Green Rice – A Vibrant, Anti-Inflammatory Side Dish
Vibrant, herbaceous, and nourishing, this Green Rice is a simple way to pack in vegetables while keeping the dish light, flavorful, and comforting.
Introduction
Green rice is light, flavorful, and full of nutritional value. It’s a wonderful way to incorporate more vegetables into your day without feeling like you’re eating a plate of greens. Blended spinach, peppers, onion, and garlic create a bright, savory base that transforms simple rice into something both delicious and deeply nourishing.
If you enjoy a little heat, stick with jalapeño or serrano. If you prefer something milder, poblano pepper works beautifully while still delivering rich flavor.
🌿 Mindful Morsel
Peppers contain capsaicin, a compound known to help reduce inflammation and support pain relief. Onions contribute quercetin, a powerful antioxidant with anti-inflammatory benefits, while olive oil helps improve nutrient absorption. Together, these ingredients create a dish that supports whole-body wellness while tasting vibrant and comforting.
Recipe Information
Serves: 4–6
Prep Time: 10–15 minutes
Cook Time: ~40 minutes
Total Time: ~55 minutes
Calories per Serving: ~210
Ingredients
2 cups packed baby spinach (about 2 oz)
1 jalapeño or serrano pepper (or poblano for less heat)
¼ large yellow onion
2 garlic cloves (or 1 tbsp jarred garlic)
2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
½ tsp sea salt
1¾ cups water, divided
1½ cups long-grain brown rice (basmati preferred)
Instructions
Prep: Wash all produce. Seed and de-rib the pepper, then roughly chop the pepper, onion, and garlic.
Blend: Add spinach, pepper, onion, garlic, olive oil, salt, and ½ cup of water to a blender or food processor. Blend until completely smooth.
Heat: Pour the green mixture into a medium saucepan and add the remaining water. Bring to a gentle boil over medium-high heat.
Add Rice: Stir in the rice, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer. Stir every few minutes to prevent sticking. Cook until the rice is tender and has absorbed the liquid, about 40 minutes.
Adjust: If the rice is still firm once the liquid is absorbed, add 2 tablespoons of water and cook 2–3 minutes longer. Repeat as needed until tender.
Steam: Remove the saucepan from heat, fluff the rice with a fork, cover again, and let steam for 10 minutes.
Serve: Serve warm as a side dish or base for bowls, proteins, or roasted vegetables.
Tips/Notes
Swap rice for quinoa for a higher-protein option.
Works well with whole wheat pasta, rice pasta, or other whole grains.
Add fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley for extra brightness.
This rice pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, fish, beans, or roasted vegetables.
Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Social Media Callout
This Green Rice is bright, nourishing, and packed with veggies in the most delicious way. Save it for your next weeknight meal and tag @mmmindfulmorsels on Instagram — I’d love to see how you serve it! 🌿✨
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