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American·Side Dish

Spinach-Infused Swamp Rice

A vibrant, nutrient-dense rice side dish inspired by the viral 'swamp soup,' featuring a blended green 'smoothie' of spinach, herbs, and jalapeños that flavors and colors long-grain basmati rice.

Prep

15m

Cook

35m

Total

50m

Serves

6

Method

  1. 01

    Place diced onions and olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Season with a pinch of salt and sauté, stirring occasionally, for about 5 minutes or until translucent and soft.

    Step 1
    Watch · 0:33
  2. 02

    In a blender, combine the packed baby spinach, seeded jalapeños, parsley, garlic, green onions, and water (or broth). Blend on high speed until completely smooth and liquefied.

    Step 2
    Watch · 0:58
  3. 03

    Add the basmati rice to the sautéed onions. Stir for 1-2 minutes to coat every grain of rice in the oil, which helps prevent the rice from becoming too sticky.

    Step 3
    Watch · 1:46
  4. 04

    Increase the heat to high and pour in the blended green mixture. Stir to combine and bring the liquid to a boil. Shake the pan to ensure the rice is in an even layer.

    Step 4
    Watch · 2:14
  5. 05

    Once boiling, cover the pan with a tight-fitting lid and reduce the heat to medium-low. Simmer for exactly 20 minutes (the extra time accounts for the viscosity of the green liquid).

    Step 5
    Watch · 3:00
  6. 06

    Turn off the heat and let the rice rest, covered, for 10 minutes. Do not peek or stir. After resting, uncover and fluff the rice thoroughly with a fork to separate the grains and release excess steam. Garnish with sliced jalapeños and green onions before serving.

    Step 6
    Watch · 3:27

From Chef John

  • “This is perfect for people who feel like the regular rice side dishes just do not contain enough polyphenols.”
  • “I think by coating the grains with a fat, we end up with a better texture.”
  • “I mean, you are, after all, the Meredith Hayden of patiently waiting.”