Amazing Green Rice Recipe

Introduction

Discover the vibrant flavors of Amazing Green Rice, a lively and fresh twist on classic white rice. Infused with cilantro, spinach, and a hint of heat from serrano pepper, this rice dish pairs beautifully with a variety of meals and adds a burst of color to your plate.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups long-grain white rice
• 1 bunch cilantro (about 1 cup packed)
• 3-4 cups fresh spinach
• 1 shallot, peeled and roughly chopped
• 1 serrano pepper, ribs and seeds removed, roughly chopped (substitute with jalapeño pepper if desired)
• 1-2 cloves garlic
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (or 1 teaspoon salt if using water instead of broth)
• 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth, or water (up to 2 1/2 cups for stickier rice)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Thoroughly rinse the rice in a mesh colander. Shake it a few times to remove excess water, or blot it dry with paper towels. This helps prevent splattering when you add the rice to the skillet.
2. Step 2: In a food processor, pulse the cilantro, spinach, shallot, serrano pepper, and garlic until finely chopped into a green herb mixture.
3. Step 3: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the rice and sauté for 3-5 minutes until lightly toasted.
4. Step 4: Add the green herb mixture and salt to the skillet. Sauté together for another 3-5 minutes until fragrant.
5. Step 5: Pour in the broth or water and bring it to a simmer. Cover the skillet and reduce the heat to low. Cook for about 15 minutes, or until the rice is tender.
6. Step 6: Fluff the rice with a fork to combine the greens evenly. If the rice needs more cooking, add a little more water and continue cooking until done to your liking.
7. Step 7: Serve your green rice warm alongside chicken skewers, salmon, tacos, beans, or creamy corn for a complete meal.

Tips & Variations

• For a milder flavor, remove all seeds from the serrano pepper or substitute with a mild jalapeño.
• Add a squeeze of fresh lime juice after cooking for a bright finish.
• For a vegan version, use vegetable broth or water instead of chicken broth.
• Try stirring in some toasted pine nuts or pumpkin seeds for extra texture and flavor.

Storage

Store leftover green rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, sprinkle a little water over the rice and microwave or warm it gently on the stovetop, covered, until heated through.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this rice ahead of time?

Yes, this green rice can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Reheat it gently to preserve the fresh flavors and texture.

What can I substitute if I don’t have cilantro?

You can use fresh parsley or a combination of parsley and basil to keep the herbal freshness if cilantro is not available or you prefer a different flavor.

Amazing Green Rice Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 137 reviews

• Author: Aiden
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Amazing Green Rice is a vibrant and flavorful side dish featuring long-grain white rice cooked with a fresh blend of cilantro, spinach, shallot, serrano pepper, and garlic. The rice is toasted in olive oil before being simmered in broth or water, resulting in a fragrant, colorful, and perfectly cooked dish that pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, tacos, or vegetarian meals.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Rice Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups long-grain white rice
• 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth, or water (up to 2 1/2 cups for stickier rice)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (1 teaspoon salt if using water)

Green Herb Mixture

• 1 bunch cilantro (about 1 cup packed)
• 3–4 cups fresh spinach
• 1 shallot, peeled and roughly chopped
• 1 serrano pepper, ribs and seeds removed, roughly chopped (substitute: jalapeño pepper)
• 1–2 cloves garlic

Other

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

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Instructions

1. Rice Prep: Thoroughly rinse the rice in a mesh colander to remove excess starch. Shake it a few times to drain excess water or blot it dry with paper towels. This helps prevent splattering when the rice is toasted in oil.
2. Make Green Herb Mixture: In a food processor, pulse together the cilantro, fresh spinach, shallot, serrano pepper, and garlic until they are very finely chopped and form a green herb paste.
3. Sauté the Rice: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the rinsed and dried rice, sautéing it for 3 to 5 minutes until the grains are lightly toasted. Then add the green herb mixture and salt. Continue sautéing for another 3 to 5 minutes until fragrant and well combined.
4. Cook the Rice: Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth (or water), then bring the mixture to a simmer. Cover the skillet and reduce the heat to low. Let the rice cook for about 15 minutes, or until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender. Fluff the rice with a fork to check doneness; if needed, add a little more water and cook longer to reach desired texture.
5. Serve and Enjoy: Once cooked, fluff the rice again to evenly distribute the green herb mixture. Serve warm as a delicious side dish alongside chicken skewers, air-fried chicken or salmon, tacos, beans, or creamy corn.

Notes

• Rinsing the rice thoroughly removes excess starch to prevent stickiness and splattering during toasting.
• If you prefer a spicier dish, leave some serrano seeds in or substitute with a hotter pepper.
• Adjust the amount of broth or water depending on your preferred rice texture—less for fluffier, more for stickier rice.
• This green herb mixture can be customized by adding parsley or mint for a different flavor profile.
• Use vegetable broth for a vegetarian or vegan version.
• Cooking times may vary slightly depending on stove type and pan used.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Mexican

Keywords: green rice, cilantro rice, spinach rice, Mexican side dish, herbed rice, vegetarian rice