Mexican Green Rice
Brighten up your table with the vibrant and aromatic flavors of Mexican Green Rice, a healthy and delicious twist on traditional Mexican rice. This easy-to-make recipe transforms simple white rice into a fragrant side dish packed with fresh spinach, cilantro, parsley, and a subtly smoky kick from roasted poblano pepper. Sautéed in olive oil for a nutty undertone, the rice is simmered in rich chicken or vegetable broth for ultimate fluffiness, then finished with a zesty splash of lime juice. Perfect as a flavorful accompaniment to tacos, grilled chicken, or fajitas, this gluten-free and versatile dish is as eye-catching as it is satisfying. Whether for a weeknight dinner or festive gathering, Mexican Green Rice brings fresh, bold flavors to the heart of any meal!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 cup white rice
- 2 cups water
- 1 cup fresh spinach
- 1 cup cilantro leaves
- 0.5 cup parsley leaves
- 1 whole poblano pepper
- 2 stalks green onion
- 2 cloves garlic cloves
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1.5 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
Instructions
Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Drain and set aside.
In a blender, combine the spinach, cilantro, parsley, poblano pepper (seeded and diced), green onions, garlic cloves, and 1/2 cup of water. Blend until smooth and set aside.
Heat the olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the rice and sauté for 2-3 minutes or until the rice begins to turn golden and smells nutty.
Pour the blended green mixture into the saucepan with the rice and stir to combine. Cook for 2 minutes to reduce slightly and enhance the flavors.
Add the chicken or vegetable broth and salt to the saucepan. Stir well, bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat to low.
Cover the saucepan with a tight-fitting lid and simmer for 15 minutes without stirring.
After 15 minutes, remove the saucepan from the heat and let it sit, covered, for an additional 5 minutes to allow the steam to finish cooking the rice.
Fluff the rice with a fork and add the lime juice. Adjust the seasoning with more salt if needed.
Serve warm as a side dish for tacos, grilled meats, or any Mexican-inspired meal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
642 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 31.9 g | 41% | |
| Saturated Fat | 4.9 g | 25% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 3893 mg | 169% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 77.7 g | 28% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 15.4 g | 55% | |
| Total Sugars | 9.5 g | ||
| Protein | 18.4 g | 37% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 480 mg | 37% | |
| Iron | 14.9 mg | 83% | |
| Potassium | 2523 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.
