

For Non-Veg Meal, serve Coriander Rice with Butter Chicken, Shahi Mughlai Chicken Korma, Achari Chicken, Shahi Dum Ka Murgh, Murgh Musallam

Kothamalli Sadam

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Coriander Rice with leftover rice?

Yes. Leftover rice works perfectly for this recipe. Make sure the rice is not overly soft.

What is the best side dish for Coriander Rice?

Raita, plain yogurt, papad, vegetable kurma, or potato fry pair beautifully with this rice.

Can I make this recipe without vegetables?

Absolutely. You can skip the vegetables and make a simple coriander rice using only the flavored coriander mixture and rice.

Coriander Rice Recipe – Quick Rice Dish for Busy Days

This Coriander Rice is proof that simple ingredients can create something truly special. The fresh coriander leaves, aromatic tempering, and colorful vegetables come together to make a meal that is both comforting and satisfying. It is quick enough for busy weekdays and flavorful enough to serve to guests.

Whether you call it coriander, cilantro, dhania, kothimbir, kothamalli, or malli, this humble herb transforms ordinary rice into a vibrant and delicious dish. Give this recipe a try and enjoy a bowl of fragrant homemade Coriander Rice with your favorite accompaniments.

More Rice Recipes You May Like

If you enjoyed this flavorful Coriander Rice, here are a few more rice recipes from my kitchen that are perfect for everyday meals and lunch boxes:

Yield: 4

Coriander Rice Recipe

Cilantro Rice
No Ratings

South Indian Style Simple Coriander Rice is fragrant and delicious. Made with coriander leaves and mixed vegetables, this rice recipe is perfect one pot meal and lunch box recipe too.

Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes

Ingredients

  • 2 cups Rice
  • 1 cup diced mixed Vegetables (I used Potatoes, Green Peas and Carrots)
  • 4-5 Green Chilies, deseeded
  • 1 Onion, peeled and chopped
  • 1 cup Coriander leaves, stemmed and chopped
  • 6-9 Cashew nuts, fried in ghee
  • Salt to taste

TEMPERING | TADKA | POPPU:

  • ½ tbsp. Mustard seeds
  • 1 tbsp. Cumin seeds | Jeera
  • 1 tbsp. Urad dal
  • ½ tbsp. Chana dal | split Chickpeas
  • 9-10 fresh Curry leaves
  • 1 dry Red chili
  • 2 tbsp. Oil

Instructions

How To Make Coriander Rice | కొత్తిమీర రైస్

  1. Cook rice and spread it on a plate to cool. Pressure cook diced mixed vegetables for one whistle and drain the water. Set the veggies aside. Pressure cooking vegetables is convenient and gives you extra time for grinding the masala.

  2. Make a smooth paste of coriander leaves, green chilies and onion. Set aside.

  3. Now in a heavy bottom cooking vessel add oil, to this add all the ingredients one by one listed under 'tempering'.

  4. When the curry leaves start to change color add above paste along with salt and sauté till the raw smell disappears.

  5. Now add boiled vegetables and mix well. Cook for 1 minute and add boiled rice. Mix gently until the rice is evenly coated with the coriander mixture.

  6. Garnish with coriander leaves and fried cashew nuts and serve hot.

  7. Add your 'love' to make this coriander rice taste 'YUMMY'.

    NOTE: I added flower shaped Carrot Pieces for garnish.

Notes

Expert Tips for the Best Coriander Rice

  • Use Fresh Coriander Leaves - Fresh, vibrant coriander leaves provide the best flavor and color. Avoid wilted leaves.
  • Cool the Rice Completely - Warm rice tends to break when mixed. Cooling the rice helps keep the grains separate.
  • Do Not Overcook the Paste - Cook the coriander paste only until the raw smell disappears. Overcooking may dull its fresh flavor.
  • Adjust Spice Levels - Reduce the number of green chilies for a milder version or increase them if you enjoy spicy food.
  • Add Nuts for Crunch - Cashews add a wonderful texture contrast. You can also use peanuts if preferred.

Variations

  • Coconut Coriander Rice - Add a few tablespoons of fresh grated coconut to the coriander paste.
  • Peanut Coriander Rice - Replace cashews with roasted peanuts for extra crunch.
  • Lemon Coriander Rice - Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice before serving.
  • Vegan Version - Skip the ghee-fried cashews and use oil instead.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

4

Serving Size:

1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 436Total Fat: 14gSaturated Fat: 3gUnsaturated Fat: 11gCholesterol: 25mgSodium: 654mgCarbohydrates: 61gFiber: 8gSugar: 6gProtein: 19g

The nutritional information provided is approximate and is calculated using online tools. Information can vary depending on various factors, but we have endeavoured to be as accurate as possible.

Did you like this recipe?

Please leave a star ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating and/or a review in the comments section below. Tag @lubnakarim06 on Instagram or use hashtag #yummyfoodlubna to tag

© Lubna Karim
Cuisine: American, Indian / Category: One Pot Meal Recipes

Comments

  2. rekhas kitchen says

    wow looks so so so delicious lubna and congrats on your book winning that bowl is so inviting yummmmmmm

    Reply

  4. A_and_N says

    Hey congrats! thats a really nice book. And the coriander rice is simple and I like those carrot flowers in the pic 😉

    Reply

  5. Valarmathi says

    Really a very good cookery book. Congrats on winning it. Coriander rice looks wonderful. Great clicks.

    Reply

  6. Ramya Vijaykumar says

    Congrats on winning Lubna… Rice looks so great and I now know that the book is definitely handy…

    Reply

  7. Happy cook says

    Good that you won the book, now we can see the delicious creationf.Looks yummy and beautiful.

    Reply

  9. myspicykitchen says

    looks delicious…. never made coriander rice, however I do use coriander a lot in my cooking…

    Reply

  12. Khaugiri says

    Congrats for winning the book Lubna!!!!! Rice is looking tempting, I will try it tommorrow b’cause lots of coriander is there in my fridge right now 🙂

    Reply

  16. Mahimaa's kitchen says

    congrats on winning the book lubna. coriander rice looks very inviting and delicious. nice decoration. i have also tried this recipe from nags and came out great.

    Reply

  17. Priya says

    Thats a delicious rice, like the carrot flowers in the pic, looks gorgeous..congrats on your book Lubna!

    Reply

  18. Suparna says

    HI Lubna,Congratulations on winning the wonderful recipe book! but we benifit more than u 😉 yummmy recipes and awsome snaps to look forward to :)Coriander rice looks delish!TC

    Reply

  22. Lavanya says

    Wow really mouth watering Lubbu !!Congratulations to all the winners !Your pics are very good!!LavMysore

    Reply

  25. Asha says

    Congrats. I love that book and her other book is very good as well. rice looks delicious! 🙂

    Reply

  29. Sanghi says

    Mmmmm yummy clicks..! I’m on the way to your home, keep some for me dear..!:) Do check my blog for FIL season 2 details..!

    Reply

  30. Jenn@slim-shoppin says

    Wow, that rice dish looks so great!Your carrots look so pretty :0)And, I would never think to put cashews in with the rice. I would totally love this!!Thanks for sharing!

    Reply

  32. Nags says

    awesome! beautiful pics and great choice of recipe. I have posted the same in my blog too 🙂 Glad you liked the book!

    Reply

  33. Le @HC says

    lovely pics and tempting rice…Nice entry for JFI cilantro. Congrats for winning that book.. Good one.., isnt it..

    Reply

  37. Sushma says

    congrats for the cookbook.coriander rice looks soo delicious & absoultely loved the snaps

    Reply

  39. Akal's Saappadu says

    congratulations for the contest and also for the lovely clicks;
    looks so appetizing and I can smell the nice greeny coriander from here 🙂

    love kothamalli in any ways 🙂 nice recipe .

    Reply

  40. nath says

    new recipe for me… it’s look delicious.. visit me back if you don’t mind,I have foody blog too..see ya!

    Reply

  43. MamaFaMi says

    Congratulations dear Lubna on winning the book. I guess there’ll be many more recipes to come from that book huh? But that rice of yours does look tasty.. Gosh Lubna, you’re making me hungry in the middle of the night! Oh me oh my!

    Reply

  48. rahin says

    Hey Lubna , Congratulations on tht cookbook ! Coriander rice looks so authentic n delicious

    Reply

  49. Kitchen Flavours says

    Thank you MyspciyKitchen, Sharmilee, Sara, Khaugiri, Pooja, Gita, Srikar, Mahimaa, Priya, Suparna, Ashwini, Pooja, Priyameena, Lavanya, Pavithra, Lavanya, Asha, Ashwini, Cham, VG, Sanghi, Jen, Yasmeen, Nags, LE, Vibaas, Prathibha, Maya, Sushma, Priyanka, Akal, Nath, Homecooked, Purva, Mamafami, EC, Deepa, Madhumathi, Deesha and Rahin.

    Reply

  50. Malar Gandhi says

    Congrats on winning the cookbook. Rice looks very inviting, bet it was aromatic too. Awesome clicks.

    Reply

  52. veena says

    Lubna ..i am here after a long time ….delicious coriander rice ..never made this rice ..will try it soon

    Reply

  55. farida says

    This looks so good! I love coriander a lot and always welcome new dishes to use it.Great recipe!

    Reply

  58. Food Fanatic says

    looks super duper awesome…no matter wht direction or angle u took pic in, it turned out gr8! love the garnishing too.congrats on winning the book!

    Reply

  60. meeso says

    Oh, my bf just bought me this cookbook… This rice looks so tasty 🙂 Glad to find a link here!

    Reply

  61. Kitchen Flavours says

    Meeso – Oh wow really an intresting book….Try out recipes from it….You will like them…Thank you for the comment.

    Reply

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