Arroz Verde (green Rice)

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup tightly packed fresh cilantro stem (about 1/2 oz.)
• 1 cup tightly packed fresh stemmed spinach leaves (about 1 1/2 oz.)
• 1 1/4 cups chicken stock (low salt, please)
• 1 1/4 cups milk
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 1/2 cups long grain rice
• 1/4 cup finely minced onion
• 1 garlic clove, minced

Directions

1. 1

   Put the cilantro, spinach and chicken stock in a blender and blend until finely pureed.

2. 2

   Add the milk and salt and blend just until everything is blended.

3. 3

   Set aside.

4. 4

   In a 3 qt saucepan with a good lid, heat the olive oil and butter.

5. 5

   When the butter is melted, add the rice and saute until it just begins to brown (3 minutes).

6. 6

   Add the onion and garlic and cook another minute, stirring.

7. 7

   Add the contents of the blender, stir well, bring the mixture to a boil, then put the lid on and turn the heat to low.

8. 8

   Allow to cook at least 20 minutes.

9. 9

   Stir the rice very carefully with a fork, then cover and let it cook another 5 minutes.

10. 10

    Turn off the heat and let the rice steam, covered, for about 10 minutes before serving.