Mexican Green Rice Vegetarian
Mexican Green Rice Vegetarian is a vibrant twist on traditional rice recipes that brings bold, herbaceous flavors to your table. Made with long-grain white rice and a nutrient-packed blend of fresh cilantro, spinach, jalapeño, and garlic, this dish features a stunning green hue and a slight kick of spice. A velvety mixture of vegetable broth ties the flavors together, while a squeeze of fresh lime juice adds a zesty finish. Toasted rice ensures a nutty depth, while slow simmering locks in tenderness. Perfect as a stand-alone vegetarian side dish or paired with your favorite Mexican meals, this easy recipe is ready in under 35 minutes and is sure to become a go-to favorite for weeknight dinners or gatherings alike. Keywords: Mexican green rice, vegetarian rice recipe, cilantro rice, spinach rice, easy side dish.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 1 cup fresh cilantro leaves
- 1 cup fresh spinach leaves
- 1 medium jalapeño pepper
- 2 cloves large garlic cloves
- 1 small white onion
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 0.5 teaspoons salt
- 1 small lime
Instructions
Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Set aside to drain.
In a blender or food processor, combine the cilantro, spinach, jalapeño (seeded for less heat, if desired), garlic cloves, and half of the small onion. Blend until smooth, adding a couple of tablespoons of vegetable broth to get the mixture moving, if needed.
Heat the olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the remaining half of the onion (chopped finely) and sauté until softened and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
Add the rice to the saucepan and toast it lightly for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until the grains are fragrant and slightly opaque.
Pour the blended green mixture into the saucepan with the rice, stirring to coat the grains evenly. Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Add the vegetable broth and salt to the pan, stirring gently. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18-20 minutes or until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender.
Remove the saucepan from heat and let the rice sit, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork and squeeze fresh lime juice over the rice before serving.
Serve warm as a side dish or with your favorite Mexican-inspired meals.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
796 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 35.8 g | 46% | |
| Saturated Fat | 5.4 g | 27% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 4.1 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 2376 mg | 103% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 107.3 g | 39% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 13.0 g | 46% | |
| Total Sugars | 11.8 g | ||
| Protein | 19.4 g | 39% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 279 mg | 21% | |
| Iron | 8.7 mg | 48% | |
| Potassium | 1823 mg | 39% | |
*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.
