If you're looking to elevate your dinner table with a burst of color and flavor, look no further than Arroz Verde, or Green Rice! This vibrant Mexican dish is not only a feast for the eyes but also a tantalizing treat for your taste buds. With its fresh cilantro and aromatic garlic, this rice dish is the perfect accompaniment to any meal or can stand alone as a delightful vegetarian option. In just 30 minutes, you can whip up a dish that will impress your family and friends, making them wonder if you’ve secretly been taking cooking lessons in Mexico! Ready to dive into the recipe that will have everyone asking for seconds? Let’s get cooking!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups long-grain rice
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup cilantro, chopped
- 1/2 cup onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the cilantro sauce by blending chopped cilantro, onion, and garlic with 1 cup of chicken broth in a food processor or blender until smooth and vibrant green.
- Rinse the long-grain rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch, which helps prevent the rice from becoming sticky.
- Heat a large skillet or pot with a tight-fitting lid over medium heat. Add a small amount of oil or butter to prevent sticking.
- Add the rinsed rice to the skillet and toast it for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until the grains become slightly translucent and emit a nutty aroma.
- Pour the prepared cilantro sauce over the toasted rice, stirring to ensure even coating and distribution of the green mixture.
- Add the remaining 3 cups of chicken broth and season with salt to taste. Stir gently to combine all ingredients.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover the skillet with the lid, and let the rice simmer for 18-20 minutes.
- After cooking time, remove from heat and let the rice rest, covered, for 5-10 minutes to allow steam to finish cooking the rice.
- Fluff the rice with a fork, garnish with additional fresh cilantro if desired, and serve hot.
Tips
- Rinse the Rice: Make sure to rinse the long-grain rice thoroughly under cold water until the water runs clear. This step is crucial for achieving fluffy rice, as it removes excess starch that can cause stickiness.
- Toast the Rice: Don’t skip the toasting step! Toasting the rice for a few minutes before adding the liquid enhances its nutty flavor and adds depth to your dish.
- Customize the Cilantro Sauce: Feel free to adjust the amount of cilantro based on your personal preference. If you love cilantro, go for more! You can also add a squeeze of lime juice for an extra zesty kick.
- Let it Rest: After cooking, allow the rice to rest covered for 5-10 minutes. This helps the grains firm up and makes for a better texture when you fluff it.
- Garnish for Presentation: For an extra pop of color, consider garnishing your Arroz Verde with additional chopped cilantro or even some diced tomatoes before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 5g
Fat: 3g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 5mg
