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Greek rice with spinach in a blue and white patterned bowl, with bowls of lamb meatballs and Greek salad in the background.

Greek Rice with Spinach

By: Deborah
This greek rice with spinach recipe is a healthy and flavourful side dish made with fresh spinach, herbs, and lemon. Perfect for pairing with grilled meats or as a vegetarian main!
PREP: 15 minutes
COOK: 22 minutes
TOTAL: 37 minutes
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: Greek
Servings: 4 people
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Equipment

Ingredients

  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 medium (¾ cup) onion (approx. 125g) finely chopped
  • 1 clove garlic crushed
  • zest from one lemon
  • 0.5 tsp ground cumin
  • 225 g (7 ½ cups) baby spinach roughly chopped
  • 250 g (1 ⅓ cups) basmati rice
  • 500 ml (2 ¼ cups) vegetable stock (made using a stock cube or pot)
  • 2 tsp dried dill plus extra to garnish
  • 0.5 tsp salt
  • freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • juice from one lemon

Instructions

  • Heat the olive oil in a medium saucepan over a medium heat. Sauté the onions until translucent (about 5 to 7 minutes).  Add the garlic and sauté for another minute.
  • Add the lemon zest, cumin and spinach and cover the pan. Cook until the spinach wilts down (about 3 to 5 minutes).
  • Add the rice, vegetable stock, dried dill, salt and pepper into the spinach mixture and stir to combine. Bring to a boil.
  • Reduce the heat to a simmer, cover and cook until the rice is tender (about 10 minutes – follow the cooking instructions on the packet).
  • Stir in the lemon juice and sprinkle with some dried dill.

Notes

  • Low-carb option - replace the rice with cauliflower rice for a lighter version.
  • Grain alternatives - use quinoa, farro or bulgar wheat instead of rice for added texture and nutrition.
  • Herbs and spices - try adding fresh parsley or mint for a more Mediterranean flair, and a sprinkle of smoked paprika for added depth.
  • Toppings - top with crumbled feta, toasted pine nuts or a drizzle of olive oil for extra flavour.
  • Protein additions - turn this from a side dish to a main course by adding chickpeas, grilled chicken or prawns.
  • This Greek rice with spinach recipe is easily adapted if you're cooking for less or more people.
 
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Nutrition

Calories: 329kcal | Carbohydrates: 59g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Sodium: 838mg | Potassium: 476mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 5575IU | Vitamin C: 26mg | Calcium: 97mg | Iron: 3mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

KEYWORDS Greek rice recipe, Mediterranean rice dish, meze platter
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