Green Cilantro Rice
Elevate your side dish game with this vibrant and flavorful Green Cilantro Rice, a perfect blend of fresh herbs, zesty lime, and aromatic spices. This easy-to-follow recipe combines fluffy long-grain white rice with a purée of cilantro, optional spinach for an extra pop of green, and a kick of jalapeño or serrano pepper, creating a side dish that’s as visually stunning as it is delicious. Toasted rice, infused with sautéed onions and garlic, is simmered in a savory mix of broth and cilantro puree, ensuring every bite is bursting with bold flavor. Ready in just 35 minutes, this gluten-free and versatile dish pairs beautifully with grilled meats, tacos, or veggie-packed bowls, making it a must-try for your next meal.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 cups water
- 1 cup cilantro leaves, tightly packed
- 0.5 cup fresh spinach leaves (optional, for extra green color)
- 0.5 cup onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic cloves
- 1 piece jalapeño or serrano pepper, seeded and chopped
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon lime juice, freshly squeezed
- 1 teaspoon salt
Instructions
Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch. Drain and set aside.
In a blender or food processor, combine cilantro leaves, spinach (if using), garlic, jalapeño or serrano pepper, lime juice, 0.5 cup of broth, and a pinch of salt. Blend until smooth and set aside.
Heat the vegetable oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes, or until softened and translucent.
Stir in the rinsed rice and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the rice is lightly toasted.
Pour the cilantro mixture and remaining broth into the saucepan. Add the water and salt, and stir to combine.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pan with a tight-fitting lid.
Simmer the rice for 15 minutes without lifting the lid.
Turn off the heat and let the rice sit, covered, for an additional 5 minutes to allow any remaining steam to finish cooking the rice.
Fluff the rice with a fork before serving and enjoy your Green Cilantro Rice!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
620 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 28.8 g | 37% | |
| Saturated Fat | 4.0 g | 20% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 16.8 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 3381 mg | 147% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 81.3 g | 30% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 10.9 g | 39% | |
| Total Sugars | 8.0 g | ||
| Protein | 14.8 g | 30% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 295 mg | 23% | |
| Iron | 8.2 mg | 46% | |
| Potassium | 1805 mg | 38% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
