Amazing Green Rice Recipe

Introduction

This Amazing Green Rice is a vibrant and flavorful twist on traditional white rice, infused with fresh cilantro, spinach, and a hint of spice from serrano pepper. It’s a perfect side dish to brighten up any meal, from tacos to grilled chicken or fish.

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 preferred)
• 1-2 cloves garlic
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (use 1 teaspoon salt if cooking with 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: Rinse the rice thoroughly in a mesh colander. Shake to remove excess water or blot dry with paper towels to prevent splattering when cooking.
2. Step 2: In a food processor, pulse the cilantro, spinach, shallot, serrano pepper, and garlic until very finely chopped to create the 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: Stir in the green herb mixture and salt, then sauté for another 3-5 minutes until fragrant.
5. Step 5: Pour in the broth or water and bring to a simmer. Cover the skillet, reduce heat to low, and cook for about 15 minutes.
6. Step 6: Fluff the rice with a fork to check doneness. If needed, add a bit more water and cook longer until the rice is tender and flavorful.
7. Step 7: Remove from heat and fluff thoroughly to evenly distribute the greens throughout the rice.

Tips & Variations

• Use jalapeño instead of serrano for milder heat.
• Add a squeeze of fresh lime juice before serving for extra brightness.
• For a smoky flavor, lightly toast the shallot in the oil before adding the rice.
• Substitute fresh spinach with kale or chard for a different leafy green twist.

Storage

Store leftover green rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth to restore moisture as needed.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare the green herb mixture ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the herb mixture a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator in an airtight container. This can save time on cooking day.

Is it possible to make this recipe vegan?

Absolutely. Simply use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to keep the dish fully plant-based.

Amazing Green Rice Recipe

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4.5 from 90 reviews

Amazing Green Rice is a vibrant, flavorful side dish featuring long-grain white rice sautéed with a fresh, herbaceous blend of cilantro, spinach, serrano pepper, shallot, and garlic. This simple yet aromatic recipe pairs perfectly with grilled meats, tacos, or roasted vegetables, making it a versatile addition to your meal rotation.

• Author: Elena
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Mexican-inspired
• Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Rice and Broth

• 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 if desired)
• 1–2 cloves garlic
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions

1. Rice Preparation: Thoroughly rinse the rice in a mesh colander to remove excess starch. Shake it a few times or blot dry with paper towels to avoid splattering when cooking.
2. Prepare Green Herb Mixture: Using a food processor, pulse together the cilantro, spinach, shallot, serrano pepper, and garlic until everything is finely chopped and well combined.
3. Sauté the Rice: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the rice and sauté it for 3-5 minutes until it becomes lightly toasted and fragrant.
4. Add Herb Mixture and Salt: Stir in the prepared green herb blend and salt, continuing to sauté for another 3-5 minutes to fully release the flavors.
5. Cook the Rice: Pour in the broth or water and bring the mixture to a simmer. Cover the skillet and reduce heat to low, cooking for approximately 15 minutes. Check the rice by fluffing with a fork; if it’s not tender or if more moisture is needed, add more liquid and cook longer.
6. Finish and Fluff: Once the rice is cooked to your liking, remove from heat and fluff gently with a fork to evenly distribute the green herbs throughout.
7. Serve: Serve the vibrant green rice as a side with chicken skewers, air-fried chicken, salmon, tacos, beans, or creamy corn dishes for a flavorful complement.

Notes

• Rinsing and drying the rice before sautéing prevents oil splatter and helps achieve a better texture.
• Adjust the amount of serrano or jalapeño pepper to control the spiciness according to your preference.
• For stickier rice, add up to 2 1/2 cups of liquid instead of 2 cups.
• This recipe works well with either chicken or vegetable broth for added flavor.
• Use fresh herbs for the brightest flavor and color.
• Fluffing the rice after cooking helps to distribute the herbs and separate the grains for a light texture.

Keywords: Green rice, cilantro rice, spinach rice, herb rice, Mexican rice, sautéed rice, green herb rice, cilantro spinach rice, side dish, easy rice recipe