Ingredients
Scale
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- 1 cup long-grain rice (basmati or jasmine work too)
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- 4 cups fresh spinach (or 1.5 cups frozen, thawed & drained)
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- 1 large onion, finely diced
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- 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil (the good stuff!)
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- 1 lemon (zest + juice)
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- 1 tsp dried dill (or 2 tbsp fresh)
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- 3 cups vegetable broth (or water + 1 veggie bouillon cube)
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- Salt + pepper to taste
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- Optional upgrades: Crumbled vegan feta, kalamata olives, toasted pine nuts.
Instructions
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- Prepare Your Ingredients: Wash the fresh spinach thoroughly and chop it roughly. If using frozen spinach, thaw and drain it well to remove excess water. Chop the onion finely, mince the garlic, and zest the lemon before juicing it.
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- Sauté the Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large pot or deep skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
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- Add the Spinach: Gradually add the spinach to the pot, stirring gently. Fresh spinach will wilt quickly, reducing in volume. Continue stirring until all the spinach is wilted and any excess liquid has evaporated, about 5 minutes. If using frozen spinach, ensure it’s heated through and any water is cooked off.
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- Toast the Rice: Stir in the rice, allowing it to absorb the flavors of the onion, garlic, and spinach. Toast the rice for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent sticking.
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- Add Broth and Simmer: Pour in the vegetable broth or water, ensuring the rice is fully submerged. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot with a lid and let it simmer for about 18-20 minutes. Check occasionally to make sure the rice doesn’t stick to the bottom. If it absorbs liquid too quickly, add a little extra broth.
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- Add Flavor: Once the rice is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed, remove the pot from the heat. Stir in the fresh lemon juice and lemon zest. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.
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- Garnish and Serve: Transfer the Spanakorizo to a serving dish. Sprinkle with fresh dill and crumbled feta cheese if desired. Serve it warm, alongside Greek yogurt or your favorite protein for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes