Chest-in-a-beat cobalt rice is the one dish that will cause my heart to skip. Heck, you can make this dish a thousand different ways and yet still have it prepared daily. Fluffy and flavorsome, this rice, with just a little bit of spice, celebrates every single bite; the one thing that makes this dish stand out is the freshness and vivacious green color that perfectly mirrors the herbs and vegetables that lend it specialty.
What Makes Green Rice So Unique?
Traditionally green rice or arroz verde is usually known to be a delicious side dish that is eaten with a variety of dishes from Mexico or any Latin American country. It is known to be herby in flavor, hotness usually coming from the use of jalapeños or poblanos. I twisted this very dish to using spinach as the base and serrano pepper for the spicy herbal kick. It can then be served as an accompaniment with loads of cuisines, be it Mexican or Thai, Indian, or even smoky BBQ. Frankly, the possibilities are endless.
What makes this green rice so incredible is how well it uses to adapt into almost any of your favorite proteins combined with building-your-own bowls. Chicken, salmon, eggs, you name it-this green rice makes it all better. Best of all, you’ll end up mixing and matching new combinations every time you make it.
How I Adore Serving This Green Rice
This green rice has so many other wonderful combinations, one of which is:
Green Rice + Chicken Skewers & Creamy Corn
This is my current favorite. Smoky grilled chicken would just go with the vibrant, spicy rice, but creamy corn would create a subtle sweetness at the same time.
Green Rice + black Beans + fried Egg
Quickest and best breakfast or lunch, especially if you are working at home and in need of a speedy meal. It brings a rich effect to the dish with fried egg and black beans can add another layer of flavor.
Green Rice + Air Fryer Salmon
Without bringing the jewelled-looking salmon into this dish, the green rice is its perfect match due to sweet rubs and savory ones.
Green Rice + Air Fryer Chicken
No-brainer. Grilling, roasting, and air frying will result in chicken on rice like nothing else. One of those recipes where you make it just the once and get hooked, and the best bit? It goes with such a variety of meals, bursting with vibrant green on the plate.
A Quick Note on the Kids (and Spice)
Well, if you have tiny tots, you’d better appreciate that this rice packs heat. My daughters, being 3 and 5, aren’t into the heat; but to be honest, I really wouldn’t mind making it for just me and my husband. Well, for the first time, this dish would have been the unforgettable star of a little, unpretentious hideaway I had set up for myself. While I savored that dish, they’d eat something bland. With children near, you might want to consider holding back on the serrano, else employ something milder, such as a roasted poblano or diced green chilies. Spiciness is actually one thing that makes the green rice feel addictive too. Just my opinion though!!!
Green Rice Making in Your Kitchen
If this gorgeous and delicious rice is something you want to bring home, here is a step-by-step description to help you prepare it:
Step 1: Blitz the Greens
The greens are first finely chopped. Not minced-roughly chopped will do here; the idea is to get small bits so they will be efficiently combined with the rice and give that fresh green color and flavor.
Step 2: Toast the Rice
Pour the oil into a hot pan and toast the rice for a few minutes. This is the part where the nutty flavor lives: it develops all that yummy nut flavor in the rice, making it all that much tastier. When it has turned to a faint golden color, add the chopped greens to the pan, letting them cook for about a minute. The aroma will be heavenly!
Step 3: Add Liquid and Simmer
Pour in water or broth, cover the pan with a lid and let simmer it down for about 15 minutes. All this beautiful liquid gets absorbed by the rice and the greens become one with the rice in an exquisite concoction of aroma.
Step 4: Fluff & Serve
Since the rice is completely cooked, you now need to fluff it up with a fork so that every bit of green is evenly distributed throughout. This is what gives it that wonderful brilliant green sheen and allows all those flavors to come together. Then you are all set to serve it!
I don’t care if I use other herbs with coriander.
Of course! You can definitely use parsley, chives, or even basil instead of cilantro if you’re not fond of the taste or wanted to switch it up a little bit. Each will bring something different to rice, so keep an open mind.
How long will leftover rice remain fresh?
Leftover rice has a shelf life of about 3 to 5 days when kept in the refrigerator. For best freshness and safety, it should be cooled quickly and stored in an airtight container.
Can I tone it down?
Mild spice is totally fine by us! Half a serrano chili will give you half the heat or even none at all. Or possibly replace it with a mild pepper, such as jalapeños (without seeds and ribs) or roasted poblanos. Or you can also add a 7-ounce can of diced green chiles for a really mild taste for an extreme mild taste.
Final Thoughts on Green Rice
This green rice is one of those that will find itself as a staple item in your kitchen once after you have tasted it. Whether you serve it with good old Mexican fare or chose to go a little crazy and try it with Thai or BBQ, one thing is for sure-it’s always gonna flood the palate with flavor. Plus, it is super versatile, and the leftovers are equally delicious, making it a perfect option for meal prep.
