Spinach Rice Bake

Spinach Rice Bake Recipe: Vegetarian Dish from USA

Region / culture: USA | Servings: 6 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Spinach Rice Bake is a delicious and nutritious dish that combines the flavors of spinach, rice, and cheese in a comforting casserole. This recipe is perfect for a family dinner or a potluck gathering, as it is easy to make and can be prepared ahead of time.

History

The origins of Spinach Rice Bake are not clear, but it is likely that this dish has been enjoyed by home cooks for generations. The combination of spinach and rice is a classic pairing in many cuisines around the world, and adding cheese to the mix creates a rich and satisfying dish.

Ingredients

1 cup of chopped onion
1 tbsp of butter or margarine
5 cups of chopped fresh spinach, cooked
3 cups of cooked rice
0.5 tsp of garlic powder
0.5 tsp of dry basil
0.5 tsp of thyme
3 eggs, beaten
0.5 cup of grated parmesan cheese

How to prepare

In a large skillet, cook the onion in butter until tender.
Stir in the spinach, rice, garlic powder, basil, thyme, and eggs.
Transfer the mixture into a greased 2 qt (1.89 liter) baking dish and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
Bake at 375°F (191°C) for 20 minutes.

Variations

Add cooked chicken or shrimp to the casserole for a protein boost.
Use different types of cheese, such as cheddar or mozzarella, for a different flavor profile.
Mix in cooked quinoa or couscous instead of rice for a different texture.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to cook the spinach before adding it to the casserole, as this will help to remove excess moisture and prevent the dish from becoming too watery.

- You can use fresh or frozen spinach for this recipe, depending on what you have on hand. Just be sure to thaw and drain frozen spinach before using it.

- Feel free to customize this recipe by adding other vegetables, such as bell peppers or mushrooms, or by using different types of cheese for a unique flavor profile.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Spinach Rice Bake as a main dish with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. It also pairs well with grilled chicken or fish for added protein.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to cook the onion until tender before adding the spinach and rice, as this will help to develop the flavors of the dish.

- Mixing the eggs into the casserole helps to bind the ingredients together and create a creamy texture.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use olive oil or vegetable oil instead of margarine.

- Substitute fresh herbs for the dried basil and thyme for a more vibrant flavor.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare Spinach Rice Bake ahead of time and refrigerate it until ready to bake. Simply cover the casserole dish with foil and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the baked casserole with fresh herbs, such as parsley or basil, for a pop of color and flavor. You can also sprinkle extra cheese on top before serving for a cheesy finish.

Pairing Recommendations

Serve Spinach Rice Bake with a crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, to complement the flavors of the dish. A light salad with a citrus vinaigrette dressing also pairs well with this casserole.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers of Spinach Rice Bake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place the casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F (177°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

230

Carbohydrates

- Total Carbohydrates: 28g

- Dietary Fiber: 2g

- Sugars: 2g

Fats

- Total Fat: 8g

- Saturated Fat: 3g

- Trans Fat: 0g

Proteins

- Protein: 10g

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin A: 60% DV

- Vitamin C: 15% DV

- Calcium: 20% DV

- Iron: 10% DV

Alergens

Contains dairy (cheese)

Summary

Spinach Rice Bake is a balanced dish that provides a good amount of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, as well as essential vitamins and minerals. It is a nutritious option for a meal or side dish.

Summary

Spinach Rice Bake is a flavorful and nutritious dish that is easy to make and perfect for a family meal or gathering. With a balance of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, as well as essential vitamins and minerals, this casserole is a satisfying and wholesome option for any occasion.

How did I get this recipe?

I can still recall the sense of amazement I felt when I first saw this recipe for Spinach Rice Bake. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl, eager to learn the art of cooking from my grandmother. She was a master in the kitchen, with a treasure trove of recipes passed down through generations.

One day, while flipping through an old recipe book that belonged to my great-grandmother, I stumbled upon a faded, handwritten note tucked between the pages. It was a recipe for Spinach Rice Bake, written in beautiful cursive script. The ingredients were simple and the instructions clear, but there was something magical about the way they came together to create a dish that was so comforting and delicious.

Eager to try my hand at making this dish, I asked my grandmother about the recipe. She smiled knowingly and told me that it was one of her favorites, passed down to her from her own mother. She offered to teach me how to make it, and so began my journey into the world of Spinach Rice Bake.

We started by gathering the ingredients - rice, spinach, cheese, and a few other pantry staples. My grandmother explained the importance of using fresh ingredients and taking the time to prepare each component with care. She taught me how to wash the spinach thoroughly, chop it finely, and sauté it with garlic until it was wilted and fragrant.

Next, we cooked the rice until it was fluffy and tender, then mixed it with the spinach and a generous amount of cheese. The mixture was then spooned into a baking dish and topped with a sprinkle of breadcrumbs for a crunchy finish. As the dish baked in the oven, the aroma of garlic and cheese filled the kitchen, making my mouth water in anticipation.

When the timer finally chimed, we pulled the Spinach Rice Bake out of the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. The cheese had melted into a golden crust on top, and the spinach had melded with the rice into a creamy, comforting filling.

As I took my first bite, I was transported back to my great-grandmother's kitchen, where the recipe had first been created. The flavors were rich and satisfying, the textures perfectly balanced. I knew then that this recipe would become a staple in my own cooking repertoire, to be passed down to future generations just as it had been passed down to me.

Over the years, I have made Spinach Rice Bake countless times, each batch a tribute to the strong women who came before me and shared their love of cooking. I have added my own twists and variations to the recipe, experimenting with different cheeses, herbs, and spices to make it my own.

But no matter how many times I make it, the sense of amazement I felt that first day remains. The magic of combining simple ingredients into a dish that is so much more than the sum of its parts is a gift that I will always cherish. And every time I take a bite of Spinach Rice Bake, I am reminded of the love and tradition that have been passed down through the generations, making each meal a celebration of family, history, and delicious food.