Mediterranean Diet Green Rice (Arroz Verde)
Elevate your meals with the vibrant flavors of Mediterranean Diet Green Rice (Arroz Verde), a nourishing twist on a traditional favorite. Made with wholesome long-grain brown rice, this dish is a celebration of fresh herbs like spinach, parsley, and cilantro, blended into a vivid green paste with zesty lemon juice and extra-virgin olive oil. Sautéed onions and garlic add a savory base, while a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts finishes it off with a delightful crunch. This recipe is naturally gluten-free, packed with nutrients, and perfect as a colorful side dish or satisfying main course. Ready in under an hour, it pairs beautifully with grilled fish, chicken, or roasted vegetables. Bursting with Mediterranean-inspired freshness, this arroz verde is as nutritious as it is delicious! Keywords: Mediterranean rice recipes, green rice, healthy side dishes, Mediterranean diet, arroz verde, fresh herb rice, easy dinner ideas.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 cup long-grain brown rice
- 2 cups water
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
- 1 cup fresh parsley leaves
- 1 cup fresh cilantro leaves
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons pine nuts, toasted
Instructions
Rinse the brown rice under cold water and set aside.
In a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups of water to a boil. Add the rinsed rice and return to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover. Let it simmer for about 35 minutes or until all the water is absorbed and the rice is tender.
While the rice is cooking, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until it is soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
Add the minced garlic to the onions and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
In a blender, combine the spinach, parsley, cilantro, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Blend until smooth, forming a vibrant green paste.
Once the rice is cooked, fluff it with a fork and then add it to the skillet with the onion and garlic mixture.
Stir the green paste into the rice, mixing thoroughly to ensure every grain is coated with the herb mixture. Continue to cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to meld the flavors.
Remove from heat and sprinkle with toasted pine nuts.
Serve immediately as a side dish or as a main course complemented with grilled fish or chicken.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
728 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 44.7 g | 57% | |
| Saturated Fat | 5.2 g | 26% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 2562 mg | 111% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 77.0 g | 28% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 15.3 g | 55% | |
| Total Sugars | 9.2 g | ||
| Protein | 18.2 g | 36% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 578 mg | 44% | |
| Iron | 21.6 mg | 120% | |
| Potassium | 2559 mg | 54% | |
*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.
