Arroz Verde
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Country of Origin
Mexico
Description
A vibrant, fragrant alternative to red rice. Long-grain rice is toasted and cooked in a brilliant green puree made from roasted poblano peppers, fresh cilantro, garlic, and broth.
Presentation & How It's Eaten
Served hot as a colorful bed for grilled shrimp, roasted chicken, or seafood enchiladas, topped with crumbled cotija or diced avocados.
Ingredients
1.5 cups long-grain white rice, rinsed and drained
2 poblano peppers, roasted, peeled, and seeded
1 cup fresh cilantro leaves, packed
1/2 white onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic
2.5 cups chicken or vegetable broth
3 tbsp vegetable oil
1 tsp salt
Step-by-Step Directions
Roast Poblanos: Roast poblano peppers over open flame or under broiler until charred all over. Sweat in a sealed bag for 10 minutes, then peel skin and remove seeds.
Blend Green Puree: In a blender, combine roasted poblanos, cilantro, onion, garlic, salt, and 1/2 cup of broth. Blend until completely smooth and bright green.
Toast Rice: Heat vegetable oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add dry rice and stir constantly for 6–8 minutes until rice turns opaque and light golden.
Add Puree & Liquid: Pour green puree into toasted rice; cook stirring for 2 minutes until puree thickens slightly. Add remaining 2 cups of broth and bring to boil.
Simmer & Rest: Cover, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 15–18 minutes without lifting lid. Remove from heat and let rest covered for 10 minutes, then fluff gently with a fork.
Optional
Spinach Boost: Add a handful of fresh spinach leaves into blender with cilantro for an even deeper emerald green color without altering flavor profile.
Cooking Tips
Thorough Blending: Ensure green herb-and-pepper puree is blended until completely smooth so green color coats every grain of rice evenly.
Nutrition Facts
(Estimated per serving, based on 6 servings)
Calories: ~210 kcal
Total Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 410mg
Total Carbohydrates: 32g
Dietary Fiber: 2g
Sugars: 1g
Protein: 4g
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