Spinach Rice
Servings: 6 people
Calories: 288kcal
This quick and easy Spinach Rice recipe is a tasty way to sneak more greens onto your plate! A green spinach paste is stirred into fluffy and flavorful white rice, instantly upgrading this simple side dish with deliciously savory flavors.
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Ingredients
- 2 Tablespoons olive oil divided
- ½ medium onion diced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 2 cups white rice
- 4 cups chicken broth or bone broth, divided
- 1 bay leaf optional
- ½ teaspoon salt plus more to taste
- 4 cups fresh spinach coarsely chopped, about 10 ounces
- 3 green onions coarsely chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat 1 TBSP olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Cook the onions for about 5-7 minutes, or until they are translucent. Add the garlic and cook 30 seconds longer, until fragrant.
- Add the rice, 3 ½ cups broth, bay leaf and salt and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15-18 minutes, until the rice is tender.
- Meanwhile, add the spinach, green onions, remaining ½ cup broth and 1 TBSP olive oil to a food processor or blender and process into coarse green paste.
- Stir into the cooked rice and allow to stand, covered, for a few minutes.
- Fluff rice with a fork and season with salt and pepper. Enjoy!
Notes
Storing and reheating
- Store the leftover cooled spinach rice in an airtight container and refrigerate for 3 to 4 days. You can also freeze the rice, but the texture isn’t quite the same after thawing.
- To reheat, warm portions of the rice in the microwave for 1 to 2 minutes, or reheat it on the stovetop with a splash of water or chicken broth until warmed through.
- To help prevent the rice from becoming sticky, rinse the grains under cold water until the water runs clear. This removes the excess surface starch and results in fluffier rice.
- Try not to lift the lid on the pot as the rice is simmering because releasing the trapped steam can lead to unevenly cooked rice.
- Remember to gently fluff the rice with a fork once the rice is finished cooking. This releases excess steam and prevents the grains from clumping together.
- Add more veggies – Incorporate diced red bell peppers, mushrooms, asparagus, green peas, or any of your favorite vegetables. Feel free to get creative!
- Try different leafy greens – Instead of spinach, make this recipe with kale, Swiss chard, collard greens, or a medley of what you have on hand.
- Add some cheese – For a creamy variation, consider stirring in grated parmesan, feta, or goat cheese towards the end of cooking.
- Play with the seasonings – Add a pinch of cayenne, paprika, or red pepper flakes for a subtle kick. Or, for an herbaceous freshness, stir in freshly chopped chives, cilantro, mint, parsley, or a mix of your favorites.
- Add meat – Transform this recipe into a satisfying main dish by adding shrimp, shredded chicken, crumbled Italian sausage, bacon, or diced ham towards the end of cooking.
- Make it vegan – Make vegan spinach rice by substituting the chicken broth with vegetable broth. Add ingredients like tofu, beans, toasted pine nuts, almonds, or walnuts for a boost of plant-based protein.
Nutrition
Calories: 288kcal | Carbohydrates: 53g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 3mg | Sodium: 796mg | Potassium: 247mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 1940IU | Vitamin C: 8mg | Calcium: 53mg | Iron: 1mg