Green Rice
Transform your dinner table with a vibrant and flavorful bowl of Green Rice, a stunning side dish packed with wholesome ingredients and bursting with herbaceous goodness. This recipe combines fluffy basmati rice with a nutrient-rich purée of fresh spinach, cilantro, and parsley, elevated by zesty lime juice and aromatic garlic. Toasted rice and sautéed onions add depth, while optional jalapeño delivers a subtle kick for spice lovers. Cooked in water or flavorful broth, this dish is an easy-to-make, one-pot wonder perfect for pairing with grilled meats, roasted veggies, or as a centerpiece for a plant-based meal. Ready in just 35 minutes, it’s a healthy, mouthwatering addition to your menu that’s sure to wow your family and guests alike.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 cup Basmati rice
- 2 cups Water
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 2 cups Fresh spinach leaves
- 1 cup Fresh cilantro
- 0.5 cup Fresh parsley
- 2 tablespoons Fresh lime juice
- 2 cloves Garlic
- 1 small Onion
- 2 tablespoons Vegetable oil or olive oil
- 1 small Jalapeño (optional)
- 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
- 2 cups Chicken or vegetable broth (optional, to replace water)
Instructions
Rinse the basmati rice thoroughly under cold water until the water runs clear. Set aside to drain.
In a blender or food processor, combine the spinach, cilantro, parsley, lime juice, garlic, jalapeño (if using), and 1/2 cup of water. Blend until smooth and set the green purée aside.
In a medium saucepan, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Finely chop the small onion and sauté it in the oil until it becomes translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
Add the drained rice to the saucepan and sauté it for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until the rice is lightly toasted and coated in the oil.
Stir in the green purée, mixing well to coat the rice evenly with the herb mixture.
Add 2 cups of water (or chicken/vegetable broth for extra flavor), salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine.
Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to low and cover the saucepan with a tight-fitting lid.
Simmer the rice for 15-18 minutes, or until all the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender.
Once cooked, remove the saucepan from the heat and let the rice sit, covered, for an additional 5 minutes to allow it to steam and fully absorb flavors.
Fluff the rice with a fork and serve warm as a side dish or a main course garnish.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
609 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 29.9 g | 38% | |
| Saturated Fat | 2.7 g | 14% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 4160 mg | 181% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 73.4 g | 27% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 5.5 g | 20% | |
| Total Sugars | 8.0 g | ||
| Protein | 14.8 g | 30% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 202 mg | 16% | |
| Iron | 7.3 mg | 41% | |
| Potassium | 1013 mg | 22% | |
*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.
