Can I use brown rice instead of medium grain white rice?

Yes, but you'll need to adjust both the soaking and cooking time. Soak brown rice for 30 minutes, then increase the cooking time to about 35-40 minutes. You may also need to add an extra ¼ cup of water during cooking.

My rice turned out too mushy. What went wrong?

This usually happens when there's too much liquid or the rice was overcooked. Make sure to measure your water precisely, drain the soaked rice thoroughly, and stick to the cooking time. Different rice brands may absorb water differently, so adjust accordingly next time.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

Absolutely! Simply omit the feta cheese garnish or replace it with a dairy-free alternative. The base recipe is already vegan-friendly and delicious on its own.

What's the best way to reheat leftover spinach rice without drying it out?

Place the rice in a saucepan with 1-2 tablespoons of water or broth, cover with a lid, and heat gently over low heat for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. This method revives the rice's moisture without making it soggy.

Greek Spinach Rice Recipe

Name: Greek Spinach Rice Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: Greek
Ingredients: 1 cup medium grain rice; 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil; 1 yellow onion, chopped; 1 pound baby spinach; 1 lemon, juiced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tablespoons tomato paste; Kosher salt, to taste; Black pepper, to taste; 1 1/2 teaspoon dried mint; 1 teaspoon dried dill; Feta cheese

Description

Greek Spinach Rice is a flavorful and wholesome dish combining tender rice, baby spinach, herbs, and tangy lemon. Perfect as a side dish or a light vegetarian main-course, it’s finished with a garnish of creamy feta cheese for extra depth of flavor.

Ingredients

Units Scale

Main Ingredients

1 cup medium grain rice
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
1 yellow onion, chopped
1 pound baby spinach
1 lemon, juiced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons tomato paste
Kosher salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste

Herbs

1 1/2 teaspoon dried mint
1 teaspoon dried dill

For Garnish

Feta cheese

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Instructions

Soak the rice: Rinse the rice well a few times until the water runs clear. Put the rice in a bowl and add water to cover it by 1 inch. Let it sit to soak for 20 minutes or until you can easily break one grain of rice between your fingers.
Saute the spinach: Heat 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil in a braising pan. Add the onions and cook for 5 minutes, stirring regularly, until soft and golden brown. Add the spinach, lemon juice, garlic, tomato paste, and a big pinch of kosher salt and black pepper. Saute the spinach until just wilted. Stir in the mint and dill.
Add the rice to the pan: Drain the rice well and add it to the pan. Add 1 ½ cups of warm water. Bring to a boil for 3 minutes until the water reduces a bit. Turn the heat to low and cover.
Cook: Let the rice cook undisturbed for 20 minutes or until the rice is tender and fully cooked through and all the liquid has been absorbed.
Rest: Once cooked, let the rice sit covered for 5 to 10 minutes before serving.
Serve: When ready, fluff the rice with a fork and garnish with feta, additional finely chopped spinach, or minced parsley, if desired.

Notes

Make sure to rinse the rice well to remove excess starch for fluffier results.
Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
For added freshness, garnish with minced parsley or more spinach.
Use high-quality extra virgin olive oil for enhanced flavor.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 180
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 150mg
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Unsaturated Fat: 9g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 17g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 4g
Cholesterol: 8mg