Hello everyone,
This Greek Spanakorizo (Spinach – Rice) is a recipe that I post at least once a year. Since we’ve all eaten so much over the holidays, most of us are now most likely eating a bit healthier. And honestly, Spanakorizo could not come at a better time, a light and healthy comfort dish. After weeks of rich desserts, roasted meats, buttery pastries, and tables that never seemed to empty. This spinach Greek dish is exactly what we need. Simple, nourishing, and full of flavor.
Spanakorizo is a classic Greek meal made with spinach, rice, olive oil, herbs, and usually a generous squeeze of lemon. It’s the kind of dish that Greek mothers and grandmothers make without measuring. They basically eyeball all the ingredients. hahahha because it is that easy to make. Growing up, Spanakorizo was always on rotation in our home, especially during times when we wanted something lighter but still filling. It was often served as a main dish with crusty bread on the side. And like many Greek dishes, it manages to be both humble and deeply satisfying.
What makes Spanakorizo so special is its balance. The spinach softens and becomes almost silky, the rice absorbs all those beautiful flavors, and the olive oil ties everything together. The lemon at the end is definitely an essential. It gives the dish color and keeps it from feeling, well, flat. Some people like to add dill, others prefer parsley, and some swear by a little mint. There’s no single “correct” way, which is part of its charm. (me dill is a must in this recipe) 🙂
This is also one of those recipes that fits perfectly into a healthier eating mindset without feeling restrictive. It’s naturally vegetarian, packed with greens, and comforting enough that you don’t feel like you’re missing out. If you want to make it heartier, you can serve it with feta on top or alongside grilled fish. Another reason I love sharing this recipe year after year is that it represents real Greek everyday cooking.
So if you’re easing back into routine, craving something warm but wholesome, or just want a taste of Greek home cooking, this Greek Spanakorizo (Spinach – Rice) is exactly what you need. A pot, a wooden spoon, a bit of patience, and you’ll have a dish that feels like home no matter where you are.
As always, I hope this recipe brings a little comfort to your table and reminds you that eating well doesn’t have to mean giving up flavor. Sometimes, the simplest dishes are the ones we return to again and again, just like this Spanakorizo.
Have a great morning/afternoon/evening, everyone! 🙂
Greek Spanakorizo (Spinach - Rice)
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups fresh spinach washed and drained chopped
- 1 red onion large chopped
- ½ cup olive oil
- 1 leek washed, sliced, and chopped
- 4 spring onions sliced
- ¾ cups arborio rice
- 3 tbs fresh parsley finely chopped
- 4 tbs fresh dill finely chopped
- lemon juice
- 1 ½ cups water
- salt
- pepper
- ½ tbsp tomato paste optional
Instructions
- Heat the ½ cup olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped 1 red onion and the 1 leek and sauté until softened and fragrant.
- Stir in the 4 spring onions and cook for another 2–3 minutes, just until they begin to soften.
- Add the 2 ½ cups fresh spinach, to the pot and gently toss to combine. Mix in the chopped 4 tbs fresh dill, 3 tbs fresh parsley, allowing the greens to wilt slightly.
- Stir in the ¾ cups arborio rice and season with salt and pepper
- Pour in the 1 ½ cups water nd bring to a gentle simmer. Cook for about 25 minutes, until the rice is tender, adding a little more warm water if needed.
- Finish by stirring in the lemon juice. Cover the pot with a clean, dry kitchen towel and let it rest for 10 minutes before serving.
- A meal that can eaten hot or cold.
KALI SAS OREXI!! 🙂
