Green Rice

Green Rice Recipe from Mexico with Cilantro, Spinach, and Chicken Broth

Region / culture: Mexico | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 25 minutes | Servings: 4 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Green rice is a flavorful and vibrant dish that is perfect for adding a pop of color to your dinner table. This dish is not only delicious, but it is also packed with nutrients from the fresh cilantro and spinach used in the recipe.

History

Green rice has its origins in Mexican cuisine, where it is known as "arroz verde." This dish is traditionally made by blending fresh herbs like cilantro and spinach with broth to create a vibrant green sauce that is then mixed with rice. The result is a flavorful and aromatic dish that is a staple in Mexican households.

Ingredients

0.5 cup of tightly packed fresh cilantro sprigs
0.5 cup of tightly packed spinach leaves, stemmed and thoroughly washed
2.5 cups of low-sodium chicken broth
non-fat cooking spray
1 chopped onion
2 chopped garlic cloves
1.5 cups of long-grain rice
0.25 tsp of cayenne pepper

How to prepare

Place cilantro, spinach, and broth in a blender and blend until smooth.
Spray a large saucepan with cooking spray and heat over medium heat. Add onion and cook for 8 minutes or until softened and translucent. Add garlic and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
Add rice and stir to evenly coat.
Pour the spinach mixture from the blender into the saucepan and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to a simmer.
Cover and cook for 20 minutes or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
Turn off the heat and let it stand for 5 minutes. Add cayenne pepper and fluff the rice with a fork.

Variations

For a vegan version of this dish, you can use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and omit the garlic.
To add some extra texture, you can stir in some toasted pine nuts or almonds before serving.
For a spicier version, you can add some chopped jalapeños or serrano peppers to the rice while it is cooking.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to thoroughly wash the spinach leaves before blending them with the broth to ensure that there are no traces of dirt or grit in the final dish.

- To add an extra kick of flavor, you can sauté the rice with some chopped jalapeños or serrano peppers before adding the spinach mixture.

- For a creamier texture, you can add a splash of coconut milk or cream to the rice before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Green rice pairs well with grilled chicken, fish, or shrimp. You can also serve it alongside roasted vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete and balanced meal.

Cooking Techniques

The key to making perfect green rice is to blend the cilantro and spinach with the broth until smooth. This will ensure that the rice is evenly coated with the vibrant green sauce, resulting in a beautifully colored dish.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have fresh cilantro or spinach on hand, you can use frozen spinach or kale instead. You can also substitute the long-grain rice with brown rice or quinoa for a healthier alternative.

Make Ahead Tips

Green rice can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave the rice until heated through, adding a splash of water if needed to prevent it from drying out.

Presentation Ideas

To make your green rice look even more appetizing, you can garnish it with some fresh cilantro leaves or a sprinkle of paprika before serving. You can also serve it in a colorful bowl or on a decorative platter to make it visually appealing.

Pairing Recommendations

Green rice pairs well with a variety of dishes, including grilled meats, seafood, and roasted vegetables. It also goes well with a side of guacamole or salsa for a Mexican-inspired meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftover green rice can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave the rice until heated through, adding a splash of water if needed to prevent it from drying out.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of green rice contains approximately 200 calories. This makes it a relatively low-calorie dish that is perfect for those looking to maintain a healthy weight.

Carbohydrates

One serving of green rice contains approximately 35 grams of carbohydrates. Carbohydrates are the body's main source of energy and are essential for fueling your daily activities.

Fats

Green rice is a low-fat dish, with only a small amount of fat coming from the cooking spray used to sauté the onions and garlic. Each serving contains approximately 2 grams of fat.

Proteins

This dish is not particularly high in protein, with each serving containing around 3 grams of protein. To increase the protein content, you can add some cooked chicken or beans to the dish.

Vitamins and minerals

Green rice is a great source of vitamins and minerals, thanks to the fresh cilantro and spinach used in the recipe. These herbs are rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as minerals like iron and calcium.

Alergens

This recipe contains garlic, which is a common allergen for some individuals. If you have a garlic allergy, you can omit this ingredient from the recipe without compromising the overall flavor of the dish.

Summary

Overall, green rice is a nutritious and delicious dish that is low in fat and calories. It is a great source of carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals, making it a healthy addition to any meal.

Summary

Green rice is a flavorful and nutritious dish that is perfect for adding a pop of color to your dinner table. This dish is easy to make and can be customized with your favorite herbs and spices to suit your taste preferences. Enjoy this vibrant and delicious dish as a side or main course for a healthy and satisfying meal.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of finding this recipe for the first time is still fresh in my mind. It was a warm summer day and I was visiting my friend Sarah, who lived in a small village in the countryside. Sarah was known for her delicious home-cooked meals and I always looked forward to our time together in the kitchen.

On that particular day, Sarah had a group of her friends over for a lunch gathering. As we sat down to eat, she brought out a large bowl of vibrant green rice. The color alone was enough to pique my interest, but one bite of the flavorful dish had me hooked. I asked Sarah where she had learned to make such a unique and delicious dish, and she simply smiled and said it was a family recipe passed down through generations.

I couldn't stop thinking about that green rice for days after that visit. It haunted my dreams and my taste buds longed for another bite. Finally, I decided to reach out to Sarah and ask if she would be willing to share the recipe with me. To my delight, she agreed and invited me over for a cooking lesson.

As I followed Sarah's instructions, I couldn't help but marvel at how simple the ingredients were, yet how complex and rich the flavors turned out to be. The key, she explained, was in the fresh herbs and spices that were carefully blended together to create a harmonious symphony of tastes.

After a few more practice sessions, I felt confident enough to make the green rice on my own. It quickly became a favorite among my family and friends, and I knew that this recipe would be a cherished addition to my ever-growing collection of culinary treasures.

Over the years, I have made this green rice for countless gatherings, potlucks, and family dinners. Each time I bring out the dish, I am met with praise and requests for the recipe. I am always happy to share the story of how I discovered this gem of a recipe and how it has become a staple in my kitchen.

As I reflect on my journey with this green rice recipe, I am reminded of the power of food to bring people together, to create memories, and to nourish both body and soul. I am grateful for the friends and family who have shared their recipes with me over the years, and for the joy that cooking and sharing food has brought into my life.

In the end, it is not just about the ingredients or the techniques, but about the love and care that goes into each dish. And for me, this green rice recipe will always hold a special place in my heart as a reminder of the power of food to connect us all.