Greens and Rice

Greens and Rice Recipe with Spinach, Cheddar, and Eggs

Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Greens and rice is a delicious and nutritious dish that combines the earthy flavors of greens with the comforting texture of rice. This recipe is a great way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet while still enjoying a hearty and satisfying meal.

History

Greens and rice is a popular dish in many cultures around the world, where leafy greens are often paired with grains like rice to create a balanced and nutritious meal. This recipe has been passed down through generations and adapted to suit different tastes and dietary preferences.

Ingredients

1 lb (454 g) of spinach, collard, or beet greens, steamed and cut into 0.5 inch strips
2 cups of cooked rice, brown or white
0.67 cup of grated cheddar cheese
2 eggs, beaten
2 tbsp of fresh chopped parsley
0.13 tsp of black pepper
0.25 cup of soft, whole grain breadcrumbs

How to prepare

Wash the greens and steam them until they are tender.
Combine the cooked rice, cheese, and eggs. Add parsley and pepper.
In an oiled 8"x8" casserole dish, layer the rice and greens alternately, ending with a layer of rice.
Top the casserole with crumbs. Bake it at 350°F (177°C) for 30 minutes.

Variations

Add cooked chicken or tofu for extra protein.
Use different types of greens such as kale, spinach, or collard greens.
Experiment with different types of cheese like feta or mozzarella.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to steam the greens until they are tender but still have a bit of bite to them. Overcooking the greens can result in a mushy texture.

- Mixing the rice, cheese, and eggs together helps to bind the ingredients and create a creamy and flavorful base for the dish.

- Layering the rice and greens in the casserole dish ensures that each bite has a good balance of flavors and textures.

- Top the casserole with breadcrumbs for a crunchy and golden brown topping.

Serving Suggestions

Serve greens and rice as a main dish with a side salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal. It can also be served as a side dish alongside grilled chicken or fish.

Cooking Techniques

Steaming the greens helps to retain their nutrients and vibrant color.

- Baking the casserole ensures that the flavors meld together and the dish is heated through.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use quinoa or couscous instead of rice.

- Substitute Parmesan or Swiss cheese for cheddar.

- Use gluten-free breadcrumbs for a gluten-free version.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the greens and rice mixture ahead of time and assemble the casserole just before baking. Store the unbaked casserole in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the greens and rice casserole with fresh parsley or a sprinkle of paprika for a pop of color. Serve it in individual ramekins for a more elegant presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair greens and rice with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light-bodied red wine like Pinot Noir. A side of crusty bread or garlic bread is also a great accompaniment.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

300

Carbohydrates

- Total Carbohydrates: 35g

- Dietary Fiber: 3g

- Sugars: 1g

Fats

- Total Fat: 10g

- Saturated Fat: 5g

- Trans Fat: 0g

Proteins

- Protein: 15g

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin A: 50% DV

- Vitamin C: 30% DV

- Calcium: 20% DV

- Iron: 15% DV

Alergens

Contains dairy (cheese, eggs)

Summary

Greens and rice is a nutrient-dense dish that provides a good balance of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals. It is a great option for a healthy and satisfying meal.

Summary

Greens and rice is a versatile and nutritious dish that is easy to make and full of flavor. Whether served as a main dish or a side, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

I have a clear recollection of the first time I saw this recipe for Greens and Rice. It was many years ago, back when I was just a young girl living in a small town in the South. My mother had invited some friends over for dinner, and she decided to make this dish as a side to accompany the fried chicken and cornbread she was serving.

I remember watching her in the kitchen, carefully preparing the ingredients and sautéing the greens with onions and garlic. The aroma that filled the house was simply incredible, and I couldn't wait to try the finished dish. When it was finally time to sit down and eat, I took my first bite of the greens and rice and was immediately hooked. The flavors were so vibrant and delicious, and I knew right then and there that this recipe would become a staple in my own cooking repertoire.

Over the years, I've made this dish countless times, adapting and tweaking the recipe to make it my own. I've added my own twist by incorporating different herbs and spices, experimenting with different varieties of greens, and even trying out different types of rice. But no matter how I change it up, the essence of the dish remains the same - a comforting and soul-warming blend of greens, rice, and seasonings that always brings a smile to my face.

I've learned so much about cooking over the years, and I owe a lot of that knowledge to the amazing women in my life who have shared their recipes and culinary wisdom with me. My grandmother, in particular, was a master in the kitchen, and she taught me so much about the art of cooking. She had a way of effortlessly throwing together ingredients and creating dishes that were not only delicious but also filled with love and care.

One of the things she always emphasized was the importance of using fresh, seasonal ingredients in your cooking. She would often take me to the local farmers market to pick out the freshest greens and vegetables, stressing the importance of supporting local farmers and knowing where your food comes from. It's a lesson that has stuck with me throughout the years, and I always make an effort to source my ingredients from local farmers and markets whenever possible.

As I grew older and started my own family, I found myself passing on these lessons and recipes to my own children and grandchildren. I would spend hours in the kitchen with them, teaching them how to chop vegetables, measure ingredients, and sauté onions just right. Cooking became a way for us to bond and connect, and some of my fondest memories are of us gathered around the kitchen table, sharing a meal that we had all helped to prepare.

Now, as I look back on the years of cooking and sharing recipes with my loved ones, I am filled with gratitude for all of the amazing women who have influenced my culinary journey. From my mother and grandmother to my friends and neighbors, each one has left a mark on my cooking style and inspired me to continue learning and experimenting in the kitchen.

And so, whenever I make a batch of Greens and Rice, I am reminded of all of those women and the love and care they poured into their cooking. I can almost hear their voices guiding me as I sauté the greens, stir in the rice, and season the dish with a pinch of salt and pepper. It's a recipe that has been passed down through generations, and I am honored to carry on the tradition and share it with my own family and friends.

So the next time you find yourself in the kitchen, looking for a comforting and delicious side dish to serve with your meal, I hope you'll give this recipe for Greens and Rice a try. It's a dish that has stood the test of time and has been enjoyed by countless generations of cooks, and I have no doubt that it will become a favorite in your own kitchen as well. Happy cooking!