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Greek Spinach Rice

Shruthi
Greek Spinach Rice combines tender rice with abundant fresh spinach and herbs.Lemon juice gives the dish a bright Mediterranean flavor.Dill and parsley add freshness and an aromatic herbal character.Extra-virgin olive oil provides richness and ties the ingredients together.Creamy feta makes a delicious optional topping.Enjoy it as a vegetarian main dish or flavorful Mediterranean side.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Side Dish
Cuisine greek, Mediterranean
Servings 4
Calories 340 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups long-grain rice
  • 1 pound (450 g) fresh spinach, washed and roughly chopped
  • 1 large yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 3 green onions, sliced
  • ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 3 cups vegetable broth or water
  • ½ cup fresh dill, finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons fresh mint, chopped, optional
  • ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • ¾ teaspoon salt, or to taste
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • ½ cup crumbled feta cheese, for serving
  • Lemon wedges, for serving

Instructions
 

  • Wash the spinach thoroughly and drain well. Remove any tough stems and roughly chop the leaves.
  • Heat the olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat.
  • Add the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
  • Continue cooking for about 4–5 minutes, until the spinach has significantly reduced in volume.
  • Cook for approximately 1–2 minutes, stirring gently so the rice becomes coated with the olive oil and spinach mixture.
  • Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low.
  • Turn off the heat and leave the pot covered for approximately 10 minutes.
  • Fluff the rice gently with a fork.
  • Transfer the Spanakorizo to a serving dish.
  • Serve with lemon wedges.

Notes

  • Fresh spinach: Fresh spinach gives the most vibrant flavor, but frozen spinach can also be used.
  • Rice: Long-grain rice works well for a fluffy texture.
  • Don't rush the onions: Properly softened onions create a sweeter, deeper base.
  • Fresh dill: Dill is one of the defining flavors of traditional Spanakorizo.
  • Lemon: Add lemon toward the end to preserve its fresh flavor.
  • Olive oil: Extra-virgin olive oil is an important part of the dish's Mediterranean character.
  • Feta: Feta is optional but adds wonderful salty creaminess.
  • Texture: Traditional versions can range from relatively dry and fluffy to soft and stew-like.

 

Keyword Greek rice with spinach, Greek spinach rice, lemon spinach rice, Mediterranean spinach rice, Spanakorizo recipe, vegetarian Greek recipe