Arroz Verde con Sabores Mexicanos
Embark on a culinary journey with this vibrant Arroz Verde, a delightful Mexican green rice dish that elevates the humble grain into a sensory experience. Packed with fresh herbs and vibrant peppers, this dish offers a burst of flavor in every bite. Perfect for accompanying grilled meats, tacos, or even as a standalone vegetarian delight, it's an ideal addition to your table whether you're hosting a festive gathering or simply enjoying a family meal. The unique combination of poblano and jalapeño peppers provides the perfect balance of heat, while the freshness of cilantro and parsley brings an aromatic richness that will tantalize your taste buds. Enjoy this nutritious and colorful dish that will brighten any dining occasion!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
chicken broth or water
3 1/2 cups (liquid)
poblano peppers
2 (coarsely chopped, stems and seeds removed)
jalapeño
1 (coarsely chopped, stem and seeds removed)
scallions or green onions
2 (chopped)
fresh cilantro
1/3 cup (chopped)
fresh parsley
1/3 cup (chopped)
salt
1 1/2 teaspoons (to taste)
vegetable oil
3 tablespoons (for cooking)
garlic cloves
3 (peeled and chopped)
parboiled rice or brown rice
2 cups (uncooked)
lime
1 (juice of)
Instructions
1
In a food processor, combine the coarsely chopped poblano peppers, jalapeño, scallions, parsley, cilantro, garlic cloves, and salt. Blend until the mixture is smooth, adding a splash of water if necessary to achieve a creamy consistency.
2
In a large saucepan, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the uncooked parboiled rice, stirring continuously for about 2 minutes to ensure each grain is well coated in the oil and slightly toasted.
3
Pour the blended green mixture into the saucepan with the rice. Stir well for an additional 2 minutes, spreading the vibrant paste evenly among the rice grains.
4
Carefully add the chicken broth or water to the saucepan. Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan, and allow it to simmer until the liquid is absorbed, approximately 15 minutes.
5
After 15 minutes, turn off the heat and let the rice sit covered for an additional 5 minutes. Finally, stir in the fresh lime juice, making sure it is evenly distributed throughout the rice before serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Arroz Verde?
Arroz Verde, or Mexican green rice, is a vibrant side dish where the rice is cooked in a blend of fresh green herbs and peppers.
What gives this rice its green color?
The color comes from a blended mixture of poblano peppers, jalapeño, scallions, fresh parsley, and cilantro.
Is this Arroz Verde recipe spicy?
It has a mild to moderate heat level thanks to the poblano and jalapeño peppers, but you can control the spice by removing the pepper seeds.
Can I use brown rice instead of parboiled rice?
Yes, you can use brown rice, though you may need to adjust the liquid amount and increase the simmering time.
What are the key herbs used in this recipe?
This recipe uses a combination of fresh cilantro and fresh parsley to provide an aromatic and savory profile.
How do I prepare the poblano peppers?
You should remove the stems and seeds, then coarsely chop them before adding them to the food processor.
Why is the rice toasted in oil before adding liquid?
Toasting the rice for about 2 minutes coats each grain in oil, which helps prevent the rice from becoming mushy and adds a nutty flavor.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely; simply use water or vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to make the dish fully vegetarian.
When do I add the lime juice?
The fresh lime juice should be stirred in after the rice has finished simmering and resting to preserve its bright, citrusy flavor.
What is the ratio of liquid to rice for this recipe?
The recipe uses 3 1/2 cups of chicken broth or water for every 2 cups of uncooked rice.
How long does it take to simmer the rice?
The rice should simmer on low heat for approximately 15 minutes until the liquid is fully absorbed.
Is it necessary to let the rice rest after cooking?
Yes, letting the rice sit covered for 5 minutes after turning off the heat helps the moisture redistribute for a fluffier texture.
What equipment is needed for the green sauce?
A food processor or a high-speed blender is required to blend the peppers, herbs, and garlic into a smooth paste.
Can I substitute scallions?
If you don't have scallions, you can use a small amount of chopped white or yellow onion in the blended mixture.
Is Arroz Verde gluten-free?
Yes, as long as the chicken broth you use is certified gluten-free, the entire dish is naturally gluten-free.
How should I store leftover Arroz Verde?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Can I freeze this green rice?
Yes, this rice freezes well. Allow it to cool completely before placing it in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months.
What dishes pair well with Mexican Green Rice?
It pairs beautifully with grilled meats, shrimp, tacos, enchiladas, or as a base for a vegetarian burrito bowl.
How do I make the rice even spicier?
To increase the heat, leave the seeds in the jalapeño or add a serrano pepper to the blending process.
What if I don't have fresh parsley?
You can use extra cilantro, though the parsley helps provide a more balanced, earthy green flavor.
Do I need to peel the garlic cloves?
Yes, the 3 garlic cloves should be peeled and roughly chopped before being blended with the peppers.
Can I add other vegetables to the rice?
Yes, stirring in some frozen peas or corn during the last few minutes of simmering is a great way to add more texture.
Why is it called 'Arroz Verde'?
'Arroz Verde' simply translates to 'Green Rice' in Spanish, named for its distinctive color.
What type of oil is best for this recipe?
A neutral vegetable oil is recommended, but you can also use avocado oil or canola oil.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
This recipe calls for 11 main ingredients including the rice, liquid, peppers, herbs, and seasonings.
Can I use bottled lime juice?
Fresh lime juice is highly recommended for the best flavor, but bottled juice can be used in a pinch.
What is the best way to reheat the rice?
Reheat it in the microwave with a splash of water or broth to keep the grains from drying out.
Should the green mixture be chunky or smooth?
It should be blended until smooth to ensure the green color and flavor are distributed evenly throughout the rice.
Is this a good recipe for meal prep?
Yes, it is excellent for meal prep as the flavors often deepen after sitting, and it holds its texture well.
Can I use a rice cooker for this recipe?
Yes, you can toast the rice and sauté the paste in a pan first, then transfer everything to a rice cooker to finish.