Introduction

Spanakorizo, or Greek Spinach Rice, is a traditional dish that combines spinach, rice, and a medley of fresh herbs and spices. It’s a simple yet flavourful dish that is both nutritious and satisfying. Spanakorizo can be enjoyed as a main course or as a side dish, often accompanied by a squeeze of lemon and a dollop of Greek yoghurt.

Ingredients

Serves Approximately: 4 – 6 People

• Olive Oil: 1/4 cup
• Onion: 1 large, finely chopped
• Garlic: 3 cloves, minced
• Fresh Spinach: 1.5 pounds (or 2 large bags), washed and roughly chopped
• Long-Grain Rice: 1 cup (Basmati or Jasmine)
• Tomato Paste: 2 tablespoons
• Water or Vegetable Broth: 2 cups
• Dill: 1/4 cup, chopped
• Parsley: 1/4 cup, chopped
• Lemon Juice: 2 tablespoons (plus wedges for serving)
• Salt: 1 teaspoon (or to taste)
• Black Pepper: 1/2 teaspoon
• Feta Cheese: 1/2 cup, crumbled (optional for garnish)

Equipment

• • Large Pot with Lid
  • Knife
  • Cutting Board
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons
  • Wooden Spoon or Spatula
  • Colander

Instructions

1. Prepare the Ingredients:

• • Wash and roughly chop the spinach. Finely chop the onion and garlic. Chop the dill and parsley.

2. Cook the Onion and Garlic:

• • In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until soft and translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
  • Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

3. Add the Spinach:

• • Gradually add the spinach to the pot, stirring until it wilts down. This may need to be done in batches if the pot is not large enough.

4. Add the Rice and Tomato Paste:

• • Stir in the rice and tomato paste, ensuring the rice is well coated with the tomato paste and combined with the spinach.

5. Cook the Rice:

• • Pour in the water or vegetable broth, and add the salt and black pepper. Stir to combine.
  • Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and has absorbed the liquid.

6. Add Herbs and Lemon Juice:

• • Once the rice is cooked, stir in the chopped dill, parsley, and lemon juice. Mix well and cook for another 2-3 minutes to allow the flavours to meld together.

7. Serve:

• • Remove from heat and let the Spanakorizo sit, covered, for a few minutes before serving. This allows the flavours to deepen.
  • Transfer to a serving dish and garnish with crumbled feta cheese if desired. Serve with lemon wedges on the side.

Tips

• Rice Choice: Basmati or Jasmine rice works well for this dish due to their fragrant aroma and fluffy texture. Short-grain rice can also be used for a creamier consistency.
• Adding Protein: For a more substantial meal, consider adding cooked chickpeas or white beans to the dish.
• Serving Suggestions: Serve Spanakorizo with a side of Greek yoghurt or a simple salad for a complete meal.
• Adjusting Acidity: Adjust the amount of lemon juice to your taste preference. Some people enjoy a more pronounced lemon flavour, while others prefer it subtler.