Spanakorizo(Spanish Rice)
Spanakorizo is a hearty Greek-inspired rice dish featuring tender spinach, fragrant herbs, and a bright squeeze of lemon. Its savory, earthy flavors make it a versatile vegetarian main or side, perfect for those seeking a nutritious and flavorful meal with a Mediterranean touch.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Saute chopped onion in vegetable oil until transparent.
- Add the uncooked rice, tomato sauce, drained spinach, and chopped parsley; stir well.
- Add water, salt, and pepper; bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat, cover, and simmer until the rice is cooked, about 20 minutes.
- Before serving, add the juice of half a lemon and stir.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding garlic or using vegetable broth instead of water. You can substitute the spinach with kale or Swiss chard if desired. If you prefer a bit of heat, add crushed red pepper flakes. To make this dish even heartier, mix in some cooked chickpeas or lentils, making it a great option for vegan recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve spanakorizo as a main dish or as a side to grilled meats or Mediterranean recipes. It pairs beautifully with a fresh salad, such as a Plantation Salad, or alongside roasted vegetables. For added protein, consider serving it with grilled chicken or fish, balancing the dish perfectly.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the spanakorizo in a pan over low heat, adding a splash of water to prevent sticking. Stir occasionally until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave it, covered, in 1-minute intervals until warm.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spanakorizo(Spanish Rice) contains roughly 595 calories, with 44g protein, 101g carbohydrates, and 11g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (200% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (144% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2802mg per serving (122% 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 fresh spinach instead of frozen?
Yes, you can use fresh spinach! You'll need about 1 pound of fresh spinach, which should be roughly chopped and wilted before adding to the recipe. Fresh spinach will reduce in volume significantly when cooked, so adjust according to your preference.
Is it possible to make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare spanakorizo ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. To maintain its texture, reheat gently. It can also be frozen for up to 2 months. Just make sure to let it cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container.
What can I add for extra protein?
To boost the protein content, consider stirring in cooked lentils, chickpeas, or diced grilled chicken after the rice has cooked. These additions will enhance the dish's heartiness while maintaining its delicious flavor profile.
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).