Rice with Spinach

By The Culinary Chase | January 24, 2007 |

A simple and easy way to serve rice and get your vitamins too! We’re all familiar with Popeye who is always eating spinach to make him strong and now we know that spinach helps protect us against osteoporosis, heart disease, colon cancer, arthritis and is also important for maintaining bone health. Spinach is a staple in Greek cooking and with the arrival of early traders, rice was quickly incorporated into local Greek cuisine.

Serves 4
50 ml (1/4 cup) olive oil
250ml (1 cup) finely chopped onion
1 garlic clove, minced
250ml (1 cup) long grain rice (I use Basmati)
1 medium tomato, coarsely chopped
1 bay leaf
1 kg (2 lbs) fresh spinach, cleaned and torn into pieces
500ml (2 cups) beef stock
salt and pepper to taste

In a large pot, heat olive oil, saute onion, garlic and rice until onions are translucent, about 5 minutes. Add chopped tomato, bay leaf and spinach. Stir until all ingredients are well mixed and spinach is wilted. Add stock, reduce heat and cover. Cook 15-20 minutes until all liquid is absorbed and rice is cooked.

The Culinary Chase’s Note: The last 5 minutes of cooking I turn the stove off and let the rice sit. This allows the rice to continue cooking while retaining its moisture. For an added Greek flavor, take feta cheese, crumble over the rice and gently stir. Beautiful!

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6 Comments

  1. wheresmymind on January 24, 2007 at 14:56

    Could even make it healthier with some brown rice 😀



  2. Anonymous on January 24, 2007 at 18:04

    I love spinach. This sounds like a satisfying side dish. I might add pine nuts, or some other kind of nut, when attempt it. Thanks!



  3. La Niña on January 25, 2007 at 05:54

    Hi! Found your blog through Expat Blog. Fantastic site you’ve got here.

    I particularly took notice of the cauliflower soup you posted awhile back 🙂

    Will be visiting your site again.



  4. Anonymous on January 26, 2007 at 04:50

    My mind tells me its healthy but my eyes tells me otherwise by how rich it looks.

    Sure is yummy I’m sure.



  5. Wilf Krutzmann on January 26, 2007 at 16:43

    Sounds like a “must” try recipe. Perhaps an unoaked Chardonnay has been looking for this recipe. Interesting and delightful blog. I just voted for your blog on Local Wine Events. Will be checking in regularly.



  6. Wilf Krutzmann on January 26, 2007 at 19:45

    Sounds positively inviting and I am going to try it. I think an unoaked Chardonnay would match up nicely. Enjoy your blog very much and just voted for it on Wine Events.
    PS. I am also a cauliflower soup fan and can consume a couple of big soup bowls at a time.