This Italian Green Rice is a vibrant and healthy side dish that brings a pop of color and flavor to your table. Made with fresh spinach, aromatic celery, and onions, it offers a light yet satisfying texture. The rice is cooked in chicken broth for depth of flavor, while the spinach provides a nutritious green hue and earthy taste. Ideal for pairing with grilled meats or roasted vegetables, this dish is both elegant and comforting. It’s a simple recipe that highlights fresh ingredients and traditional Italian flavors, making it a perfect addition to any meal.
Italian Green Rice
Description
This Italian Green Rice is a vibrant and healthy side dish that brings a pop of color and flavor to your table. Made with fresh spinach, aromatic celery, and onions, it offers a light yet satisfying texture. The rice is cooked in chicken broth for depth of flavor, while the spinach provides a nutritious green hue and earthy taste. Ideal for pairing with grilled meats or roasted vegetables, this dish is both elegant and comforting. It&# 226;ÂÂs a simple recipe that highlights fresh ingredients and traditional Italian flavors, making it a perfect addition to any meal.Ingredients
Directions
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Wash the fresh spinach thoroughly to remove any sand or debris.
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Discard the stems and place the spinach leaves in a food processor.
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Chop the spinach in batches and set aside.
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Heat olive oil and 1/4 cup of chicken broth in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
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Add chopped onion, celery, salt, and pepper to the saucepan.
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Cook briefly, stirring, until the vegetables begin to soften.
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Raise the heat and add the chopped spinach to the saucepan.
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Cook until the spinach begins to release its liquid, stirring occasionally.
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Add the rice to the saucepan and stir to combine with the vegetables and spinach.
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Pour in the remaining 2 cups of chicken broth.
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Reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan, and let it simmer for 20 minutes.
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Check if the rice is cooked and has absorbed the liquid; add more broth if needed.
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Once done, fluff the rice with a fork before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 6
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 415.1kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 24.2g38%
- Saturated Fat 5.5g28%
- Cholesterol 120.2mg41%
- Sodium 200.4mg9%
- Total Carbohydrate 4.1g2%
- Dietary Fiber 2.5g10%
- Sugars 0.5g
- Protein 39.7g80%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
For a vegetarian option, substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth.
You can adjust the amount of spinach to your preference; more spinach will result in a greener dish.
If you prefer a richer flavor, you can add a tablespoon of butter at the end of cooking.
This dish pairs well with grilled chicken, roasted vegetables, or a light salad.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.