Green Rice, also known as Arroz Verde, is a vibrant and flavorful dish that adds a burst of color to any meal. This Mexican-inspired rice gets its brilliant green hue from a blend of fresh herbs like cilantro, parsley, and spinach, which are pureed with garlic and peppers to create a deeply aromatic base. The result is a rice dish that’s not only visually stunning but also packed with earthy, herbal flavors that complement a wide range of main courses. Perfect as a side dish for grilled meats, tacos, or roasted vegetables, Green Rice is a delicious way to bring something special to your table.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup fresh spinach leaves
- ½ cup fresh cilantro leaves
- ½ cup fresh parsley leaves
- 1 jalapeño pepper, seeds removed and roughly chopped
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 small onion, roughly chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- Juice of 1 lime
Instructions:
- Prepare the Herb Mixture: In a blender or food processor, combine the spinach, cilantro, parsley, jalapeño, garlic, and onion. Add ½ cup of the broth and blend until smooth.
- Cook the Rice: In a medium saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the rice and sauté for 2-3 minutes until it begins to turn golden.
- Combine and Simmer: Pour the herb mixture into the saucepan with the rice. Stir to combine and cook for another 2 minutes to let the flavors meld. Add the remaining broth, salt, and lime juice, and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Simmer: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed all the liquid.
- Fluff and Serve: Remove the rice from the heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff the rice with a fork before serving.
Enjoy your Green Rice as a flavorful and colorful side dish that pairs perfectly with a variety of main courses!
