When I first saw this recipe for Arroz Verde, I thought the use of milk in the dish sounded a little wierd but let me tell you right now…THIS RECIPE ROCKS! This incredibly flavorful rice dish is easy to make and a great side to any Mexi-themed meal. My 10-year-old son called it (and I quote) “The Best Rice Ever”. ‘Nuf said.

Arroz Verde (Green Rice)
- recipe from Fine Cooking Magazine 

Fresh cilantro and spinach lend all their virtues — bright flavors, aromas, and color — to this Mexican rice pilaf. Milk and chicken broth add a subtle richness. Serves six to eight.

1/2 cup tightly packed fresh cilantro sprigs (about 1/2 oz.)
1 cup tightly packed fresh stemmed spinach leaves (about 1-1/2 oz.)
1-1/4 cups homemade or low-salt chicken broth
1-1/4 cups milk
1 tsp. kosher salt
1 Tbs. olive oil
3 Tbs. unsalted butter
1-1/2 cups long-grain rice
1/4 cup finely minced onion
1 clove garlic, minced

Put the cilantro, spinach, and broth in a blender and blend until the vegetables are puréed. Add the milk and salt and blend a bit more until well combined.

In a medium (3-qt.) heavy-based saucepan (with a good lid) over medium heat, heat the olive oil and butter. When the butter is melted, add the rice and sauté, stirring about every 30 seconds, until it just begins to brown, 3 to 4 minutes. Add the onion and garlic and cook 1 minute, stirring constantly. Add the contents of the blender, stir well, turn the heat to high, and bring to a boil. Cover the pan, turn the heat to very low, and cook for 20 minutes. Stir the rice carefully to avoid crushing it, cover, and cook another 5 minutes. Take the pan off the heat and let the rice steam in the covered pot for 10 minutes. Serve hot.

Tags: arroz verde, cilantro, green rice, Mexican rice, Side Dish, spinach