Coriander Chicken Rice Pesto

Coriander or Cilantro? That depends of where we are. So, these similar plantas have something in common and it is that they're colorful tasty. In South America we know this plant like Cilantro. I mean, take a look at the Peruvian Ceviche and we will find the Cilantro like an essential ingredient. Here in Argentina, thru my experience, most of the people doesn't approve this strong ingredient. Hardly we could find some strange persons who actually do. And when I find them, I get surprised. Just this idea makes this a funny situation. It is like when I am in Europe and I discover that someone is from South America cause of the terrible accent.

Nevertheless, in UK, for example, does not exist the word Cilantro. Wow! How is this possible. Does Internet not make us globally? Anyway, not far away from us, in US they know this plant like Coriander. In some countries, Coriander is the name to describe the seeds. And Cilantro is the name for the leaves and stalks. In India, all of this doesn't exists. They call this plant Dhania, just to further confuse the issue :)

However, Coriander or Cilantro here in Buenos Aires, let us cook and give a beautiful flavor and intense fragrance, not suitable for all. In Perú, spicy food is everywhere. It´s typical. We are the motherf***in´mexicans from South America. It´s the basic nourishment.

We have the AJÍ, a red hot chili pepper that blows up our minds. If someone is tired or have some hangover, should try one of these chilies and figure it out wtf happens. What about me? Well, I'm an atypical peruvian who doesn't like too much this chili. When I eat a ceviche I prefer it just with a little bit of this pepper, but not too much. That´s why food will always be subjective.

For me, Coriander has changed my way of cook. The true is that each ingredient has its own cuisine technique, but also we could combine different techniques with different ingredients. That´s why, suddenly I discovered that I could prepare a Coriander Pesto and this sauce allowed me to prepare this colorful rice with this kind of aroma. So, this plant has the color, the taste and the aroma all together in one simple leave. This dish is still not for everybody, but it is for those who enjoy intense sensations thru each bite.



INGREDIENTS

Coriander 200g
Capsicum x1
Garlic x1
Chicken 300g
Rice 250g