Recipe: Arroz Verde ( Green Rice )

ARROZ VERDE (GREEN RICE)
Source: Time Life Series: Latin American Cooking
Servings: 6

4 poblano chilies or 4 green peppers, each 4 inches inches diameter
4 cups chicken stock, fresh or canned, divided use
1 cup parsley, fresh, coarsely chopped
1/2 cup onion; coarsely chopped
1/4 tsp garlic; finely chopped
1 tsp salt
1/8 tsp black pepper; freshly ground
1/4 cup olive oil
2 cups long grain rice; raw

Roast the chilies or peppers, remove their skins, stems, seeds and thick white membranes and discard. Chop the chilies into chunks.

Combine 1 cup of the chunks and 1/2 cup of stock in the jar of a blender and blend at high speed for 15 seconds, then gradually add the remaining chilies and the parsley, onions, garlic, salt and pepper, blending until the mixture is reduced to a smooth puree. (To make the sauce by hand, puree the chilies, parsley, onions and garlic, a cup or so at a time, in a food mill set over a bowl.

Discard any pulp left in the mill. Stir in 1/2 cup of stock and the salt and pepper.

Pour the oil into a 2 to 3 quart casserole and set it over moderate heat. When the oil is hot but not smoking, add the rice and stir constantly for 2 to 3 minutes until the grains are coated with oil. Do not let them brown. Now add the pureed chili mixture and simmer, stirring occasionally, for 5 minutes.

Meanwhile, bring the remaining 3 1/2 cups of stock to a boil in a small saucepan and pour it over the rice. Return to a boil, cover the casserole and reduce the heat to its lowest point. Simmer undisturbed for 18 to 20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed all the liquid.

Before serving, fluff the rice with a fork. If the rice must wait, remove the cover and drape the pan loosely with a towel. Place in a preheated 250 degree (F) oven to keep warm.