Mexican Green Rice. Arroz Verde.
Hopefully, you will kick those refried beans off your home menu and replace them with this delicious side dish, that looks nicer and taste better too! Mexican green rice, also known as Arroz Verde. Elevate your fun Tuesdays, and every party, fiesta and Cinco de Mayo gathering with Mexican Green Rice. Simple. Delicious and perfect for any Mexican meal you are serving!
Ingredients
- 4 C spinach fresh, rinsed, dried, whole Baby or regular leaf.
- 1 C Cilantro or Parsley you can also do a 1/2 c of each if you like Cilantro (see my post for more info on this)
- 1 Tsp Mediterranean Salt optional*
- 1 1/2 C Vegetable Broth if using Vegetable Bouillon skip salt addition, you can also use chicken broth instead without ruining the taste.
- 1 C Milk at least 1% (don't use coconut milk or almond milk)
- 2 Tbsp Salted Butter
- 3 Tbsp Olive Oil extra virgin
- 1/2 C Yellow Onion skinned and chopped.
- 3 Cloves Garlic - peeled and cut Use more if you love garlic
- 5-6 Shishito peppers seeds out, tops chopped off *refer to note in the post on handling peppers for safety. I've posted this recipe as MILDER but I have shared in the blog post you can add poblanos or anaheim for more heat. Reference blog post
- 1 1/2 C Medium Grain Rice Jasmine, or whatever rice you prefer
- 1/2 C Peas
- 1 Medium lime rolled and ready to juice! P.S. Zest a little of the lime skin and toss it in at the end, it's awesome!
Instructions
- In a food processor combine spinach, cilantro, parsley, milk, and broth.
- Process to combine well and break all whole into liquid.
- Set Aside.
- Using a saucepot (will need a lid), dispense olive oil, and butter.
- Then, on one side of the pot, drop in rice (alternatively you could brown rice and then add veggies, I just add it all and divide pot into 2 portions!**see the video to understand) and on the other side add-in garlic, onion, and shishito peppers.
- Once the rice is browned (about 3 minutes) combine with veggies in the pot and stir so nothing sticks to the bottom.
- You want the peppers and onions to be 'softened' or tender NOT crunchy.
- Continue to move the ingredient mixture until vegetables are softened (about 8-10 minutes on medium-low heat)
- Once softened add in the Green Processed mixture.
- Stir to combine.
- Now add the peas.
- Cover.
- Simmer to allow the rice to absorb mixture (as long as box instructions for rice would recommend) - Generally between 18-20 minutes.
- Then, remove from heat and Squeeze fresh lime, then stir.
- Next, place a clean towel across the opening of the pot and replace the lid. Do this to make the seal tighter and therefore the moisture that is normally accumulated on the lid won't drop down onto the rice! ***(optional you can just replace the lid!)
- After 10 minutes, remove the cloth (lid) and serve!
- Enjoy! ~