Every now and then, I find myself craving something green and cheesy—an odd combination, perhaps, but bear with me. This Easy Spinach Rice with Feta is like a warm hug after a long day. It’s effortless, quick, and somehow manages to feel both fresh and indulgent—imagine if a cozy sweater were a meal.
Steps
- Begin by thawing ½ lb of frozen chopped spinach, either by leaving it at room temperature for an hour or microwaving it for 1-2 minutes. Squeeze out any excess moisture from the spinach to ensure it’s not too wet.
- In a medium saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat and add 2 minced garlic cloves. Sauté the garlic in the butter for 1-2 minutes until it’s fragrant.
- Add the thawed spinach, 1.5 cups of long grain white rice, ¾ teaspoon of salt, 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, and 2.5 cups of water to the saucepan. Stir everything briefly to combine the ingredients.
- Place a lid on the pot and bring the mixture to a full boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 15 minutes. After 15 minutes, turn off the heat and allow the pot to sit, covered, for another five minutes.
- Remove the lid and fluff the rice with a fork, making sure to fold the spinach back into the rice as it tends to rise to the top during cooking.
- Finally, sprinkle 2 ounces of crumbled feta cheese over the rice and gently fold it in to combine. Serve the spinach rice hot, garnished with additional feta if desired.
Ingredients
- 1/2 pound frozen chopped spinach
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1.5 cups long grain white rice
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 2.5 cups water
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 ounces feta cheese, crumbled
Nutritional Values
Calories: 963.88kcal | Carbohydrates: 157.92g | Protein: 24.52g | Fat: 25.6g | Sodium: 1856.56mg | Fiber: 6.92g
FAQ
- Can I substitute brown rice for white rice in the Spinach Rice recipe?
- While you can use brown rice, be aware that it requires more liquid and a longer cooking time, which might result in the spinach being overcooked.
- Is it possible to use fresh spinach instead of frozen?
- Yes, you can use fresh spinach. Just chop and sauté it in the pot until it wilts, right after you sauté the garlic.
- What are some good dishes to pair with Spinach Rice?
- Spinach Rice pairs well with grilled meats or vegetables. It works as a base for meals like Yogurt Marinated Chicken, Beef Kofta Meatballs, or Sheet Pan Greek Chicken and Vegetables.
- What type of rice is recommended for this recipe?
- The recipe is best suited for long grain white rice, such as regular, jasmine, or basmati, as they maintain the right texture without becoming too sticky.
- How should I prepare the frozen spinach before adding it to the dish?
- Thaw the spinach by letting it sit at room temperature or microwaving it briefly, then squeeze out the excess water to ensure it doesn’t retain too much moisture.
Tips
- Ensure to squeeze out any excess moisture from the thawed spinach before adding it to the pot to prevent the rice from becoming too watery.
- If using fresh spinach instead of frozen, chop and sauté it until wilted after cooking the garlic for optimal flavor integration.
- Allow the rice to rest with the lid on after cooking to achieve the perfect fluffy texture before fluffing and mixing in the spinach and feta.
- Save a bit of the crumbled feta to sprinkle on top as a garnish before serving for an added visual appeal.
Equipment
- Medium Saucepot with Lid – Essential for cooking the rice and spinach mixture.
- Fork – Useful for fluffing the rice after cooking.
