Green Rice Honduras

Green Rice Honduras Recipe - Vegetarian Dish from Honduras

Region / culture: Honduras | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Green Rice Honduras is a traditional Honduran dish that is bursting with flavor and vibrant green color. This dish is made with tomatillos, cilantro, jalapeño peppers, and garlic, giving it a unique and delicious taste. It is the perfect side dish to accompany any meal.

History

Green Rice Honduras has been a staple in Honduran cuisine for generations. The dish is believed to have originated in the rural areas of Honduras, where tomatillos and cilantro are abundant. It is a popular dish served at family gatherings, celebrations, and special occasions.

Ingredients

6 large tomatillos (approximately 0.75 lb or 340 g)
2 tbsp water
0.33 cup minced fresh cilantro
4 tsp minced seeded jalapeño peppers
0.5 tsp salt
1 clove garlic, minced
1.25 cups uncooked long grain rice

How to prepare

Remove the husks and stems from the tomatillos.
In a medium saucepan, boil the tomatillos for 4 minutes or until they become soft; then drain them.
Put the tomatillos and 2 tsp of water in a blender and blend until smooth.
Transfer the tomatillo mixture into a 4 cup glass measuring cup, and add enough water to make it 2.5 cups in total.
In a saucepan, combine the tomatillo mixture, cilantro, jalapeño, salt, and garlic, and bring it to a boil.
Add the rice, cover the mixture, reduce the heat, and let it simmer for 20 minutes or until the liquid is absorbed.
Remove from heat and fluff the rice with a fork.

Variations

Add cooked black beans or corn to the rice for added texture and flavor.
Substitute the jalapeño peppers with bell peppers for a milder version of the dish.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to remove the husks and stems from the tomatillos before boiling them.

- Blend the tomatillos until smooth to ensure a creamy texture in the rice.

- Fluff the rice with a fork after cooking to separate the grains and prevent clumping.

Serving Suggestions

Green Rice Honduras can be served as a side dish with grilled chicken, fish, or beef. It can also be enjoyed on its own as a light and flavorful meal.

Cooking Techniques

The key to making Green Rice Honduras is to blend the tomatillos until smooth and simmer the rice until the liquid is absorbed. This will ensure a creamy and flavorful dish.

Ingredient Substitutions

If tomatillos are not available, you can substitute with green tomatoes or canned green salsa.

Make Ahead Tips

Green Rice Honduras can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving. Simply store the rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Green Rice Honduras in a colorful bowl garnished with fresh cilantro leaves for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Green Rice Honduras pairs well with grilled meats, seafood, or roasted vegetables. It can also be served with a side of avocado or plantains.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers of Green Rice Honduras in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Green Rice Honduras contains approximately 180 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Green Rice Honduras contains approximately 35 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Green Rice Honduras contains approximately 1 gram of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Green Rice Honduras contains approximately 3 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Green Rice Honduras is rich in vitamin C, vitamin K, and potassium from the tomatillos and cilantro.

Alergens

This recipe contains garlic and jalapeño peppers, which may be allergens for some individuals.

Summary

Green Rice Honduras is a nutritious dish that is low in fat and calories, making it a healthy side dish option.

Summary

Green Rice Honduras is a flavorful and nutritious dish that is easy to make and perfect for any occasion. With its vibrant green color and delicious taste, it is sure to become a favorite in your household.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was filled with a sense of excitement. My dear friend Maria had just returned from a trip to Honduras and she brought back this amazing dish called Green Rice. As she described the flavors and ingredients, my mouth watered and I knew I had to learn how to make it.

Maria graciously offered to teach me the recipe and I eagerly accepted. We spent an entire afternoon in my kitchen, chopping vegetables, blending herbs, and cooking rice until it was perfectly fluffy. As the fragrant aroma of cilantro and garlic filled the air, I knew I was in for a culinary treat.

Maria explained that Green Rice is a traditional Honduran dish that is often served alongside grilled meats or seafood. It is made with a base of rice, spinach, cilantro, and green bell peppers, all blended together to create a vibrant green color and a burst of fresh flavors.

As we sat down to enjoy our meal, I took my first bite of Green Rice and was instantly transported to the bustling streets of Honduras. The flavors were bold and earthy, with a hint of heat from the peppers and a brightness from the cilantro. It was unlike anything I had ever tasted before and I couldn't wait to share it with my family.

Over the years, I have made Green Rice countless times, each batch slightly different from the last as I tweak and adjust the recipe to suit my taste. I have shared it with friends and neighbors, all of whom have fallen in love with its unique flavors and vibrant color.

One of my favorite memories of making Green Rice was when my granddaughter, Emily, asked me to teach her how to make it. I watched with pride as she chopped vegetables with precision and blended herbs with care, just as I had done with Maria so many years ago.

As we sat down to enjoy our meal, I knew that the tradition of making Green Rice had been passed down to another generation. Emily's eyes lit up with delight as she took her first bite, exclaiming that it was the best rice she had ever tasted. I couldn't help but smile, knowing that I had played a small part in keeping this delicious dish alive.

In the years since I first learned how to make Green Rice, I have continued to experiment with new ingredients and techniques, always striving to perfect the recipe. I have added my own twist by incorporating roasted poblano peppers for a smoky kick and swapping out the spinach for kale for an extra dose of nutrients.

As I stand in my kitchen, stirring a pot of Green Rice on the stove, I am filled with a sense of pride and gratitude. This recipe has brought me closer to my friends and family, connecting us through a shared love of food and culture. I am grateful to Maria for introducing me to this wonderful dish and for inspiring me to continue exploring the world of flavors and ingredients.

And so, as I sit down to enjoy a heaping bowl of Green Rice, I am reminded of the power of food to bring people together and create lasting memories. I am grateful for the lessons I have learned and the joy I have experienced through cooking, and I look forward to sharing this recipe with many more generations to come.