Swamp Rice

Swamp Rice

Swamp rice, inspired by a famous green soup recipe, is delicious, nutritious, beautiful, and a very versatile side dish. Herbaceous and savory, you can serve it as-is, or season it further—fortified with a chunk of butter, a squeeze of lemon, or a splash of vinegar.

Ingredients

  • olive oil
    3 tbsp
  • diced onions
    ½ c
  • kosher salt
    2 tsp
  • firmly packed baby spinach
    2 c
  • jalapeno peppers

    seeded, sliced into 1 inch pieces

    4
  • italian parsley

    large stems removed

    1 bunch
  • garlic

    peeled

    2 cloves
  • green onions

    sliced

    1 bunch
  • water

    chicken broth, or vegetable broth

    2 ½ c
  • basmati rice
    2 c

Directions

  1. 1

    Add oil to a saucepan with a tight fitting lid, and place over medium heat. Add onions and a pinch of salt, and cook, stirring occasionally, until onions soften and turn translucent, about 5 minutes.

  2. 2

    Meanwhile, combine spinach, peppers, parsley, garlic, green onions, and water or broth in a blender. Blend on high speed to liquefy; set aside.

  3. 3

    Add rice and remaining salt to the saucepan, and stir until rice grains are coated with oil, about 1 minute.

  4. 4

    Turn the heat up to high; pour in liquid from the blender. Stir for a few seconds to combine, and then wait for the mixture to start to boil around the edges. Stir once more, and then briefly shake the pan to settle the rice down into an even layer.

  5. 5

    Wait for mixture to return to a boil around the edges, 30 seconds to 1 minute. Reduce heat to medium-low, and cover tightly. Set a timer for 20 minutes.

  6. 6

    Turn off the heat, set the timer for 10 minutes more, and let rice rest, covered, for the full 10 minutes. Uncover, and use a fork to test the doneness of rice in the center. If rice is tender, use a fork to stir, toss, and fluff to separate the rice grains. If it is not quite tender enough, cover and place back over medium-low heat for 5 minutes, and then recheck for doneness. Fluff and serve.

    Step 6
Swamp Rice

Swamp Rice

4.4(11)113 cal

Ratings & Reviews

0.0/ 5
Excellent

Based on 11 ratings

allrecipes.com
4.4(11 reviews)
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About this Recipe

Craving a vibrant, flavorful side dish that elevates any meal? This "Swamp Rice" is a truly unique offering, inspired by the fresh, green goodness of a famous soup, delivering a delicious, nutritious, and beautiful accompaniment to your table. You'll love how this versatile dish adds a pop of color and herbaceous depth.

What makes this recipe truly special is its celebration of fresh, bright flavors. A generous blend of baby spinach, fragrant Italian parsley, lively green onions, and a subtle hum of seeded jalapeno peppers infuses basmati rice with an incredibly herbaceous and savory character. This carefully crafted combination ensures a side dish that's far from ordinary.

Expect a beautifully verdant rice dish with a light, fluffy texture from the basmati. Each spoonful delivers a fresh, savory taste with a gentle warmth from the jalapeno, enhancing rather than overpowering. It's designed to be a vibrant canvas, ready to complement a wide range of main courses, providing a wholesome and satisfying element without feeling heavy.

While delicious as-is, this Swamp Rice invites customization. You can easily adjust the richness by stirring in a chunk of butter at the end, or brighten its profile with a fresh squeeze of lemon juice or a splash of your favorite vinegar. For the liquid, choose water for a purer herb flavor, or opt for chicken broth or vegetable broth to add an extra layer of savory depth.

This herbaceous rice makes an excellent accompaniment for weeknight dinners or special gatherings. It's a fantastic way to introduce fresh flavors and a lovely visual appeal to any plate, offering a versatile foundation for various culinary pairings.

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