Hello everyone,
I hope you are doing well. Spanakorizo (Spinach and Rice Recipe) is a big-time favorite in my house. It’s one of those Greek comfort foods that never lets you down. It has simple ingredients and loads of flavor, and it tastes even better the next day (if there are any leftovers, that is). There’s just something about the smell of spinach, rice, a hint of lemon, and all that dill simmering together.
No tomatoes this time, yep, I skipped them on purpose. I went with the lemony route this time, making the whole dish feel lighter. I was just in the mood for that sharp, zesty flavor. Spanakorizo is one of those spring and summer go-to dishes that are healthy, vegetarian, and super budget-friendly. It’s a classic in Greek cuisine, traditionally served as a main dish. It’s simple, comforting, and packed with greens in every bite.
This dish falls under the Greek Ladera category. This category is solely based on olive oil and vegetables. Those delicious, plant-based, olive oil-rich dishes that are vegetarian and vegan. It’s the kind of food that says you don’t need meat to have a plate full of flavor, and yet so seriously yummy.
Many people don’t realize how many plant-based recipes exist in Greek cuisine, and no tweaking is needed. Yup! There are so many traditional dishes that are vegetarian or even vegan. Of course, there’s Spanakorizo, but the list doesn’t stop there. Let me give you a little taste of what I mean: Briam: oven-roasted veggies (zucchini, eggplant, potatoes, tomatoes) in olive oil, Fasolakia: Tender green beans stewed in tomato sauce with potatoes and onions. Gemistsa: Tomatoes, peppers, aubergines, and zucchini stuffed with herby rice. Some add meat, but the meatless version is what I make. Revithada: A chickpea stew that’s simple but packed with lemony goodness.
Sooooo, Greek food isn’t just souvlaki/gyro and feta. If you’re looking for a plant-based dish, try Spanakorizo (Spinach and Rice Recipe).
I’ve posted a similar Spinach and Rice (Spanakorizo) recipe in the past, but this one’s a little different. It’s made for just two large servings because sometimes you’re not cooking for a crowd.
Have a wonderful morning/afternoon/evening, everyone! 🙂
Spanakorizo (Spinach and Rice Recipe)
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh spinach washed
- 1 onion chopped
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 3 spring onions
- ½ cup arborio rice
- 2 tbsp fresh dill chopped
- ¾ cup water
- salt
- pepper
- lemon juice
Instructions
- Add the olive oil to a large pot and let it warm up over medium heat.
- Toss in the chopped onion and sauté until soft for a few minutes.
- Toss in the spinach, chopped fresh spring onions, and the herbs. Give everything a good mix so the flavors start to come together.
- Season with a little salt and pepper
- Pour in the water, give everything a gentle stir, and let it simmer away until the rice is cooked and the spinach is tender.
- Served hot or cold, this dish is delicious, as a main or a side dish.
KALI SAS OREXI!! 🙂