Low Fat Green Rice (Arroz Verde)
Elevate your weeknight meals with this vibrant and nutritious **Low Fat Green Rice (Arroz Verde)**! Made with wholesome **brown rice** and infused with the bold, fresh flavors of **spinach, cilantro, lime, and jalapeño**, this healthier twist on the classic Mexican dish offers a burst of color and taste in every bite. Simmered in **low-sodium vegetable broth** for extra richness, the rice is blended with a creamy green sauce prepared from simple, nutrient-packed ingredients. With just a teaspoon of olive oil and minimal added salt, this recipe is perfect for anyone seeking a flavorful yet low-fat side dish or light vegetarian main course. Quick to prep and brimming with plant-based goodness, this dish pairs beautifully with grilled proteins, roasted vegetables, or as a standalone star. Garnish with extra cilantro for a finishing touch, and savor the zesty, herbaceous flair of this guilt-free delight! **Keywords**: low fat rice recipe, green rice, vegetarian side dish, healthy arroz verde, cilantro lime rice, easy weeknight meals.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 cup brown rice
- 2 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
- 1 cup spinach leaves
- 1 cup cilantro
- 1 whole jalapeño pepper
- 2 stalks green onion
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
Rinse the brown rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch.
In a medium-sized saucepan, bring the low-sodium vegetable broth to a boil.
Add the rinsed rice to the boiling broth, reduce the heat to low, cover, and let simmer for about 40 minutes or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
While the rice is cooking, prepare the green sauce. In a blender, combine the spinach leaves, cilantro, jalapeño pepper (seeds removed for less heat if desired), green onions, garlic cloves, and lime juice. Blend until smooth.
Once the rice is cooked, fluff it with a fork and set aside.
In a large nonstick skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
Pour the green sauce into the skillet and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly.
Add the cooked rice to the skillet with the green sauce. Stir well to ensure the rice is evenly coated with the sauce.
Season with salt and black pepper to taste, and stir well.
Serve the low-fat green rice warm as a side dish or light main course, garnished with additional cilantro if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
420 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 16.2 g | 21% | |
| Saturated Fat | 2.6 g | 13% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1.4 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 1509 mg | 66% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 61.5 g | 22% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 6.4 g | 23% | |
| Total Sugars | 5.0 g | ||
| Protein | 7.6 g | 15% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 123 mg | 9% | |
| Iron | 3.0 mg | 17% | |
| Potassium | 927 mg | 20% | |
*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.
