Spinach And Rice(A Favorite Rice Dish Alone Or With Meat)
A flavorful spinach and rice dish featuring fresh or frozen spinach, aromatic onion, dill, and hearty rice simmered in savory broth—perfect for a wholesome, vegetarian-friendly meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Rinse the fresh spinach thoroughly.
- Remove and discard the stems from the spinach.
- Chop the spinach leaves, or if using frozen, thaw and squeeze out excess water.
- In a large skillet or pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent.
- Stir in the dill weed and cook for another minute.
- Add the rice and cook, stirring, for 2-3 minutes.
- Pour in the chicken broth or water with bouillon cubes, then bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat to low, add the prepared spinach, salt, and pepper to taste.
- Cover and simmer until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed, about 20-25 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using homemade chicken broth instead of water with bouillon cubes. If you're short on time, pre-cooked rice can be a great substitute, reducing the cooking time significantly. Fresh dill can be used in place of dried dill weed for a more vibrant taste. Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or carrots for added nutrition.
Serving Suggestions
This Spinach and Rice dish pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or fish for a complete meal. Consider serving it alongside a fresh salad or a side of roasted vegetables for added color and nutrition. It also makes a great base for Mediterranean recipes, offering a hearty option for a vegetarian meal.
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 skillet and warm over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. This helps to prevent the rice from drying out. Alternatively, you can microwave it in a covered dish.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spinach And Rice(A Favorite Rice Dish Alone Or With Meat) contains roughly 2210 calories, with 3g protein, 11g carbohydrates, and 244g fat. It is a good source of vitamin A (16% of the Daily Value), iron (15% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (11% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2311mg per serving (100% 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 will need to adjust the cooking time and liquid. Brown rice typically takes longer to cook, about 40-45 minutes. Make sure to add extra broth or water to ensure it cooks properly.
What can I add to this recipe for extra protein?
You can easily add cooked chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas to the dish to boost protein content. Simply stir them in during the last 5 minutes of cooking to heat through. This makes it a satisfying main dish on its own.
Is this recipe suitable for freezing?
Yes, this dish can be frozen for up to 2 months. Allow it to cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat on the stove or microwave until heated through.
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).