Spicy Green Rice
Elevate your side dish game with this vibrant Spicy Green Rice, a bold and flavorful twist on classic rice that combines aromatic herbs and a zesty kick. This recipe is loaded with fresh spinach, cilantro, and parsley, blended into a vibrant puree with green chilies and lime juice to create its signature green hue and irresistible spice. Toasted long-grain white rice absorbs the earthy spices of cumin and garlic, while sautéed onions add a touch of sweetness. Perfectly balanced with the heat of jalapeños and the brightness of lime, this dish pairs beautifully with grilled meats, tacos, or roasted veggies. Ready in just 40 minutes, this zesty, herbaceous rice is a must-try for anyone who loves bold flavors.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 cups water
- 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
- 1 cup cilantro leaves
- 0.5 cup fresh parsley leaves
- 2 whole green chilies (e.g., jalapeño)
- 2 cloves garlic cloves
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Set aside to drain.
In a blender or food processor, combine the spinach leaves, cilantro, parsley, green chilies, garlic, and lime juice. Blend until you achieve a smooth green puree. Add a tablespoon of water if necessary to help blend. Set aside.
Heat the vegetable oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
Stir in the ground cumin and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Add the drained rice to the saucepan and toast it for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until the rice starts to look opaque and slightly golden.
Pour in the prepared green puree and mix well to coat the rice evenly. Cook for 1-2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Add the water, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine, then bring the mixture to a boil.
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan with a tight-fitting lid, and let the rice simmer for 15-18 minutes, or until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender.
Remove the saucepan from the heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes to allow the rice to steam and fluff up.
Gently fluff the rice with a fork and serve warm. Garnish with additional cilantro or a wedge of lime, if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
784 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 32.6 g | 42% | |
| Saturated Fat | 4.1 g | 20% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 16.8 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 2608 mg | 113% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 122.5 g | 45% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 26.7 g | 95% | |
| Total Sugars | 28.2 g | ||
| Protein | 20.0 g | 40% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 562 mg | 43% | |
| Iron | 21.0 mg | 117% | |
| Potassium | 3862 mg | 82% | |
*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.
