Spanakorizo Greek Spinach and Rice

Get ready to bring a taste of Greece to your table with spanakorizo! This dish is super versatile, it can be a satisfying main or a tasty side. With fresh spinach, herbs, and a splash of lemon, it's a simple yet flavourful Mediterranean meal that’s as nutritious as it is delicious.

If you're enjoying this as a side dish, it pairs perfectly with my slow-cooked lamb shanks or my moussaka recipe. Or, keep it as a main dish if you're trying to cut back on meat - either way, it’s delicious!

Jump to:

• Why You Will Love Spanakorizo
• Overview of Key Steps
• Watch the Video Tutorial
• Ingredients Overview
• Preparation
• How to make Spanakorizo step-by-step guide
• Tips for Perfect Spanakorizo
• FAQs
• Spanakorizo Greek Spinach And Rice

Why You Will Love Spanakorizo

• Healthy and Nutritious: This Greek spinach and rice dish is packed with spinach, which is high in iron, vitamins, and fibre, making it a perfect healthy meal.
  
• Versatile and Customizable: Enjoy spanakorizo plain for a vegan meal, or enhance its flavour with a topping of crumbled feta, Greek of course! It can be served as a main course or a side dish.
  
• Simple Ingredients, Rich Flavours: With just a few simple ingredients like spinach, rice, fresh herbs, and lemon, this dish offers rich, authentic and traditional Greek flavours.
  
• Quick and Easy: With a preparation time of just under an hour, this recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a wholesome lunch, especially if you’re going for a vegetarian option.

Overview of Key Steps

Watch the Video Tutorial

Want to see how it's done? Watch my step-by-step video tutorial on making this delicious dish and see how easy it is to create.

@nikolopaa

Spanakorizo Recipe Greek Spinach and Rice - Full recipe written on my website #greekfood #greekrecipe #spanakorizo #greece🇬🇷

♬ original sound - Nikolopa A - Nikolopa A

Don't forget to like, comment, and share this video with friends who love Greek food!

Ingredients Overview

Here are the ingredients you'll need to gather to prepare this flavourful dish.

• Olive Oil: Used twice in this recipe, once for cooking and again for drizzling at the end to enhance flavour and richness.
  
• Red Onion and Leek: These aromatics add a sweet, mild flavor base to the dish. NOTE: Use only the white part of the leek for this recipe. If you don’t have leeks, you can substitute with spring onions (scallions).
  
• Garlic: Essential for adding depth and a little kick.
  
• Arborio or Medium-Grain Rice: My recipe uses arborio or medium-grain rice, but in Greece, Carolina rice is traditionally used to achieve a creamy, hearty texture.
  
• Spinach: Fresh spinach is key for its vibrant colour and high nutritional value.
  
• Fresh Dill and Mint: These herbs bring a fresh, aromatic quality that complements the spinach and rice.
  
• Lemon Juice and Zest: Adds brightness and acidity, balancing the dish's flavour's.
  
• Optional Feta Cheese: A tangy, salty addition that enhances the overall taste when serving the dish warm. For a vegan option, enjoy it plain without feta.

Preparation

Before starting, prepare all your ingredients and get your kitchen set up. This will streamline the cooking process and ensure everything goes smoothly.

1. Chop the Aromatics: Dice the red onion, slice the leek, and mince the garlic.
   
2. Prepare the Spinach: Wash and roughly chop the spinach if using large leaves.
   
3. Measure Out Ingredients: Have your rice, water, lemon juice, zest, and fresh herbs ready to go.

How to make Spanakorizo step-by-step guide

Follow the instructions below to make this recipe come to life. Each step is straightforward, guiding you from sautéing the aromatics to adding the final touches for a delicious and comforting meal. Let's dive in!

1. Sauté the Aromatics - Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion, sliced leek, and chopped garlic. Sauté until they are soft and fragrant.
   
2. Toast the Rice - Add the washed rice to the pot, along with salt and pepper. Stir well, toasting the rice slightly for about a minute to enhance its flavour.

3. Cook the Spinach and Rice - Pour in the water and gradually add the spinach, stirring continuously until it wilts. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer and cover the pot.
   
4. Simmer Until Tender - Let the mixture simmer for about 20 minutes or until the rice is fully cooked and the liquid is absorbed. Check occasionally to ensure it doesn’t dry out. Add more water if needed.

5. Add Fresh Herbs and Lemon - Stir in the chopped dill, mint, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Mix well to evenly distribute the flavours, then turn off the heat.
   
6. Finish with Olive Oil - Drizzle with additional olive oil to taste. Adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Cover and let the dish rest for 10 minutes to allow the flavours to meld.
   
7. Serve - Serve the dish warm, optionally topped with crumbled feta cheese and a wedge of lemon.

Tips for Perfect Spanakorizo

• Use Fresh Spinach: Fresh spinach adds the best flavour and texture. Frozen spinach can be used, but make sure to thaw and drain it well.
  
• Control the Liquid: Keep an eye on the water level while cooking the rice. Add a little more water if the mixture looks dry.
  
• Don’t Overcook the Rice: Arborio rice should be tender but not mushy. Check frequently as it cooks.

FAQs

I hope you try this delicious recipe and experience the authentic flavours of Greece in your kitchen! Don’t forget to share your experience in the comments below and tag me on social media with your re-creations!