Green Rice: An Alternative to Plain Rice

As someone who enjoys a variety in their meals, I must admit that at times, eating plain rice with a side dish can become tiresome. That is why I have taken to trying out different rice recipes, one of which is the flavorful and aromatic green rice. However, I should clarify that the name of the dish can be misleading, as the rice itself is not actually green in color. Rather, it is so-named because it is cooked with dasheen leaves (also known as taro leaves), which impart a green hue to the rice, along with various other herbs and seasonings.

Green rice is a wonderful alternative to plain rice, as it adds a depth of flavor and complexity to any meal. It is a versatile dish that can be paired with a variety of sides, from grilled meats to sautéed vegetables. And not only does it taste great, but it is also packed with nutrients and health benefits. Dasheen leaves, the star ingredient of the dish, are rich in vitamins A and C, as well as minerals like iron and calcium. Additionally, the herbs and seasonings used in the recipe, such as thyme and garlic, are known for their anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties.

Green rice is a popular dish in many Caribbean and Latin American countries, where it is often served as a side dish with meat, fish, or vegetables. The dasheen leaves give the rice a slightly earthy flavor, while the other herbs and seasonings add depth and complexity to the dish. Green rice is also a great way to incorporate more leafy greens into your diet, as the dasheen leaves are packed with nutrients and vitamins. Overall, green rice is a delicious, nutritious, and unique addition to any meal.

GREEN RICE

Prep Time: 20minutes 

Cook Time1hour ]

Total Time: 1hour 20minutes 

Course: Rice Dishes

Cuisine: International

Servings: 1 9″ x 10″ dish

Ingredients

  • 2 cups uncooked rice
  • 1 small onion finely grated
  • 2 green pimento pepper finely chopped
  • 1 lb. grated cheese
  • 1/2 cup milk skim
  • 1 egg
  • 6 leaves dasheen bush head
  • 2 tbsp. oil
  • 1 1/2 tbsp. butter unsalted
  • 1 stalk celery finely chopped
  • 1 tsp. parsley finely chopped
  • 1 sprig chive finely chopped
  • Salt to taste

Instructions

  • Cook the rice, ensure that it is still somewhat grainy. Grate the cheese.
  • Cut off the stalk and tips of the dasheen bush. Retain the leaves and remove the tips of the dasheen bush leaves. Gather all together and slice thinly, as shown above.
  • In a deep mixing bowl, add the cooked rice, dasheen leaves, herbs, salt, pimento, onion, egg, butter, milk and 3/4 of the cheese. Mix well.
  • Pour into a greased baking dish and bake at 300° F for 40 min or until the top of the pie is golden brown.

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Recipe © Simply Trini Cooking. All rights reserved

Green Rice

Prep Time20 minutes
Cook Time1 hour
Total Time1 hour 20 minutes
Course: Rice Dishes
Cuisine: International
Servings: 1 9″ x 10″ dish
Calories:
Author: Felix (Simply Trini Cooking)

Ingredients

  • 2 cups uncooked rice
  • 1 small onion finely grated
  • 2 green pimento pepper finely chopped
  • 1 lb. grated cheese
  • 1/2 cup milk skim
  • 1 egg
  • 6 leaves dasheen bush head
  • 2 tbsp. oil
  • 1 1/2 tbsp. butter unsalted
  • 1 stalk celery finely chopped
  • 1 tsp. parsley finely chopped
  • 1 sprig chive finely chopped
  • Salt to taste

Instructions

  • Cook the rice, ensure that it is still somewhat grainy. Grate the cheese.
  • Cut off the stalk and tips of the dasheen bush. Retain the leaves and remove the tips of the dasheen bush leaves. Gather all together and slice thinly, as shown above.
  • In a deep mixing bowl, add the cooked rice, dasheen leaves, herbs, salt, pimento, onion, egg, butter, milk and 3/4 of the cheese. Mix well.
  • Pour into a greased baking dish and bake at 300° F for 40 min or until the top of the pie is golden brown.
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