Green Rice II

Green Rice II Recipe from Guatemala | Vegetarian Dish

Region / culture: Guatemala | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Green Rice II is a flavorful and vibrant dish that is perfect for adding a pop of color to your dinner table. This recipe combines the tangy taste of tomatillos with the heat of jalapeño peppers to create a unique and delicious side dish.

History

Green Rice II is a modern twist on traditional Mexican green rice, which is typically made with poblano peppers and cilantro. This version of the dish adds tomatillos for a tangy flavor that pairs perfectly with the other ingredients.

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

For a spicier version of Green Rice II, add additional jalapeño peppers or a dash of hot sauce. You can also customize the dish by adding diced tomatoes, black beans, or corn.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

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

- Blending the tomatillos with water creates a smooth and creamy base for the rice.

- Fluffing the rice with a fork after cooking helps to separate the grains and create a light and fluffy texture.

Serving Suggestions

Green Rice II pairs well with grilled chicken, fish, or tofu. It can also be served as a side dish alongside tacos or enchiladas.

Cooking Techniques

The key to making Green Rice II is to cook the tomatillo mixture until it is thick and flavorful before adding the rice. This helps to infuse the rice with the tangy and spicy flavors of the tomatillos and jalapeño peppers.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you can't find fresh tomatillos, you can use canned tomatillos instead. Just be sure to drain them before blending.

Make Ahead Tips

Green Rice II can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Green Rice II in a colorful bowl garnished with fresh cilantro leaves for a beautiful presentation. You can also sprinkle some crumbled queso fresco on top for added flavor.

Pairing Recommendations

This dish pairs well with a crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. For a non-alcoholic option, try serving it with a refreshing cucumber mint agua fresca.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers of Green Rice II in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave the rice until heated through, or place it in a saucepan with a splash of water and heat over medium heat until warm.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Green Rice II contains approximately 180 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Green Rice II contains approximately 38 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

This dish is low in fat, with only 1 gram of fat per serving.

Proteins

Green Rice II provides 4 grams of protein per serving.

Vitamins and minerals

This recipe is a good source of vitamin C, thanks to the tomatillos and jalapeño peppers. It also contains iron, potassium, and calcium.

Alergens

This recipe is gluten-free and dairy-free, making it suitable for those with allergies to these ingredients.

Summary

Green Rice II is a nutritious and flavorful dish that is low in fat and calories. It provides a good balance of carbohydrates, proteins, and essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Green Rice II is a delicious and nutritious side dish that is easy to make and full of flavor. With the tangy taste of tomatillos and the heat of jalapeño peppers, this dish is sure to become a new favorite at your dinner table.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of finding this recipe for the first time brings a smile to my face. It was a hot summer day, and I had been rummaging through an old box of cookbooks and recipe cards that had been passed down to me from my own grandmother. As I sifted through the yellowing pages, my eyes landed on a faded index card with the words "Green Rice II" scrawled across the top in elegant cursive.

Curious, I read through the ingredients and instructions, feeling a sense of excitement building within me. The recipe called for simple yet flavorful ingredients like parsley, onion, garlic, and chicken broth, all combined with fluffy white rice to create a vibrant and delicious side dish. I knew I had to try making it right away.

I remembered the first time I attempted to make Green Rice II. I gathered all the ingredients and set to work in the kitchen, following the instructions carefully. As the aroma of sautéed onions and garlic filled the air, I felt a wave of nostalgia wash over me. It reminded me of my own childhood, watching my own grandmother cook in the kitchen with so much love and dedication.

As the rice cooked and absorbed the fragrant broth, I couldn't help but feel a sense of pride and accomplishment. When I finally took my first bite of the finished dish, I was transported back in time to a simpler era, where food was made with care and attention to detail.

From that day on, Green Rice II became a staple in my own cooking repertoire. I made it for family gatherings, potlucks, and special occasions, each time receiving compliments and requests for the recipe. I always made sure to credit the original source of the recipe – that faded index card that had sparked my culinary journey.

Over the years, I have made some tweaks and adjustments to the recipe, adding my own personal touch to make it truly my own. I have experimented with different herbs and spices, swapped out ingredients based on what I had on hand, and even tried incorporating different types of rice for a unique twist.

But no matter how much I have altered the recipe, the essence of Green Rice II remains the same – a delicious and comforting dish that brings joy to all who taste it. It has become a symbol of my love for cooking and my desire to share that love with others.

As I sit here now, reminiscing about the journey that led me to discover this wonderful recipe, I can't help but feel grateful for the gift of cooking that has been passed down to me through the generations. And I know that as long as I continue to cook and create in the kitchen, the legacy of Green Rice II will live on, inspiring others to find joy and satisfaction in the simple act of preparing a delicious meal.