Rice With Spinach
A vibrant rice dish featuring fresh spinach, herbs, and melted cheese, perfect for a quick, nutritious meal suited for vegetarians and spinach lovers alike.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix oil, chopped onion, and fresh spinach in a pan. Cook over low heat for 5 minutes until spinach wilts.
- Add rice and parsley to the pan, stirring to coat the ingredients evenly.
- Pour in chicken broth, cover, and cook until rice is tender, about 15 minutes.
- Once cooked, stir in grated cheese, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- If needed, add more broth and cook a few more minutes until flavors meld.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider sautéing garlic along with the onion and spinach. If you don't have fresh spinach, frozen spinach can be used, but be sure to thaw and drain it well before adding. You can also substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth for a vegetarian version. For a heartier dish, add cooked chicken or chickpeas as a protein source.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this rice with spinach as a side dish alongside grilled meats, such as Baked Greek Chicken or Em'S Roasted Chicken. It also pairs well with a fresh salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal. For a vegetarian option, consider serving it with a side of Low-Fat Bean And Basil Soup.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of broth or water to the pan and warm over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. Alternatively, microwave in a covered dish, adding a little liquid to prevent drying out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Rice With Spinach contains roughly 474 calories, with 45g protein, 66g carbohydrates, and 14g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (237% of the Daily Value), iron (222% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (152% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1400mg per serving (61% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, you can use brown rice, but keep in mind it will require a longer cooking time. Increase the broth and cooking time to about 40-45 minutes to ensure the rice is tender and fully cooked.
What cheese works best for this recipe?
Grated Parmesan or feta cheese are excellent choices for this dish, adding a nice salty flavor. You could also experiment with mozzarella for a milder taste or goat cheese for creaminess.
Is there a way to make this dish spicier?
To add some heat, consider incorporating red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños when cooking the onion and spinach. These ingredients can infuse the dish with a nice kick without overpowering the other flavors.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).