Mexican Green Rice

Mexican green rice is a typical dish which originated from Mexico. It is locally called as Arroz Verde Mexicano and prepared using Morelos rice which is typically grown in Mexico of highest quality. The original recipe asks for poblano pepper (Capsicum annuum) which is originally grown in Mexico with very mild flavor. There are many versions of this rice preparation. Here I have used the basic recipe learnt it from a TV show many years back. The recipe is very simple with few ingredients adding mild flavors of roasted rice, capsicum, onion, garlic and herbed coriander. I have tried to add an extra flavor by grilling the veggies and then churning it. Apart from adding flavor and light green colour to the rice variety, capsicum or bell pepper are loaded with vitamins like A, C, K. Bell peppers have anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties. This is gluten free and vegan free recipe.

Let’s see the recipe

Course: Rice

Cuisine: Mexico

Preparation time: 15 mins

Cooking time: 25 mins

Serves: 2 nos

Ingredients:

Basamati rice – 2 cups

Capsicum- 2 big

Garlic cloves – 4-6 nos

Onion – 1 medium sized

Green chili – 2 no

Black pepper powder – 1 tbsp

Finely chopped coriander leaves – 2 tbsp

Cumin – 1 tsp

Salt as per taste

Oil – 2 tbsp

Water as required

Method:

1. Preheat the oven at 220°C for 10 mins in grill mode.
2. Take a baking tray and place capsicum, onion, garlic, brush with oil and sprinkle black pepper powder.
3. Grill the vegetables in preheated oven at 220°C for 15 – 20 minutes or until the vegetables are partially charred.
4. Cool the vegetables, peel the skin and keep this aside for grinding.
5. Take a mixer jar, add the grilled vegetables, green chili and coriander leaves. Make into fine paste. Keep this aside.
6. Take a wok, heat oil, add rice and fry till you get nice aroma or slight change in colour.
7. Add required quantity of water, salt cover and cook the rice.
8. When the rice is ¾ th done, drain and keep this aside.
9. Now a take a wok, heat oil, add cumin, fry.
10. Now add the ground green paste, salt and mix well.
11. Add the cooked rice and mix well. Mexican green rice is ready to be served.
12. Serving options: can be served with plain curd, onion raita or tomato sauce.

My Notes:

Mixture of herbs like pudina and coriander can be added for grinding.

The quantity of green chili is variable depending on individual taste.