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4.8 from 258 votes

Spanakorizo - Greek Spinach Rice

Spanakorizo or Greek Spinach Rice is a comforting dish made with spinach and medium grain rice then flavor boosted with dried herbs, garlic, onion, and a splash of lemon juice. This easy spinach rice recipe can be enjoyed as a vegetarian main for 4 people or as a side with your favorite protein (up to 6 people).

Prep Time
20 mins
Cook Time
20 mins
Total Time
1 hr
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 2521 kcal
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: Greek

Ingredients

  • 1 cup medium grain rice
  • 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 yellow onion, chopped
  • 1 pound baby spinach
  • 1 lemon, juiced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • kosher salt
  • black pepper
  • 1 1/2 teaspoon dried mint
  • 1 teaspoon dried dill
  • Feta, for garnish

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Soak the rice: Rinse the rice well a few times until the water runs clear. Put the rice in a bowl and add water to cover it by 1 inch. Let sit to soak for 20 minutes or until you can easily break one grain of rice between your fingers.
  2. Saute the spinach: Heat 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil in a braising pan. Add the onions and cook for 5 minutes, stirring regularly, until soft and golden brown. Add the spinach, lemon juice, garlic, tomato paste, and a big pinch of kosher salt and black pepper. Sautee the spinach until just wilted. Stir in the mint and dill.
  3. Add the rice to the pan: Drain the rice well and add it to the pan. Add 1 ½ cups of warm water. Bring to a boil for 3 minutes until the water reduces a bit. Turn the heat to low and cover.
  4. Cook: Let the rice cook undisturbed for 20 minutes or until the rice is tender and fully cooked through and all the liquid has been absorbed.
  5. Rest: Once cooked, let the rice sit covered for 5 to 10 minutes before serving.
  6. Serve: When ready, fluff the rice with a fork and garnish with feta, additional finely chopped spinach, or minced parsley, if you like.

Notes

  • Medium grain rice like arborio is best to give you the right creamy texture without being too sticky. Brown rice takes longer to cook, so if you use brown rice here, you may overcook the spinach to a point that will affect the flavor. 
  • Visit Our Shop to browse quality Mediterranean ingredients including olive oils and spices. 

Nutrition Information

Calories 252.1kcal (13%) Carbohydrates 37.2g (12%) Protein 5.3g (11%) Fat 9.6g (15%) Saturated Fat 1.4g (7%) Polyunsaturated Fat 1.1g Monounsaturated Fat 6.6g Sodium 201mg (8%) Potassium 544.7mg (16%) Fiber 3.4g (14%) Sugar 1.8g (4%) Vitamin A 7193.7IU (144%) Vitamin C 24.2mg (27%) Calcium 89mg (9%) Iron 4.2mg (23%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 6servings

Amount Per Serving

Calories 2521

% Daily Value*

Calories 252.1kcal 13%
Carbohydrates 37.2g 12%
Protein 5.3g 11%
Fat 9.6g 15%
Saturated Fat 1.4g 7%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.1g 6%
Monounsaturated Fat 6.6g 33%
Sodium 201mg 8%
Potassium 544.7mg 12%
Fiber 3.4g 14%
Sugar 1.8g 4%
Vitamin A 7193.7IU 144%
Vitamin C 24.2mg 27%
Calcium 89mg 9%
Iron 4.2mg 23%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.