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Arroz Verde (Green Rice)
5 from 18 votes

Arroz Verde (Green Rice)

Arroz Verde is a green-hued rice dish made by blending fresh cilantro, spinach, chicken stock, milk, and seasonings, which gives it a vibrant color and mild herbal flavor. The rice is toasted in butter and olive oil, then cooked with sautéed onion, jalapeño, and garlic before adding the green puree. The result is a fluffy, tender rice with subtle freshness and a hint of heat from the jalapeño. Adding a squeeze of lime before serving enhances the brightness of the flavors.

Prep Time
5 mins
Cook Time
28 mins
Total Time
33 mins
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Side Dish, Others
Cuisine: Mexican

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup cilantro tightly packed, fresh
  • 1 cup spinach tightly packed, fresh leaves
  • 1-1/4 cups chicken stock
  • 1-1/4 cups milk
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 Tbsp olive oil
  • 3 Tbsp butter unsalted
  • 1-1/2 cups long-grain rice
  • 1/4 cup onion minced
  • 1 jalapeño seeds removed, minced
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 lime quartered

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. To a blender or food processor, add cilantro, spinach, chicken stock, milk and salt. Puree until smooth and well combined. Set aside.
  2. Add olive oil and butter to a large saucepan (with tight fitting lid), and heat over MED heat.
  3. Add rice and stir. Saute rice, stirring often, until it starts to toast and turn golden brown. This will take about 3 minutes or so.
  4. Add onion, jalapeno and garlic, and saute for an additional minute, stirring constantly.
  5. Pour in pureed mixture, stirring to combine well.
  6. Increase heat to HIGH to bring to a boil. Once it boils, reduce heat to LOW, cover with lid, and cook for 20 minutes.
  7. Stir rice once, cover pan again and cook another 5 minutes.
  8. Turn off the heat and let rice sit in the covered pot for 10 minutes.
  9. Fluff with a fork and serve.
  10. Squeeze a lime quarter over the rice right before eating for extra freshness!

Notes

  • Monitor rice during cooking, since heat output varies by stove; adjust timing to ensure perfect tenderness.
  • Adding a fresh squeeze of lime juice right before serving adds a bright finishing touch to the dish.
  • Use fresh cilantro and spinach for the best green color and flavor in the puree.
  • To toast the rice evenly, stir frequently until golden but not burnt.