Mexican Green Rice

Brighten up your table with the vibrant and aromatic flavors of Mexican Green Rice, a healthy and delicious twist on traditional Mexican rice. This easy-to-make recipe transforms simple white rice into a fragrant side dish packed with fresh spinach, cilantro, parsley, and a subtly smoky kick from roasted poblano pepper. Sautéed in olive oil for a nutty undertone, the rice is simmered in rich chicken or vegetable broth for ultimate fluffiness, then finished with a zesty splash of lime juice. Perfect as a flavorful accompaniment to tacos, grilled chicken, or fajitas, this gluten-free and versatile dish is as eye-catching as it is satisfying. Whether for a weeknight dinner or festive gathering, Mexican Green Rice brings fresh, bold flavors to the heart of any meal!

Nutriscore Rating: 69/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:35 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 cup white rice
• 2 cups water
• 1 cup fresh spinach
• 1 cup cilantro leaves
• 0.5 cup parsley leaves
• 1 whole poblano pepper
• 2 stalks green onion
• 2 cloves garlic cloves
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1.5 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon lime juice

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Drain and set aside.

Step 2

In a blender, combine the spinach, cilantro, parsley, poblano pepper (seeded and diced), green onions, garlic cloves, and 1/2 cup of water. Blend until smooth and set aside.

Step 3

Heat the olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the rice and sauté for 2-3 minutes or until the rice begins to turn golden and smells nutty.

Step 4

Pour the blended green mixture into the saucepan with the rice and stir to combine. Cook for 2 minutes to reduce slightly and enhance the flavors.

Step 5

Add the chicken or vegetable broth and salt to the saucepan. Stir well, bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat to low.

Step 6

Cover the saucepan with a tight-fitting lid and simmer for 15 minutes without stirring.

Step 7

After 15 minutes, remove the saucepan from the heat and let it sit, covered, for an additional 5 minutes to allow the steam to finish cooking the rice.

Step 8

Fluff the rice with a fork and add the lime juice. Adjust the seasoning with more salt if needed.

Step 9

Serve warm as a side dish for tacos, grilled meats, or any Mexican-inspired meal.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1604 grams (1604.0g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	642

Total Fat 31.90g	41%
Saturated Fat 4.90g	25%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.70g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 3893mg	169%
Total Carbohydrate 77.70g	28%
Dietary Fiber 15.40g	55%
Total Sugars 9.50g
Protein 18.40g	37%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 480mg	37%
Iron 15mg	83%
Potassium 2523mg	54%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 42.8%

Protein: 11.0%

Carbs: 46.3%