Mediterranean Diet Green Rice (Arroz Verde)

Bring a burst of vibrant color and fresh flavors to your table with Mediterranean Diet Green Rice (Arroz Verde), a wholesome twist on a classic dish. This recipe combines nutrient-rich long-grain brown rice with a tantalizing herb blend of spinach, parsley, and cilantro, effortlessly balanced by a splash of zesty lemon juice. Sautéed garlic and onions add depth, while toasted pine nuts lend a delightful crunch to every bite. Made entirely with heart-healthy extra-virgin olive oil, this dish is perfect for a Mediterranean-inspired meal. Whether served as a side dish or paired with grilled fish or chicken, this quick and easy recipe, ready in under an hour, is a beautiful way to enjoy the fresh, bold flavors of the Mediterranean diet.

Nutriscore Rating: 70/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:35 mins

Total Time:50 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 cup long-grain brown rice
• 2 cups water
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
• 1 cup fresh parsley leaves
• 1 cup fresh cilantro leaves
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons pine nuts, toasted

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the brown rice under cold water and set aside.

Step 2

In a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups of water to a boil. Add the rinsed rice and return to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover. Let it simmer for about 35 minutes or until all the water is absorbed and the rice is tender.

Step 3

While the rice is cooking, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until it is soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.

Step 4

Add the minced garlic to the onions and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.

Step 5

In a blender, combine the spinach, parsley, cilantro, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Blend until smooth, forming a vibrant green paste.

Step 6

Once the rice is cooked, fluff it with a fork and then add it to the skillet with the onion and garlic mixture.

Step 7

Stir the green paste into the rice, mixing thoroughly to ensure every grain is coated with the herb mixture. Continue to cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to meld the flavors.

Step 8

Remove from heat and sprinkle with toasted pine nuts.

Step 9

Serve immediately as a side dish or as a main course complemented with grilled fish or chicken.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1307.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	728.0

Total Fat 44.7g	0%
Saturated Fat 5.2g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.0g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 2561.7mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 77.0g	0%
Dietary Fiber 15.3g	0%
Total Sugars 9.2g
Protein 18.2g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 578.5mg	0%
Iron 21.6mg	0%
Potassium 2558.7mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 51.4%

Protein: 9.3%

Carbs: 39.3%