Sabzi Polow (Herb Rice)

I have a secret. For the last few weeks we have been making our rice in a microwave. Sounds gross right? A few years ago I heard that you could steam rice in the microwave but didn't try it until my 20kg bag of basmati rice started to give microwave directions. Guess what? It really does work!

As it is summer and we have tons of fresh herbs growing I'm making Sabzi Polow (Herb Rice) using the microwave to steam the rice.
Sabzi Polow (Herb Rice)
Severs 4
2 cups of basmati rice
2 cups of washed and finely chopped fresh herbs (dill, coriander(cilantro), parsley, Iranian leeks (or spring onion)
salt
olive oil or butter

Bring 1 liter of water to boil in a pot (like you would for pasta). Salt and add the rice. Boil for 8min. The rice will be a bit soft. Drain and mix with chopped herbs in a microwave safe bowl. Cover with plastic wrap. Poke some wholes in the plastic and microwave for 5-8 min. Our microwave is very week so it takes 8min.

One of the best things about making Sabzi Polow or any Iranian rice in the microwave is that you don't have add oil or butter. But if you will like to add a drop of olive oil or a pat of butter feel free to add it at the table. If you have extra herb why not make herb chicken?

Herb Chicken

I haven't been feeling well lately, so meals have been simple (and mostly soup). The other night we had this yummy herb chicken. I used fresh basil, parsley, coriander and tarragon but mint would have been nice as well.
Herb Chicken
1 large Irish free range chicken
2 big handfuls of fresh herbs
1 lemon
2 cloves of garlic
1 tsp oil
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
1/2 tsp hot pepper
Slice the lemon and place under the skin. Blend herbs and spices together. Stuff inside and outside of the chicken with the herb (don't forget under the skin). Bake for 2 hours under foil at 200c about 400f or until the juice runs clear. Add potatoes for the last hour.
This a great meal to make if you have a frig (or garden) full of fresh herbs that need to be eaten.