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Bowl of green rice with cilantro and spinach showing fluffy long-grain grains and fresh herb flecks

Green Rice Recipe with Cilantro and Spinach Side Dish

Green rice is a fresh, flavorful side dish with fluffy long-grain grains coated in a vibrant cilantro and spinach herb mixture. It is an easy choice for adding a colorful, aromatic element to everyday meals or gatherings.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
Calories: 222
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Green herb mixture
  • 1 bunch cilantro (about 1 cup packed)
  • 3-4 cups fresh spinach
  • 1 shallot, peeled and roughly chopped
  • 1 serrano pepper, ribs and seeds removed, roughly chopped (sub a jalapeño pepper)
  • 1-2 cloves garlic
Rice and cooking ingredients
  • 1 1/2 cups long-grain white rice
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt (1 teaspoon salt if using water)
  • 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth, or water (up to 2 1/2 cups for stickier rice)

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Rinse the rice thoroughly in a mesh colander. Shake off excess water or dry the grains with paper towels to reduce splattering when added to the skillet.
  2. Place the cilantro, spinach, shallot, serrano pepper, and garlic in a food processor and pulse until finely chopped.
Cooking
  1. Warm the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the rinsed rice and cook for 3-5 minutes, stirring, until the grains are lightly toasted.
  2. Add the blended herb mixture and salt to the skillet. Continue cooking for 3-5 minutes until the mixture becomes fragrant.
  3. Pour in the broth or water and bring the mixture to a simmer. Cover the skillet and cook over low heat for about 15 minutes.
  4. Check the rice by fluffing it with a fork. Add more water and continue cooking if the grains need more time. Once tender, remove from heat and fluff with a fork to spread the greens throughout.
Serving
  1. Serve the green rice as a side dish with your preferred meal pairings.

Notes

The rice shown in the photos was made with 2 cups of liquid, creating a drier and fluffier texture. For a stickier texture, use 2 1/2 cups of liquid. If you are unsure which texture you prefer, begin with 2 cups of liquid and add more water after cooking if needed.