Spinach, Rice & Feta Pie
A savory spinach, rice, and feta pie with a creamy filling and golden crust, perfect for a wholesome vegetarian meal or brunch option.
Ingredients
- 2 tsp. butter ⓘ
- 3/4 c. chopped onion ⓘ
- 2 tsp. all purpose flour ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. pepper ⓘ
- 1 1/2 c. low fat milk ⓘ
- 2 c. cooked brown rice ⓘ
- 3/4 c. crumbled feta cheese ⓘ
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten ⓘ
- 2 large egg whites ⓘ
- 1 (10 oz.) pkg. spinach, fresh cooked and chopped ⓘ
- cooking spray ⓘ
- 1/4 c. grated Parmesan cheese ⓘ
- 9 inch pie shell ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat.
- Add chopped onions and sauté for 3 minutes.
- Stir in flour, salt, and pepper.
- Gradually add milk, stirring with a whisk until well blended.
- Bring the mixture to a boil and cook for 1 minute or until slightly thickened, stirring constantly.
- Remove from heat and stir in cooked brown rice, crumbled feta cheese, lightly beaten egg, egg whites, and chopped cooked spinach.
- Spray a 9-inch pie shell with cooking spray and pour in the mixture.
- Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the top of the pie.
- Bake for 35 minutes or until set.
- Broil for 2 minutes or until the pie is golden brown.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra flavor, consider adding garlic or herbs like dill and oregano to the onion mixture. You can substitute the brown rice with quinoa for a protein boost. If you don’t have feta cheese, goat cheese works well too. Make sure to squeeze out excess moisture from the spinach to prevent a soggy pie.
Serving Suggestions
This Spinach, Rice & Feta Pie is perfect as a light main dish. Serve it alongside a fresh salad or with a side of Avocado Cherry Tomatoes for a refreshing contrast. It also pairs beautifully with Baba Ghanouj Ii for a Mediterranean-inspired meal. Enjoy warm or at room temperature.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover pie in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place slices in the microwave for about 1-2 minutes or reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 10-15 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spinach, Rice & Feta Pie contains roughly 942 calories, with 19g protein, 100g carbohydrates, and 52g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (38% of the Daily Value), iron (28% of the Daily Value), and calcium (26% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1885mg per serving (82% 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 make this pie ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the filling and assemble the pie a day in advance. Just cover it tightly and refrigerate. Bake it fresh before serving for the best texture, but you can also bake it ahead and reheat it.
Is there a way to make this pie gluten-free?
Absolutely! You can use a gluten-free pie crust or even make a crustless version by greasing the pie dish well. Just ensure that any flour used in the recipe is gluten-free, such as almond or coconut flour.
What can I serve with this dish?
This pie works well with various sides. A simple green salad or roasted vegetables can complement it nicely. Additionally, consider pairing it with a light yogurt sauce or tzatziki for added flavor.
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).