Green Rice with Smoked Paprika

Serves 4 people

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 25 minutes

Ingredients

  • 250g basmati rice, rinsed
  • 500ml vegetable stock (hot)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil (about 30ml)
  • 1 small onion (about 100g), finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic (about 7g), minced
  • 150g spinach leaves
  • 50g fresh parsley
  • 30g fresh coriander
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika (about 3g)
  • ½ tsp sweet paprika (about 1.5g)
  • ½ tsp salt (about 2.5g)
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • 40g pine nuts, toasted

Method

  1. Prepare the greens
    In a blender, blitz spinach, parsley, and coriander with 100ml of the stock until smooth.
  2. Cook the aromatics
    Heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add onion and cook for 5 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic, smoked paprika, and sweet paprika, cooking for 30 seconds.
  3. Cook the rice
    Add rice, green puree, remaining stock, salt, and pepper. Stir well, bring to the boil, then reduce to a low simmer. Cover and cook for 15 minutes, or until rice is tender and liquid absorbed.
  4. Finish
    Fluff rice with a fork, stir through toasted pine nuts, and serve hot.

Chef’s Note

This works beautifully alongside grilled chicken, seafood, or roasted vegetables, and can be served warm or at room temperature.