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Bowl of vibrant green rice with cilantro and spinach, showing fluffy herb-coated long-grain grains.

Green Rice with Cilantro, Spinach, Shallot and Garlic

Green Rice is a fresh, vibrant side dish with fluffy long-grain grains and a flavorful herb-forward character. It is an easy choice for adding color and a bright, savory element to everyday meals.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
Calories: 222
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Green herb mixture
  • 1 bunch cilantro (about 1 cup packed)
  • 3-4 cups fresh spinach
  • 1 shallot, peeled and roughly chopped
  • 1 serrano pepper, ribs and seeds removed, roughly chopped (sub a jalapeño pepper)
  • 1-2 cloves garlic
Rice and cooking ingredients
  • 1 1/2 cups long-grain white rice
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt (1 teaspoon salt if using water)
  • 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth, or water (up to 2 1/2 cups for stickier rice)

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Rinse the rice thoroughly in a mesh colander. Shake off excess water or blot the rice dry with paper towels to help prevent splattering when it is added to the skillet.
  2. Process the cilantro, spinach, shallot, serrano pepper, and garlic in a food processor until the mixture is very finely chopped.
Cooking
  1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the rice and sauté for 3-5 minutes until the grains are lightly toasted.
  2. Stir in the herb mixture and salt, then continue sautéing for another 3-5 minutes until the mixture becomes fragrant.
  3. Add the broth or water and bring the mixture to a simmer. Cover the skillet and cook over low heat for 15 minutes.
  4. Check the rice by fluffing it with a fork. Add more water or continue cooking longer if needed. Once the rice reaches the desired texture, remove it from the heat and fluff with a fork to evenly distribute the greens.
Serving
  1. Serve the green rice alongside your preferred meal.

Notes

The rice shown in the photos was made with 2 cups of liquid, which creates a drier, fluffier texture. For a softer and stickier texture, use 2 1/2 cups of liquid. If you are unsure which texture you prefer, begin with 2 cups and adjust with a little more water after cooking if desired.