Cafe Pasqual's Cilantro Rice

SusieQusie's Note:

Cooled with cilantro & scallion, this rice is also heated with a chile kick. Adapted from Gourmet magazine - July 2006.

• Total Time: 30 mins
• Prep Time: 10 mins
• Cook Time: 20 mins

Ingredients:

Servings: 6

• 1 1/2 cups long grain white rice
• 2 cups water
• 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 1 cup loosely packed fresh cilantro
• 1/2 cup chopped white onion
• 1/4 cup chopped scallion
• 1 1/2 tablespoons chopped fresh jalapenos, including seeds
• 1 1/2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
• 1 teaspoon olive oil

Directions:

1. Bring rice, water & 1 teaspoon salt to a boil. Reduce heat, cover pan & simmer 20 minutes.
2. Remove from heat and let stand, covered, for 5 minutes. Remove lid & fluff with a fork.
3. While rice is cooking, using a blender, puree cilantro, onion, scallion, jalapeno, lime juice, olive oil & remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt. (If needed, can add 1-2 tablespoons water to get a smooth puree.).
4. Add mixture to rice & stir with a fork till well blended.

Reviews

[Cook In Southwest]

I simply love this rice! It is such a pretty color and a nice alternative to Spanish rice with Mexican style food. I added about 1/2 cup of pinion nuts after the puree to the rice. I remember thinking the green rice at Cafe Psqual's in Santa Fe had pinon nuts when I ate it there.

A word of caution - don't overdo the jalapeno pepper. If you do, it will overpower the other flavors. I did the first time I made this, since I like jalapeno, but it was a mistake.

[RedVinoGirl]

I think I'm in the minority here. This had WAY too strong of a cilantro taste for us (and we love cilantro!) to the point that it overwhelmed the dish a bit. It was decent...but if I tried it again, I would cut the cilantro in at least half! I even thinned the puree' a bit with some water since it was thicker than it should have been. But still really strong for us. Glad we tried it. Thanks for posting.

[averybird]

I loved this rice! It has a great flavor and I didn't think the cilantro was too much. I used green chiles in place of jalapeno and chives from my garden for the scallion. Otherwise followed pretty closely. Served with corn tortilla quesadillas, ranchero beans, and a simple guacamole- this was one of the best meals I've had in awhile. Will definitely make again. THANK YOU SusieQusie! [Made for Zaar Chef Alphabet Soup]