Spinach And Dill Rice
A vibrant and flavorful rice dish featuring fresh spinach, dill, and feta cheese, perfect for light lunches or as a side with Mediterranean-inspired meals.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mince the fresh spinach.
- Heat olive oil in a pan.
- Add minced spinach and garlic to the pan.
- Add salt, dried dill weed, white wine vinegar, and freshly ground pepper.
- Cook over medium heat for 10 minutes, stirring, until excess liquid evaporates.
- Bring water to a boil in a separate pot; add rice and salt.
- Cook the rice for 25 minutes until tender.
- Add cooked spinach to the rice.
- Cook together over low heat for 3 to 5 minutes.
- Toss feta cheese and Parmesan together and sprinkle over the rice.
- Serve immediately.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using vegetable broth instead of water when cooking the rice. You can substitute fresh dill with 1 tsp of dried dill if necessary. If you want to add more protein, try mixing in some cooked chickpeas or white beans. This dish also works well with other greens like kale or Swiss chard, making it versatile for various Mediterranean recipes.
Serving Suggestions
This Spinach and Dill Rice pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or fish for a complete meal. For a vegetarian option, serve it alongside a fresh Butter Bean Salad or your favorite roasted vegetables. Garnishing with extra crumbled Feta or a squeeze of lemon can enhance the flavors. It also makes a great base for a grain bowl.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of water to the rice before microwaving to prevent it from drying out. Stir gently to combine the flavors, and heat until warmed through. You can also reheat it on the stovetop over low heat.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spinach And Dill Rice contains roughly 895 calories, with 21g protein, 114g carbohydrates, and 50g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (113% of the Daily Value), iron (89% of the Daily Value), and calcium (47% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2320mg per serving (101% 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 you'll need to adjust the cooking time. Brown rice typically takes about 40-45 minutes to cook. Make sure to increase the water quantity slightly, as brown rice absorbs more liquid than white rice.
Is it possible to make this dish vegan?
Absolutely! To make this dish vegan, simply omit the Feta and Parmesan cheese or replace them with vegan cheese alternatives. This will keep the dish flavorful while accommodating a vegan diet.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the spinach mixture and cook the rice ahead of time. Store them separately in the refrigerator, and combine them just before serving. This allows the rice to stay fluffy and prevents the spinach from becoming soggy.
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).