Sometimes my body just craves something bright and restorative after a week of heavy meals. That is exactly when I turn to this vibrant Green Rice Porridge, which packs an incredible amount of spinach and herbs into every spoonful.
It reminds me of traditional congee but with a fresh, verdant twist that wakes up the palate immediately. You get all the soothing textures of soft, simmered rice combined with the earthy, clean taste of homemade green broth.
The Magic Behind This Green Rice Porridge
The brilliant color stays incredibly vivid because we blend the greens right at the end rather than cooking them to death. This technique keeps the Green Rice Porridge looking beautiful and tasting fresh rather than muddy or overcooked.
I appreciate how adaptable this base recipe is for whatever leftover vegetables or proteins happen to be in my refrigerator. It acts as a perfect canvas for toppings like crispy garlic, soft-boiled eggs, or a drizzle of sesame oil.
You can make a large batch on Sunday and enjoy it for quick, nourishing lunches throughout the busy work week. The texture actually improves after a day as the rice grains continue to absorb that savory, herbaceous liquid.
If you enjoyed this restorative bowl, my Cozy Creamy Potato Soup Recipe brings that same satisfying warmth, and the Zesty Easy Chicken Lasagna Soup Recipe has become a regular in my meal rotation.
Everything You Need for Perfect Green Rice Porridge
Here is what you will need to gather from your pantry and fridge:
- Chicken or Vegetable Stock: Forms the savory foundation of the porridge and adds essential depth.
- Jasmine Rice: Provides a subtle floral aroma and breaks down beautifully into a silky texture.
- Fresh Spinach: Adds the signature color and earthy nutrient boost to the blend.
- Ginger: Adds a necessary warmth and slight spicy kick to cut through the richness.
- Fresh Cilantro: Brings a bright, citrusy herbal note that lifts the heavier flavors.
- Garlic: Essential for that deep, aromatic savory base that makes the porridge satisfying.
- Scallions: Used for both the green blend and a crisp garnish for texture.
- Soy Sauce: Provides the salt and umami depth needed to season the rice.
- Sesame Oil: A finishing touch for nutty richness that ties everything together.
- White Pepper: Adds a specific kind of earthy heat that pairs perfectly with rice.
My Method for Green Rice Porridge
Let’s get cooking!
- Begin by rinsing your rice thoroughly under cold water until the water runs mostly clear, then set it aside to drain. In a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, heat a splash of neutral oil over medium heat and sauté the minced ginger and garlic until they are fragrant and just starting to turn golden, which usually takes about two minutes. You want to release the aromatics without burning them, as burnt garlic will make the Green Rice Porridge bitter.
- Add the rinsed rice to the pot and stir it constantly for a minute to coat the grains in the aromatic oil. Pour in the chicken or vegetable stock, bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover with a lid. Let this simmer gently for about 25 to 30 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until the rice has broken down and the mixture has thickened into a porridge consistency.
- While the rice is simmering, prepare your vibrant green paste by placing the fresh spinach, cilantro, and the green parts of the scallions into a blender. Add a small ladle of the hot broth from the pot or a splash of water to help the blades spin, then blend on high speed until you have a smooth, bright green puree. Ensure there are no large chunks of leaves remaining, as you want a consistent color throughout the dish.
- Once the rice has reached your desired creamy consistency, remove the pot from the heat completely. Stir in the green puree immediately, watching as the white porridge transforms into a beautiful emerald color. Season the mixture with soy sauce, sesame oil, and white pepper, tasting as you go to ensure the salt levels are perfect for your preference.
My Best Tips for Perfect Green Rice Porridge
Washing the rice thoroughly is crucial to remove excess starch so the final dish is creamy without being gluey or gloppy. I rinse the grains until the water runs completely clear before tossing them into the pot for the Green Rice Porridge.
If you want an even smoother consistency, you can pulse the cooked rice mixture with an immersion blender before adding the green puree. This creates a silkier texture that feels more like a puree than a traditional rustic rice soup.
Be careful not to boil the soup vigorously once you have stirred in the herb blend or the vibrant green color will fade to olive. I always turn the heat off immediately after mixing the greens into the Green Rice Porridge to preserve that brightness.
How I Like to Serve This Green Rice Porridge
I usually ladle this into deep bowls and top it generously with chili crisp for a contrasting heat against the mild herbs. A soft-boiled egg with a jammy yolk adds a rich creaminess that makes the Green Rice Porridge feel like a complete meal.
For added texture, I scatter toasted sesame seeds or fried shallots over the surface just before eating. The crunch provides a necessary counterpoint to the soft, soothing consistency of the rice and greens.
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Green Rice Porridge
- Total Time: 50 min
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A vibrant, restorative rice porridge infused with fresh spinach and herbs, creating a comforting bowl that is both nourishing and deeply flavorful.
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 inch fresh ginger, peeled and minced
- 6 cups chicken or vegetable stock
- 1 cup jasmine rice, rinsed
- 2 cups fresh spinach, packed
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves
- 2 scallions, roughly chopped
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1/2 tsp white pepper
Instructions
- Begin by rinsing your rice thoroughly under cold water until the water runs mostly clear, then set it aside to drain. In a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, heat a splash of neutral oil over medium heat and sauté the minced ginger and garlic until they are fragrant and just starting to turn golden, which usually takes about two minutes. You want to release the aromatics without burning them, as burnt garlic will make the Green Rice Porridge bitter.
- Add the rinsed rice to the pot and stir it constantly for a minute to coat the grains in the aromatic oil. Pour in the chicken or vegetable stock, bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover with a lid. Let this simmer gently for about 25 to 30 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until the rice has broken down and the mixture has thickened into a porridge consistency.
- While the rice is simmering, prepare your vibrant green paste by placing the fresh spinach, cilantro, and the green parts of the scallions into a blender. Add a small ladle of the hot broth from the pot or a splash of water to help the blades spin, then blend on high speed until you have a smooth, bright green puree. Ensure there are no large chunks of leaves remaining, as you want a consistent color throughout the dish.
- Once the rice has reached your desired creamy consistency, remove the pot from the heat completely. Stir in the green puree immediately, watching as the white porridge transforms into a beautiful emerald color. Season the mixture with soy sauce, sesame oil, and white pepper, tasting as you go to ensure the salt levels are perfect for your preference.
Notes
Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days; add a splash of water when reheating as the rice will thicken.
- Prep Time: 15 min
- Cooling Time: 5 min
- Cook Time: 35 min
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 245
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Green Rice Porridge, rice porridge recipe, spinach congee, healthy comfort food, ginger rice soup