Arroz Verde (Green Rice)

Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: Mexican

Keyword: rice

Prep Time: 5

Cook Time: 15

Resting Time: 5

Total Time: 25

Servings: people

Calories: 262kcal

Author: Platings and Pairings

This easy Arroz Verde (Green Rice) recipe is inspired by the classic Mexican side dish. Fluffy white rice is mixed with green veggies and lime juice, lending a vibrant green hue and delicious, zesty flavors! Pair it with chicken, beef, or seafood, or use it as the tasty base for a grain bowl.

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Equipment

Ingredients

4 cups chicken broth or bone broth, divided
1 bay leaf optional
2 cups white rice
1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves
2 cups baby spinach leaves
4 green onions coarsely chopped
1 lime zested, plus 1 Tablespoon lime juice
1 Tablespoon olive oil
½ teaspoon salt
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Add 3 ½ cups chicken broth and bay leaf to a medium pot and bring to a boil. Add rice, cover, and reduce heat to a simmer. Cook for 15-18 minutes, until the rice is tender.
Meanwhile, add the cilantro, spinach, green onions, lime juice, lime zest, olive oil, salt and remaining ½ cup broth to a food processor or blender and process into coarse green paste. Stir into the cooked rice and allow to stand, covered, for a few minutes.
Fluff rice with a fork and season with salt and pepper. Enjoy!

Notes

Tips and tricks

To make a close-to-authentic version of green rice, I highly recommend using the freshest herbs and vegetables you can find.
Before cooking, rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This will remove excess starch, yielding super fluffy cooked rice.
Remember to take the rice off the heat before mixing in the green paste. This way, you won’t overcook the green herbs and veggies, and you’ll achieve the most vibrant green color.

Variations

Add protein – Stir in shredded chicken, diced chicken breasts, cooked shrimp, grilled flank steak, or crispy tofu for a protein-packed main course.
Green veggie boost – Add extra color, flavor, and nutrients to the rice with more green veggies like peas, arugula, zucchini, or avocado chunks.
Add peppers – Blend diced jalapenos, poblano, or Anaheim peppers into the green paste for a hint of spice.
Instead of white rice – Feel free to make this recipe with something other than white rice, such as brown rice or cauliflower rice.

Storing and reheating

Green rice is best served fresh and hot, but in case you end up with leftovers, they can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 3 to 4 days.
To reheat, warm the rice on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of broth to prevent it from drying out.

Nutrition