Arroz Verde

On a recent trip to NYC, Tracey and I strolled through the West Village while we waited for Nan to get out of work. After walking 40+ blocks we were getting a bit hungry so we began a restaurant hunt. Of course, we hoped that we would discover a Mexican restaurant amongst the sea of potential targets. We got soooo lucky. We turned a corner in the Meat Packing District, and there before us stood a wonderful looking restaurant. There was Mexican music playing and tables outside to enjoy the beautiful night. Ofrenda did not disappoint. We opted for ordering a few apps and sides instead of entrees. This turned out to be a great choice because the food was superb and this way we were able to try many different things.

We started with some fresh chips with frijoles and guacamole. Both were pureed to a smooth, delicate texture. Out. of. this. world. We spent the entire time discussing how we would execute such deliciousness. Next came grilled zucchini with chili sauce, plantains with manchego cheese, pickled jalapeno quesadillas and a pile of arroz verde.

Stop my beating heart.

Rice enveloped in cilantro laden sauce!!!?!?! With lime!??! How did we not know about this sooner?!?! I think we slightly embarrassed ourselves with our over-exuberance for this rice (Tracey was a little less subtle when she stood on her chair and yelled "FIESTA!!" at the top of her voice).

We vowed to find a recipe when we got home.

Little did I know the recipe would find me! A food blog that I read faithfully put up a post for cilantro rice recently and I knew it was a gift from the good Lord, himself.

I made the rice last week for dinner, along with the grilled chicken, frijoles and sliced tomatoes pictured here. Nice dinner. Terrific rice. Since I made the rice I've been reading even more recipes for arroz verde, and this is going to be the next attempt. I feel like I've been given a gift, so I need to share this gift with you. If you like (LOVE) cilantro, make this rice and fight the urge to cry from the sheer joy and happiness it brings.

Mangia~

Lora