If you’re looking for a simple yet flavorful way to enjoy spinach and rice together, this Spinach Rice recipe is for you! Inspired by the traditional Greek Spanakorizo, this dish combines fluffy basmati rice with fresh spinach, aromatic herbs, and a hint of zesty lemon. Perfect as a wholesome side dish or a light main course, this recipe is easy to make and packed with nutrients.
Whether you’re searching for rice spinach recipes, wondering how to cook rice with spinach, or simply looking for vegetarian meals with spinach, this dish checks all the boxes. With just a few ingredients and minimal effort, you’ll have a delicious, comforting meal on your table.
Why You Will Love This Spinach Rice Recipe
- Healthy & Nutritious: Loaded with vitamins, minerals, and fiber from spinach, plus the energy-boosting power of basmati rice.
- Quick & Easy: Minimal prep time and one-pot cooking make it a go-to meal.
- Bursting with Flavor: The fresh lemon juice, zest, and aromatic herbs enhance the dish beautifully.
- Versatile: Serve it as a side dish or add protein sources like chickpeas or tofu for a hearty main course.
- Vegan & Gluten-Free: A wholesome plant-based dish that fits multiple dietary needs.
- Great for Meal Prep: Stores well and can be reheated easily for a nutritious meal anytime.
Ingredient Notes
Key Ingredients for the Best Spinach Rice:
- Basmati Rice (1 cup): Fluffy, aromatic, and perfect for absorbing flavors.
- Fresh Spinach (4 cups, chopped): A superfood rich in iron, calcium, and antioxidants.
- Onion (1 small, finely chopped): Adds a depth of flavor and sweetness.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Enhances the dish with its bold aroma.
- Olive Oil (2 tbsp): A heart-healthy fat that brings everything together.
- Vegetable Broth or Water (1 ½ cups): For cooking the rice and infusing extra flavor.
- Salt & Black Pepper (to taste): Essential seasoning.
- Lemon Zest & Lemon Juice: Adds a fresh and tangy contrast to the dish.
- Fresh Parsley & Dill (2 tbsp each, chopped): Brings in herbal freshness and an authentic Mediterranean touch.
Spinach Rice Recipe Tips and Tricks
How to Make Spinach Rice Perfect Every Time:
- Rinse the Rice: Always rinse basmati rice until the water runs clear to remove excess starch and prevent stickiness.
- Sauté the Aromatics: Cooking onions and garlic in olive oil first deepens the flavors.
- Add Spinach Gradually: Stir in the spinach after the onions have softened to allow it to wilt evenly.
- Fluff the Rice After Cooking: Let it sit for 5 minutes off the heat, then fluff with a fork to separate grains.
- Use Fresh Herbs and Lemon: These final touches elevate the dish and keep it from tasting bland.
Vegan Pairings and Serving Suggestions
This spinach rice pairs wonderfully with other plant-based dishes. Here are some delicious serving ideas:
- As a Side Dish: Serve alongside grilled vegetables, hummus, or roasted chickpeas.
- With Vegan Protein: Pair it with crispy tofu, lentils, or a chickpea stew.
- With a Mediterranean Mezze Platter: Add pita bread, olives, and tahini sauce for a full meal.
- Topped with Nuts & Seeds: Sprinkle toasted almonds, pine nuts, or sesame seeds for extra crunch.
- With a Fresh Salad: Serve with a cucumber-tomato salad or a citrus fennel salad.
How to Store Spinach Rice
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Warm in a skillet with a splash of water or in the microwave for 1-2 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions about Spinach Rice
Do spinach and rice go together?
Absolutely! Spinach and rice complement each other beautifully. The rice absorbs the flavors of the herbs and garlic, while spinach adds color, texture, and nutrients.
Is spinach rice healthy?
Yes! It’s rich in fiber, vitamins, iron, and antioxidants. Plus, it’s a great option for those looking for healthy, balanced meals.
How to make spinach rice at home?
It’s simple! Just sauté onions and garlic, add chopped spinach, stir in rinsed rice and broth, season, cook until tender, then finish with lemon juice and fresh herbs.
What should not be mixed with spinach?
Spinach contains oxalates, which can interfere with calcium absorption. Avoid pairing it excessively with high-calcium dairy or tofu if you’re concerned about oxalate buildup.
What does spinach pair well with?
Spinach goes well with citrus, garlic, nuts, grains like rice and quinoa, and proteins like beans, tofu, and lentils.
What is the healthiest way to eat spinach?
Light cooking (like sautéing or steaming) enhances nutrient absorption while keeping its natural benefits intact.
Can I use frozen spinach?
Yes! If using frozen spinach, thaw and squeeze out excess water before adding it to the dish.
Can I make it oil-free?
Yes, simply sauté the onions and garlic in a bit of vegetable broth instead of oil.
Equipment Needed
- Large Skillet or Pot: For sautéing and cooking everything in one dish.
- Cutting Board & Knife: For prepping vegetables and herbs.
- Wooden Spoon: For stirring.
- Measuring Cups & Spoons: For accuracy in measurements.
Interesting Facts About Spinach
Spinach is more than just a leafy green—it’s a nutritional powerhouse with a fascinating history and impressive health benefits. Here are some fun and surprising facts about spinach that will make you appreciate this vibrant green even more!
- Spinach Was Popeye’s Secret Weapon
If you grew up watching cartoons, you probably remember Popeye the Sailor Man gaining instant strength after eating a can of spinach. While it won’t give you superhero powers, spinach does contain iron, calcium, and antioxidants, making it a fantastic food for energy and strength. Fun fact: After Popeye’s popularity soared in the 1930s, spinach sales in the U.S. increased by 33%!
- Spinach Has Been Around for Over 2,000 Years
This leafy green originated in Persia (modern-day Iran) and made its way to India and China before arriving in Europe during the 11th century. Today, it’s a staple in many cuisines, including Greek, Indian, and Mediterranean dishes—like our delicious Spinach Rice recipe!
- Spinach is a Nutrient Powerhouse
Spinach is loaded with essential vitamins and minerals, including:
✅ Iron – Supports red blood cell production.
✅ Calcium – Essential for strong bones and teeth.
✅ Vitamin K – Helps with blood clotting and bone health.
✅ Vitamin C – Boosts the immune system.
✅ Antioxidants – Protect the body from oxidative stress.
Including spinach in your diet regularly is a great way to support your overall health!
- Cooking Spinach Makes Its Nutrients More Absorbable
Raw spinach is nutritious, but it contains oxalates, which can bind to minerals like iron and calcium, reducing their absorption. Cooking spinach reduces oxalate levels, making it easier for your body to absorb these important nutrients. So, whether you’re making rice spinach recipes, sautéed spinach, or adding it to soups, cooking it slightly can enhance its benefits.
- Spinach Can Improve Eye Health
Spinach is rich in lutein and zeaxanthin, two powerful antioxidants known to protect the eyes from macular degeneration and blue light damage. If you spend hours in front of screens, adding spinach to your diet can help keep your vision sharp!
- NASA Considered Spinach for Space Missions
Due to its high nutrient density and ability to grow in controlled environments, NASA has researched growing spinach in space as a potential food source for astronauts on long missions. How cool is that?
- Spinach Contains More Protein Than Most Vegetables
Did you know that spinach has a higher protein content compared to many other leafy greens? While it’s not as protein-rich as beans or lentils, it’s still an excellent addition to vegetarian meals with spinach, providing essential amino acids to support muscle growth and repair.
- Spinach Was Once Called the ‘Persian Green’
Since spinach originated in Persia, it was historically known as ‘aspanakh’, which later evolved into the modern name “spinach.” The Greeks and Romans introduced it to Europe, where it became a favorite ingredient in Mediterranean cuisine—including the famous Spanakorizo (Greek Spinach Rice)!
- Frozen Spinach is Just as Nutritious as Fresh
If you don’t always have fresh spinach on hand, frozen spinach is a great alternative. It retains most of its nutrients, is budget-friendly, and works perfectly in cooked dishes like spinach rice, curries, soups, and pasta sauces.
- Spinach Can Help Reduce Stress
Feeling overwhelmed? Add more spinach to your diet! It’s packed with magnesium, a mineral that plays a key role in reducing stress and promoting relaxation. A warm bowl of spinach rice with a squeeze of lemon might just be the comforting meal you need after a long day.
This Spinach Rice recipe is a nutritious, flavorful, and easy-to-make dish that you’ll want to add to your regular meal rotation. Whether you’re looking for how to cook rice with spinach, exploring vegetarian meals with spinach, or searching for the best palak rice recipe, this one is sure to impress!
With simple ingredients and minimal effort, you’ll have a delicious and wholesome dish packed with Mediterranean flavors. Serve it on its own, as a side, or pair it with your favorite plant-based protein for a complete meal.
Have you tried this spinach rice recipe? I’d love to hear from you! Share your thoughts, variations, or any tips you have in the comments below. If you made it, tag me on Instagram so I can see your delicious creations! 😊
Happy Cooking! 🍃🍋
Spinach Rice
This Spanakorizo-inspired Spinach Rice is a flavorful and nutritious dish made with basmati rice, fresh spinach, lemon, and aromatic herbs. Perfect for a wholesome, easy vegetarian meal with spinach!
Ingredients
- 1 cup basmati rice
- 4 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 ½ cups water or vegetable broth
- 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ tsp black pepper
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
Instructions
- Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This removes excess starch and helps achieve fluffy rice.
- Sauté the aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until soft and translucent. Add the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the spinach and stir until wilted, about 2 minutes.
- Add the rice and stir well to coat it with the oil and flavors.
- Pour in the water or vegetable broth, then season with salt and pepper. Stir well and bring to a boil.
- Simmer: Reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for 15-18 minutes, until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
- Finish with herbs and lemon: Remove from heat and fluff the rice with a fork. Stir in the lemon zest, lemon juice, parsley, and dill.
- Serve warm, garnished with extra fresh herbs if desired. Enjoy as a side dish or a light meal!
Notes
- Sauté the onions and garlic first – This enhances the depth of flavor before adding the spinach and rice.
- Use fresh herbs like dill and parsley – They add a bright, fresh taste that complements the spinach beautifully.
- Fluff the rice after cooking – Let it rest for a few minutes before fluffing with a fork to achieve the perfect texture.
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