GREEK SPINACH AND RICE RECIPE (SPANAKORIZO)

A super healthy and delicious traditional Greek spinach and rice recipe! Spanakorizo (which is translated as spinach and rice) is a classic Greek vegetarian dish which can be served as a side dish or can easily stand on it’s own with some feta cheese and bread.

The two most popular variations are the ‘white’ spanakorizo and the ‘red’ spanakorizo, which contains nothing else than chopped tomatoes. A less well known, non-vegetarian variation of spanakorizo can be made with sausages (recommended only for the adventurous!)

Spanakorizo (Greek spinach rice) – Do it like Popeye!

Spanakorizo is probably one of the healthiest (and easiest!) traditional Greek recipes, which is packed with lots of spinach, a well known ‘super food’.

Spinach contains a abundant amounts of nutrients, such as iron, calcium, vitamins C, A, K, folic acid, magnesium, potassium, lutein and zeaxanthin, that help promote bone, eye and skin health, can help regulate blood pressure and a healthy nervous system and brain function.

What is really impressive is that cooking spinach actually increases its health benefits, as the body cannot break down completely the nutrients in raw spinach. (Tip: lemon juice helps the absorption of calcium and iron).

If you want to make an extra healthy version of this traditional Greek Spanakorizo recipe, I am sure you could use brown rice as a substitute, just take into account the extra cooking time brown rice needs to break down its hard shell.

Traditionally served with feta cheese and lots of lemon, this classic Greek spinach rice is certainly the most delicious way to promote healthier eating habits for you and your family!

Description

Looking for a super healthy and delicious traditional Greek spinach and rice recipe? Spanakorizo is a classic Greek vegetarian dish packed with abundant amounts of nutrients and best of all? Its super simple and easy to make!

Ingredients

• 1kg fresh or frozen spinach, rinsed and stemmed (35 oz.)

• 200g rice white rice (7 oz.)

• 1/2 cup olive oil

• 4 spring onions, chopped

• 1 red onion, finely chopped

• 1 leek, sliced

• 1/2 bunch dill, finely chopped

• 150g tinned chopped tomatoes (5.5 oz.) or 200g of fresh tomatoes, if in season.

• 1 tbsp tomato paste

• 1 cube vegetable stock

• salt and freshly ground pepper

Instructions

1. To prepare this spanakorizo recipe (Greek spinach and rice), heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium high heat. Add the onions, spring onions and leek and sauté for 3-4 minutes, until translucent.

2. Add the spinach and cook stirring for a few minutes, until wilted. Stir in the tomatoes, the tomato paste, two cups of hot water, the vegetable stock, the rice and season. Reduce heat to low and simmer, covered, for about 20-25 minutes, until the rice is tender.

3. While the Spanakorizo is simmering away, stir it every so often and check if the pan appears to be getting dry. If it is, add some more hot water and stir.

4. To know when its ready, take a grain of rice out of the skillet and pinch it with your fingernails. If its white on the inside it needs a little bit longer. When it’s close to ready, season with salt and pepper to taste. Finally, finish the spanakorizo with fresh chopped dill and cook for a a couple more minutes.

5. Serve this traditional Greek spinach and rice (spanakorizo) with a squeeze of a lemon and top with crumbled feta.

Enjoy!