Green Rice

This dish was a very different variation on rice than any I've ever had before! I love finding novel flavors.

Combine 2 cups water and 1 cup basmati rice and let stand for 30 minutes; drain well and set the rice aside.

Meanwhile, combine 1 cup chopped cilantro and 2 seeded and chopped poblano chiles in a food processor with 2 tablespoons water; blend until smooth - almost like a pesto! Set aside.

Heat 1 and 1/2 teaspoons olive oil in a saucepan over medium-high heat. Add 1 cup finely chopped onion (mine was probably closer to minced), 1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper, 1/4 cup chopped green onions, and 1 minced garlic clove; saute 3 minutes.

Add the poblano mixture, and saute for 2 minutes.

Add the reserved rice, 2 cups of water and 1/4 tsp. salt; bring to a boil, then cover, reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes.

You'll have enough for 4 side servings of 1 cup and 250 calories each.

Cost:
basmati rice $2.40
cilantro $1.69
poblano chiles $1.92
onion $0.77
green bell pepper $1.44
green onions $0.99