Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Spicy Green Rice is a feast for both the eyes and the taste buds. It features a fragrant, herb-infused base with a balanced heat that brings just the right amount of spice without overwhelming the palate. The fresh greens blended into the rice create a beautiful green hue and provide a subtle earthy flavor that pairs wonderfully with the smoky cumin and tangy lime. It’s a quick, easy, and nutritious side dish that can be customized to suit your spice preferences, making it a go-to recipe for any meal.
Ingredients
- 2 cups long-grain rice
- 3 cups vegetable broth (or water)
- 1 cup fresh spinach, packed
- 1 cup fresh cilantro, packed
- 1 small jalapeño, seeded and chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Juice of 1 lime
- Optional: Chopped green onions or fresh herbs for garnish
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Rinse Rice: Start by rinsing the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This helps remove excess starch and prevents the rice from becoming too sticky.
- Blend Greens: In a blender, combine spinach, cilantro, jalapeño, garlic, lime juice, and 1/2 cup of vegetable broth. Blend everything until smooth and set it aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large pot or saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add Rice: Stir in the rinsed rice, cumin, salt, black pepper, and paprika. Let the rice cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing it to toast lightly and absorb the spices.
- Combine Liquid: Pour in the remaining vegetable broth and the blended green mixture. Stir gently to combine everything evenly.
- Cook Rice: Bring the pot to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is fully cooked and has absorbed all the liquid.
- Fluff and Serve: Once cooked, remove the pot from the heat. Fluff the rice with a fork and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Garnish: If desired, sprinkle chopped green onions or fresh herbs on top before serving to add a touch of color and extra freshness.
Servings and Timing
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Total Time: 40-45 minutes
- Servings: 6-8 servings
Variations
- Adjust the Spice Level: If you prefer a milder dish, you can reduce or omit the jalapeño. For an extra spicy version, add more jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Add Protein: This rice can be transformed into a more hearty dish by mixing in cooked chicken, shrimp, or beans for added protein.
- Swap Broth: You can use chicken broth instead of vegetable broth for a richer flavor if you are not vegetarian.
- Add More Herbs: Feel free to experiment with other herbs like basil or parsley to give the rice a different flavor profile.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store any leftover rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Reheating: Reheat the rice in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to help revive the moisture. Stir occasionally until heated through.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, you can substitute brown rice for white rice. However, brown rice will require a longer cooking time, so adjust the cooking time accordingly (typically 40-45 minutes).
Is this rice gluten-free?
Yes, Spicy Green Rice is naturally gluten-free, making it a great side dish for those with gluten sensitivities.
Can I make this rice ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the rice a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat it gently before serving.
Can I freeze Spicy Green Rice?
Yes, Spicy Green Rice freezes well for up to 3 months. Store it in an airtight container and reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop.
How do I make the rice fluffier?
To make the rice fluffier, be sure not to overcook it. Fluff the rice with a fork once it’s done cooking to separate the grains.
Can I use frozen spinach and cilantro?
Yes, you can use frozen spinach and cilantro in place of fresh ones. Just make sure to thaw and drain any excess water from the frozen greens before blending.
How can I make this recipe spicier?
To increase the heat, add more jalapeño or incorporate a spicy chili pepper like serrano. You can also include a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes in the seasoning.
Can I cook this rice in a rice cooker?
Yes, you can cook Spicy Green Rice in a rice cooker. Just combine all the ingredients (including the blended green mixture) and follow your rice cooker’s instructions for cooking white rice.
Can I add other vegetables to this rice?
Absolutely! You can add sautéed bell peppers, corn, or peas for added texture and flavor.
Is this recipe vegan-friendly?
Yes, Spicy Green Rice is vegan as long as you use vegetable broth and omit any non-vegan additions.
Conclusion
Spicy Green Rice is the perfect side dish to spice up any meal. With its bold flavors from fresh greens, cumin, and a hint of lime, it’s a versatile and nutritious addition to your dinner repertoire. Whether you’re serving it with grilled meats, tacos, or a simple salad, this rice will always be a hit. Easy to make and full of vibrant flavors, it’s a dish that’s sure to leave everyone at the table asking for more!
Spicy Green Rice: An Amazing Ultimate Side Dish for Any Dinner
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Total Time: 40-45 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Vegan
Description
Spicy Green Rice is a vibrant, flavorful side dish made with fresh greens like spinach and cilantro, and a kick of heat from jalapeños. It’s the perfect addition to any dinner.
Ingredients
2 cups long-grain rice
3 cups vegetable broth (or water)
1 cup fresh spinach, packed
1 cup fresh cilantro, packed
1 small jalapeño, seeded and chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 small onion, diced
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon paprika
Juice of 1 lime
Optional: Chopped green onions or fresh herbs for garnish
Instructions
- Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear.
- In a blender, combine spinach, cilantro, jalapeño, garlic, lime juice, and 1/2 cup vegetable broth. Blend until smooth and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the rinsed rice, cumin, salt, black pepper, and paprika. Let the rice toast for 2-3 minutes to absorb the spices.
- Pour in the remaining vegetable broth and the blended green mixture. Stir to combine.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 15-20 minutes until rice is fully cooked and liquid is absorbed.
- Remove from heat and fluff the rice with a fork. Adjust seasoning if needed.
- Garnish with chopped green onions or fresh herbs, if desired, before serving.
Notes
Adjust the spice level by reducing or omitting the jalapeño for a milder dish.
For added protein, mix in cooked chicken, shrimp, or beans.
You can use chicken broth for a richer flavor instead of vegetable broth.
Experiment with other herbs like basil or parsley for different flavor profiles.
Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat with a splash of water or broth.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 31g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
