Description
This vibrant Green Rice recipe combines aromatic jasmine rice with a fresh and zesty homemade pesto made from spinach, parsley, dill, olive oil, and lemon juice. It's a quick and easy gluten-free and vegan dish that serves as a flavorful side or a base for your favorite main courses. The pesto-infused rice is gently heated in a skillet to meld the flavors perfectly while keeping a fresh, herbaceous taste.
Ingredients
Rice and Broth
- 4 cups jasmine rice, cooked and cooled
- 1/3 cup vegetable broth
- 1/2 cup pesto (see below)
Pesto
- 2 cups baby spinach leaves
- 1/2 cup fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup fresh dill or fresh mint
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 lemon, juiced
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
Instructions
- Prepare the Pesto: In a food processor, combine baby spinach, fresh parsley, fresh dill (or mint), olive oil, lemon juice, and kosher salt. Process until smooth, stopping occasionally to scrape down the sides with a spatula to ensure even blending. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Combine Rice and Pesto: In a large skillet, add the cooked jasmine rice, prepared pesto, and vegetable broth. Stir well to mix the ingredients together.
- Heat the Rice: Place the skillet over medium heat and stir constantly. This allows the rice to heat through evenly, coats it thoroughly with the pesto, and reduces the vegetable broth slightly. Continue cooking for 1 to 2 minutes or until all the liquid is absorbed and the mixture is hot.
- Serve: Remove the skillet from the heat once the rice is hot and the liquid absorbed. Garnish with extra fresh herbs if desired, and serve immediately for the best taste and texture.
Notes
- Be sure to use cooked and cooled jasmine rice to prevent clumping and achieve the best texture.
- You can substitute fresh dill with mint for a slightly different herbal flavor.
- This dish is perfect served as a side with grilled vegetables or as a base for your favorite protein to keep it vegan and gluten-free.
- You can prepare the pesto in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to two days to save time.
- Lemon juice adds brightness; adjust the amount to taste depending on your preference for acidity.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American Fusion