Parmesan Spinach Rice Ring

Parmesan Spinach Rice Ring Recipe - Italian Cuisine

Region / culture: Italy | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Parmesan Spinach Rice Ring is a delicious and nutritious dish that combines the flavors of spinach, rice, and parmesan cheese. This recipe is perfect for a family dinner or a special occasion, as it is both easy to make and impressive to serve.

History

The origins of Parmesan Spinach Rice Ring are not well-documented, but it is likely that this dish was created as a way to incorporate healthy spinach into a flavorful and satisfying meal. The combination of rice, spinach, and parmesan cheese is a classic one that has been enjoyed by many for generations.

Ingredients

1 package (10 oz or 283 g) of frozen chopped spinach
1.5 cups of uncooked rice
0.33 cup of minced onion
1 clove of garlic, minced
1 tbsp of olive oil
0.5 cup of grated parmesan cheese
1 tbsp of lime juice
0.5 tsp of ground black pepper
vegetable cooking spray

How to prepare

Drain the spinach in a fine-mesh sieve, pressing out the liquid into a 4 cup glass measure to reserve. Set the spinach aside.
Add water to the spinach liquid to measure 3 cups. Place the liquid and rice in a heavy 2 qt (1.89 liter) saucepan. Bring to a boil over high heat and stir. Cover, reduce the heat, and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
Cook the onion and garlic in oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat for 3 to 4 minutes or until the onion is tender. Stir in the spinach and cook for 1 minute or until hot. Add the spinach mixture, cheese, lime juice, and pepper to the hot rice and stir well. Press the rice mixture into a 5- to 6-cup ring mold coated with cooking spray. Cover with a plate and let it stand for 5 minutes. Unmold onto a serving plate. Serve immediately.

Variations

Add cooked chicken or shrimp to the rice mixture for added protein.
Use different types of cheese, such as cheddar or mozzarella, for a different flavor profile.
Add diced tomatoes or bell peppers for extra color and flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to drain the spinach well to remove excess liquid, as this can make the dish too watery.

- Use a ring mold to shape the rice mixture into an elegant ring shape for a beautiful presentation.

- Feel free to add additional seasonings or ingredients to customize the dish to your taste preferences.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Parmesan Spinach Rice Ring as a side dish with grilled chicken or fish, or as a main dish with a side salad.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to cook the rice until it is tender and the liquid is absorbed to ensure a fluffy and flavorful dish.

- Press the rice mixture firmly into the ring mold to help it hold its shape when unmolding.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use fresh spinach instead of frozen, if desired.

- Substitute lemon juice for lime juice for a slightly different flavor.

Make Ahead Tips

Parmesan Spinach Rice Ring can be made ahead of time and reheated in the oven before serving. Simply cover the dish with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-30 minutes, or until heated through.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish Parmesan Spinach Rice Ring with fresh herbs, such as parsley or basil, for a pop of color and flavor.

Pairing Recommendations

Serve Parmesan Spinach Rice Ring with a crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, for a refreshing and complementary pairing.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers of Parmesan Spinach Rice Ring in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until heated through before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Parmesan Spinach Rice Ring contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Parmesan Spinach Rice Ring contains approximately 35 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Parmesan Spinach Rice Ring contains approximately 8 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Parmesan Spinach Rice Ring contains approximately 10 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Parmesan Spinach Rice Ring is a good source of vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium, and iron.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (parmesan cheese) and gluten (rice), so it may not be suitable for those with dairy or gluten allergies.

Summary

Parmesan Spinach Rice Ring is a nutritious and balanced dish that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals.

Summary

Parmesan Spinach Rice Ring is a flavorful and nutritious dish that is perfect for a family dinner or special occasion. With a balance of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals, this dish is sure to please both your taste buds and your body. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the thrill of stumbling upon this recipe for the first time. It was many years ago, back when I was just a young girl learning the ropes in the kitchen. I was visiting my Aunt Ruth, a renowned cook in our family, and she had invited me to help her prepare dinner for the family.

As we were going through her recipe box, I stumbled upon a faded index card with the words "Parmesan Spinach Rice Ring" scrawled across the top. Intrigued, I asked Aunt Ruth about it, and she chuckled before launching into a tale of how she had learned the recipe from a dear friend many years ago.

According to Aunt Ruth, the recipe was a family heirloom passed down from generation to generation. It was a dish that always made an appearance at special occasions, like holidays and birthdays. The combination of fluffy rice, savory spinach, and sharp Parmesan cheese was a winning combination that never failed to impress.

As Aunt Ruth walked me through the recipe, I was mesmerized by the way she effortlessly combined the ingredients, each step executed with precision and care. She showed me how to sauté the spinach until wilted, how to mix it with the cooked rice, and how to fold in the Parmesan cheese to create a creamy, flavorful mixture.

Once the mixture was ready, Aunt Ruth instructed me on how to pack it into a ring mold and bake it until golden brown. The smell that wafted from the oven was enough to make my mouth water, and I couldn't wait to dig in and taste the finished product.

When the Parmesan Spinach Rice Ring was finally ready, Aunt Ruth carefully unmolded it onto a serving platter, revealing a beautiful, golden ring of rice studded with vibrant green spinach and flecks of melted cheese. It was a sight to behold, and I couldn't wait to take my first bite.

The flavors exploded in my mouth, the creamy rice mingling with the earthy spinach and sharp Parmesan in a harmonious dance of textures and tastes. It was a dish that was both comforting and elegant, perfect for a special occasion or a simple family dinner.

From that day on, the Parmesan Spinach Rice Ring became a staple in my own cooking repertoire. I would make it for family gatherings, potlucks, and dinner parties, always receiving rave reviews from friends and loved ones. It was a dish that brought people together, a reminder of the power of good food to create lasting memories.

As the years passed, I continued to make the Parmesan Spinach Rice Ring, each time tweaking the recipe to suit my own tastes and preferences. I added a pinch of garlic here, a dash of nutmeg there, always experimenting and refining until I had perfected my own version of the beloved dish.

Now, as I sit here in my kitchen, surrounded by the comforting smells of sautéed spinach and bubbling cheese, I can't help but smile as I think back on that fateful day with Aunt Ruth. It was the day that sparked my love affair with cooking, the day that I discovered the joy of sharing good food with the ones I love.

And so, I will continue to make the Parmesan Spinach Rice Ring for years to come, passing down the recipe to future generations and sharing the story of how it came to be a beloved tradition in our family. It is a dish that holds a special place in my heart, a reminder of the power of food to bring people together and create lasting memories.