*Spinach With Rice

Prep: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves: 4 Cuisine: Mediterranean

A vibrant, nutritious dish featuring tender spinach and rice, flavored with herbs and onions, perfect for a healthy, versatile meal suitable for vegetarians or as a side.

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Ingredients

  • 1 lb. spinach
  • 2 medium onions, chopped
  • 1 Tbsp. chopped parsley and dill
  • 1/4 c. rice, uncooked
  • 1/4 c. vegetable oil
  • salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Saute the chopped onions in vegetable oil until golden.
  2. Add the washed and drained spinach, a little water, and bring to a boil.
  3. Sprinkle chopped parsley and dill, then add the washed rice.
  4. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
  5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  6. Simmer for about 15 minutes or until the rice and spinach are tender.
  7. Serve alone or with meat, fish, poultry, or cheese.

Tips & Substitutions

For added flavor, consider using vegetable broth instead of water when cooking the rice. If you have leftover cooked rice, you can substitute it for uncooked rice in this recipe; just reduce the cooking time. Fresh herbs are best, but dried parsley and dill can work in a pinch. This dish pairs wonderfully with other Mediterranean recipes.

Serving Suggestions

This dish can be served as a main vegetarian meal or as a side dish to meat, fish, or poultry. It also pairs nicely with a fresh salad, such as Spinach, Rice And Bell Pepper Salad, or a creamy dip like Baked Brie With Tuscany Toast for a complete 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 a pan, cover, and heat over low until warmed through. You can also microwave it in short intervals, stirring occasionally to prevent drying out.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of *Spinach With Rice contains roughly 293 calories, with 7g protein, 33g carbohydrates, and 16g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (65% of the Daily Value), iron (27% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 989mg per serving (43% of the Daily Value).

293 kcal 15% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 7.2g 14% DV
Total Fat 15.9g 20% DV
Carbs 33.2g 12% DV
Fiber 5g 18% DV
Sugar 3g 6% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 988.9mg 43% DV
Potassium 582.5mg 12% DV
Cholesterol 8.1mg 3% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 581.4mcg 65% DV
Vitamin C 21.7mg 24% DV
Calcium 120.1mg 9% DV
Iron 4.9mg 27% DV
Diet fit High-fiber Under 400 cal

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 frozen spinach instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use frozen spinach. Just make sure to thaw and drain it thoroughly before adding it to the dish to avoid excess water. This will help maintain the desired consistency and flavor.

What can I substitute for rice?

If you're looking for a substitute for rice, consider quinoa or couscous, which can add a different texture and flavor. Adjust the cooking time according to the chosen grain to ensure everything is cooked perfectly.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! This spinach with rice recipe is perfect for meal prep. Just prepare a larger batch and store it in individual portions. It reheats well, making it an easy, nutritious option for busy days.

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).

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