Spinach Feta Rice

Spinach Feta Rice Recipe from Greece - Delicious and Healthy

Region / culture: Greece | Servings: : 4

Introduction

Spinach Feta Rice is a delicious and nutritious dish that combines the flavors of fresh spinach, tangy feta cheese, and aromatic herbs. This recipe is a great way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet while still enjoying a flavorful and satisfying meal.

History

Spinach Feta Rice is a modern twist on traditional rice pilaf recipes. The combination of spinach and feta cheese is a classic Greek flavor pairing that adds a unique and savory element to this dish. This recipe is a popular choice for vegetarians and those looking for a healthy and delicious meal option.

Ingredients

1 cup uncooked rice
1 cup chicken broth
1 cup water
1 medium onion, chopped
1 cup (about 4 oz or 113 g) sliced fresh mushrooms
2 cloves garlic, minced
vegetable cooking spray
1 tbsp lemon juice
0.5 tsp dried oregano leaves
6 cups shredded fresh spinach leaves (about 0.25 lb or 113 g)
4 oz or 113 g feta cheese, crumbled
freshly ground black pepper
chopped pimento for garnish (optional)

How to prepare

Combine rice, broth, and water in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil and stir once or twice.
Reduce the heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
Cook the onion, mushrooms, and garlic in a large skillet coated with cooking spray until the onion is tender.
Stir in lemon juice and oregano.
Add spinach, cheese, and pepper to the rice and toss lightly until the spinach is wilted.
Garnish with pimento.

Variations

Add cooked chicken or shrimp for extra protein.
Substitute quinoa or couscous for the rice.
Mix in sun-dried tomatoes or olives for added flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to rinse the rice before cooking to remove any excess starch.

- Use fresh spinach for the best flavor and texture.

- Crumble the feta cheese just before adding it to the dish for maximum freshness.

- Adjust the seasonings to taste, adding more lemon juice or herbs as desired.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Spinach Feta Rice as a main dish with a side salad or roasted vegetables. It can also be served as a side dish alongside grilled chicken or fish.

Cooking Techniques

Simmer the rice slowly to ensure it cooks evenly and absorbs the liquid properly.

- Toss the spinach and cheese lightly to avoid overmixing and wilting the spinach too much.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a vegetarian option.

- Swap out the feta cheese for goat cheese or Parmesan for a different flavor profile.

Make Ahead Tips

Prepare the rice mixture ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish Spinach Feta Rice with fresh herbs, a drizzle of olive oil, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a pop of color and flavor.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Spinach Feta Rice with a crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, to complement the savory flavors of the dish.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent the rice from drying out.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

240

Carbohydrates

- Total Carbohydrates: 32g

- Dietary Fiber: 2g

- Sugars: 2g

Fats

- Total Fat: 8g

- Saturated Fat: 5g

- Trans Fat: 0g

Proteins

- Protein: 9g

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin A: 60%

- Vitamin C: 20%

- Calcium: 15%

- Iron: 10%

Alergens

Contains dairy (feta cheese)

Summary

Spinach Feta Rice is a balanced dish that provides a good source of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, and essential vitamins and minerals. It is a nutritious option for a well-rounded meal.

Summary

Spinach Feta Rice is a flavorful and nutritious dish that is easy to prepare and perfect for a quick weeknight meal. With a balance of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, and essential vitamins and minerals, this dish is a healthy and satisfying option for any occasion. Enjoy the savory flavors of fresh spinach and tangy feta cheese in this delicious recipe.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the sense of anticipation I felt when I first discovered this recipe. It was a warm summer day, and I had just finished tending to my garden when a neighbor stopped by to chat. As we sipped on iced tea, she mentioned a new dish she had tried at a potluck the night before - Spinach Feta Rice.

The description of the dish piqued my curiosity, and I asked her for the recipe. She laughed and said it was a family secret, passed down from her grandmother. But she kindly offered to show me how to make it, as long as I promised to keep it to myself.

We spent the afternoon in my kitchen, chopping vegetables and sautéing onions. The scent of garlic filled the air as we added spinach and feta to the mix. Finally, we stirred in cooked rice and let it all simmer together until the flavors melded into a delicious harmony.

As I took my first bite of Spinach Feta Rice, I knew this recipe would become a staple in my kitchen. The combination of savory feta, earthy spinach, and fluffy rice was simply irresistible. I thanked my neighbor profusely for sharing her family recipe with me and vowed to make it for my own family soon.

Over the years, I have made Spinach Feta Rice countless times, each batch reminding me of that fateful summer day. I have tweaked the recipe here and there, adding a touch of lemon zest or a sprinkle of fresh herbs to make it my own. And every time I serve it to family and friends, they always ask for the recipe, just as I did all those years ago.

I learned early on in my cooking journey that recipes are more than just ingredients and instructions. They are stories passed down through generations, each one carrying the memories and traditions of those who came before us. And this recipe for Spinach Feta Rice is no exception.

As I sit here in my cozy kitchen, surrounded by the aromas of garlic and feta, I can't help but feel grateful for all the recipes I have collected over the years. Each one tells a story, whether it's a cherished family secret or a new discovery shared by a friend. And I know that as long as I keep cooking and sharing these recipes, the stories will continue to live on, just as they have in my own kitchen.

So the next time you try a new recipe or share a dish with loved ones, remember that you are not just cooking a meal - you are creating a story that will be shared and cherished for years to come. And who knows, maybe someday you'll be the one passing down a family recipe to a new friend, just as my neighbor did for me all those years ago.