Spanakorizo (Greek Spinach Rice)

Spanakorizo is a traditional Greek Spinach Rice recipe loaded with nutrients from spinach plus flavor from garlic, onions, herbs, and fresh lemon juice. Serve this easy and delicious spinach rice recipe as a vegetarian main or a side dish.

What is Spanakorizo?

A soft and creamy spinach rice recipe, Spanakorizo is considered classic Greek comfort food. It's one of my go-to dishes, especially when I want something cozy while sticking to healthy, whole foods.

Spanakorizo has vibes and flavors similar to spanakopita, my favorite crispy Greek spinach and feta pie, or my mac and cheese twist, but it's a little less involved, which means I can make it on a busy weeknight.

This spinach rice recipe can be served as a vegetarian meal, or make it vegan by omitting the feta cheese at the end (although I think it adds flavor and a touch of luxury). As a side, it is particularly great with meatballs, baked trout, or lemon chicken.

Every bite of this Greek rice dish is packed with flavor and nutrition. This recipe calls for 2 heaping cups of spinach to 1 cup of rice. It may sound like a lot of spinach, but the spinach wilts as it cooks making this rice-to-spinach ratio perfect. Plus, it's a way to amp up the nutrition since spinach adds antioxidants, fiber, iron, and calcium, as well as vitamins K, C, B12, B6, E, and more.

The next time you're craving comfort food, give spanakorizo a try!

What is the Best Rice for Spanakorizo?

The kind of rice you use is key to the success of this recipe and achieving the perfect Greek spinach rice. I chose a medium-grain rice like arborio. This kind of rice is often used in risotto recipes like mushroom risotto or asparagus risotto or really any risotto for that matter.

If you use short-grain rice, you risk having a mushy/sticky result. And long grain rice will not give you the silky, creamy texture you need here.

And as far as brown rice vs. white rice. While brown rice may give you a slight advantage from a nutrition standpoint, it does take longer to cook and you risk overcooking the spinach and negatively impacting the flavor of this dish.

Ingredients Needed to Make Spinach Rice

The ingredients and flavors of spanakorizo are simple. This recipe focuses really on two star ingredients— rice and spinach. I use a couple of dried herbs, garlic, and a splash of lemon juice, which brightens the dish and lifts the flavor profile. Here's what you'll need to make this rice:

• Medium-grain rice: I recommend medium-grain rice like arborio (and I have a few tips below for cooking it just right).
• Extra virgin olive oil: Quality olive oils not only have loads of flavor but also high polyphenols (antioxidants). We offer high-quality Greek, Spanish, and California olive oils at our online shop.
• Yellow onion: Chop the onion as finely as you can, it does not have to be perfect, but you don't want big chunks of onions in the rice.
• Baby spinach: Look for spinach leaves that are dark in color and crisp-looking. You can use regular fresh spinach as well, but it will require some prep to remove the stem from the leaves and chop them into smaller pieces.
• Lemon juice: Adds acidity and brightens the earthy flavor of the spinach. Freshly squeezed is best.
• Kosher salt and black pepper: Think of salt as a flavor enhancer and the black pepper adds an subtle warmth.
• Garlic cloves: Mince the garlic. You want the pieces small. If you need some tips we have you covered jus read, "How to Mince Garlic."
• Tomato paste: This concentrated tomato powerhouse adds umami, color, and richness to the spinach rice.
• Herbs: Mint and dill are bold flavor makers in their own right. They add an extra layer of complexity.
• Feta: I like to use this salty Greek cheese as a garnish at the end. However, you can omit the feta to make the recipe vegan.

How to Make Greek Spinach Rice

This healthy spinach rice recipe is so easy to make, but it does take a little time. Including the time to soak the rice, you'll need just under an hour start to finish.

• Rinse and soak rice. Rinse rice until the water runs clear, then cover it in a bowl with water to soak for about 20 minutes or until you can easily break a grain of rice.
  
  
  
  
  
  
• Cook the onions, spinach, and garlic. Saute the onions in extra virgin olive oil until soft and golden brown. Add the baby spinach, lemon juice, garlic, tomato paste, and a good dash of salt and pepper. Cook, tossing regularly, until the spinach is just wilted, then add the dried mint and dill weed.
  
  
  
  
  
  
• Add the rice and cook. Drain the rice well and add it to the pan with 1 ½ cups warm water. Boil for 3 minutes then reduce heat to low and cover. Cook covered until the rice is tender and fully cooked through and no liquid remains in the pot (about 20 minutes or so).
  
  
  
  
  
  
• Allow the rice to sit for 10 minutes before serving. Just leave it alone with the lid on top for 10 minutes or so, then you can fluff it up before serving.
• Garnish and serve. I love adding a handful of crumbled creamy feta and finely chopped fresh spinach or minced parsley to finish this dish.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

Tips for Cooking Rice

Properly cooking the rice is the most important part of making Spanakorizo. The goal is rice that's perfectly cooked, not mushy or sticky. Here are a few tips to help.

• Always rinse and soak the rice first. Rinse the rice under cold water until it runs clear, instead of cloudy. Then soak it in a pan, covered with an inch of water, for 20 minutes. Rinsing the rice removes the starch, which makes the rice too sticky. Soaking also shortens the cooking time allowing the interior to cook before the exterior loses its shape.
• Don't remove the lid during cooking. Though it may be tempting to peek, avoid removing the lid while the rice is cooking. Doing so will allow all the steam to escape and affect the cooking time.
• Allow rice to sit undisturbed. Once the rice has finished cooking, allow it to sit for 10 minutes or so before adding the garnishes. This is the perfect time to finish up any meat or anything else you'll be serving with it.

What to Serve with Spanakorizo?

You can serve Greek spinach rice for an easy hot or cold vegetarian dinner. Just scoop it into a bowl, top with feta and a lemon slice. You can also add a dollop of Greek yogurt or even an egg on top. Or, serve it with a fresh side salad like Tomato Feta Salad or keep the theme going with a Traditional Greek Salad.

As a side dish, Spanakorizo pairs nicely with beef, lamb, and fish. A few of my favorites to serve it with are: Boneless Leg of Lamb, Chicken Souvlaki, and Garlic Salmon.

You can also turn it into a bowl meal and top it with Greek Meatballs or Shrimp Kabobs.

How to Store Leftover Spinach Rice

This Spinach Rice recipe will keep an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Because this recipe tastes great either hot or cold, it's a great meal prep option. Pack spanakorizo in your lunch with some leftover Roasted Chicken. You don't even need to reheat it, but, of course, you can if you want to!

More Rice Recipes to Love

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Greek Lemon Rice Recipe

Lebanese

Lebanese Rice with Vermicelli

Spanish

Spanish Rice and Beans

Sides and Small Plates

Loaded Lebanese Rice: Hashweh (video)

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Spanakorizo - Greek Spinach Rice

Spanakorizo or Greek Spinach Rice is a comforting dish made with spinach and medium grain rice then flavor boosted with dried herbs, garlic, onion, and a splash of lemon juice. This easy spinach rice recipe can be enjoyed as a vegetarian main for 4 people or as a side with your favorite protein (up to 6 people).

Course Side Dish

Cuisine Greek

Diet Gluten Free, Vegetarian

Prep Time 20 minutes minutes

Cook Time 40 minutes minutes

Total Time 1 hour hour

Servings 6 servings

Calories 252.1kcal

Author Suzy Karadsheh

Ingredients

• 1 cup medium grain rice
• ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1 yellow onion chopped
• 1 pound baby spinach
• 1 lemon, juiced
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• Kosher salt and black pepper
• 1 ½ teaspoon dried mint flakes
• 1 teaspoon dried dill weed
• Feta for garnish

Instructions

• Soak the rice: Rinse the rice well a few times until the water runs clear. Put the rice in a bowl and add water to cover it by 1 inch. Let sit to soak for 20 minutes or until you can easily break one grain of rice between your fingers.
• Saute the spinach: Heat ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil in a braising pan. Add the onions and cook for 5 minutes, stirring regularly, until soft and golden brown. Add the spinach, lemon juice, garlic, tomato paste, and a big pinch of kosher salt and black pepper. Sautee the spinach until just wilted. Stir in the mint and dill weed.
• Add the rice to the pan: Drain the rice well and add it to the pan. Add 1 ½ cups of warm water. Bring to a boil for 3 minutes until the water reduces a bit. Turn the heat to low and cover.
• Cook: Let the rice cook undisturbed for 20 minutes or until the rice is tender and fully cooked through and all the liquid has been absorbed.
• Rest: Once cooked, let the rice sit covered for 5 to 10 minutes before serving.
• Serve: When ready, fluff the rice with a fork and garnish with feta, additional finely chopped spinach, or minced parsley, if you like.

Notes

• Medium grain rice like arborio is best to give you the right creamy texture without being too sticky. Brown rice takes longer to cook, so if you use brown rice here, you may overcook the spinach to a point that will affect the flavor.
• Visit Our Shop to browse quality Mediterranean ingredients including olive oils and spices.

Nutrition

Calories: 252.1kcal | Carbohydrates: 37.2g | Protein: 5.3g | Fat: 9.6g | Saturated Fat: 1.4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1.1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6.6g | Sodium: 201mg | Potassium: 544.7mg | Fiber: 3.4g | Sugar: 1.8g | Vitamin A: 7193.7IU | Vitamin C: 24.2mg | Calcium: 89mg | Iron: 4.2mg

The post Spanakorizo (Greek Spinach Rice) appeared first on The Mediterranean Dish.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Mediterranean diet primarily plant-based

Yes, the Mediterranean Diet is primarily plant-based. The Mediterranean Diet is primarily plant-based. This includes fruits, vegetables and legumes as well as nuts and seeds. Red meat, poultry, and fish can also be found in smaller amounts due to their provenance around the Mediterranean Sea. You can choose to avoid these protein sources if you are a vegetarian/vegan. You can also find other dairy sources, like soy yogurt or tofu, that provide additional nutrition.

What are the main meals in a Mediterranean meal?

Mediterranean cuisine consists of fruits, vegetables whole grains, legumes as well as nuts. Fresh ingredients are preferred to pre-packaged processed food. Use herbs to enhance your meals. Physical activity should also be included in daily routine to reap the full benefits of this diet. This diet can be made more enjoyable by sharing mindful eating techniques with friends and family when sharing meals.

Is oatmeal OK on a Mediterranean diet?

Yes, oatmeal is permitted on the Mediterranean Diet. Oats can be whole grains that provide a good source or dietary fiber and minerals, such as iron and magene. They can be served with blueberries as well as nuts, seeds and savory dishes like eggs or cheese. Oatmeal is versatile and can be used in a variety of ways to help you make a healthy breakfast. It could be added to smoothies, made into protein bars, or enjoyed in its basic form with almond milk and various toppings for extra nutrition such as goji berries, cinnamon, chia seeds, and peanut butter. Many people consider oats compatible with Mediterranean diets because they are popular in many countries.

How can I lose weight using the Mediterranean diet

Yes, you can lose weight following the Mediterranean Diet. Because the diet focuses on whole foods like vegetables, fruits, legumes, and olive oil, it can reduce calories and provide vital nutrients for your overall health and well-being. You can lose weight by including physical activity in your diet. When paired with the right mindset and attitude, eating less processed food, less red meat, and less added sugars can help to maintain a healthy weight.

How do I start the Mediterranean diet

The first step to a Mediterranean diet is to stock your kitchen with fresh food, such as fruits and vegetable. This could include preparing various vegetables and proteins every week that can be used in recipes throughout the following days. Whole grains such as quinoa, millet, and oat-groats are great alternatives to refined grains. In order to enhance flavor and nutrition, it is important to include healthy fats such olive oil and sesame in your meal prep. Garlic, oregano or basil, turmeric and other seasonings are excellent additions to meals.

What is a typical Mediterranean breakfast like?

A Mediterranean breakfast would include a combination protein, healthy oil, and carbohydrates. Eggs can be cooked in olive oils with roasted vegetables, or served with Greek yogurt or Cheese. Whole-grain toast is also an option. Quinoa porridge can also be made with fresh fruits, nuts, seeds, and quinoa porridge. Avocado toast with tomatoes, feta cheese and honey is a great option for breakfast. High-quality protein sources such as grass-fed meats, wild-caught fish and organic eggs are a great way to start your day. Consider whole grains such quinoa and oatmeal as healthy carbohydrates. Limit sugar by eating fresh fruits and avocados instead of processed yogurts or cereals. Add healthy fats like extra virgin olive oil and coconut oil to your breakfast. Green tea is a great addition for antioxidants.

Can I consume alcohol while following the Mediterranean diet?

It is possible to have moderate amounts of alcohol as part the Mediterranean diet. This drinking style should be limited to 1 glass daily for women and 2 for men. Dry wines, beer, and spirits with natural ingredients like brandy, vodka or whiskey are all acceptable drinks. Due to the high sugar content of heavy spirits such as cocktails, they should be avoided. Drinking water and herbal teas daily can help keep your body hydrated, as well as reduce the desire to drink sugary drinks.

Statistics

• The Mediterranean Diet group had a 30% lower relative risk of cardiovascular events compared to the low-fat diet group. (my.clevelandclinic.org)
• Other components in tomatoes may help reduce the risk of blood clots, thereby protecting against cardiovascular disease, according to a March 2019 review in Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition. (everydayhealth.com)
• Benefits of Replacing foods high in saturated fats (like butter) with plant sources high in monounsaturated fatty acids, like olive oil, may help lower the risk of heart disease by 19 percent, according to research. (everydayhealth.com)
• Choose fat-free or 1% milk, yogurt, and cottage cheese. (my.clevelandclinic.org)

External Links

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• Traditional Med Diet | Oldways


• Mediterranean Diet | Oldways

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• Mediterranean Diet Beginner's Guide: Ranked #1 Best Diet in 2023 | U.S. News


• Best Diets Overall 2023 Expertly Reviewed – US News Health

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• The Mediterranean Diet - From an Environment-Driven Culture of Food to an Emerging Medical Prescription (PMC)


• Definition of Mediterranean Diet. A Literature Review. PMC

[TAG43]

• Primary Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease with a Mediterranean Diet

How To

How the Mediterranean Food Diet Can Help You Lose Weight & Feel Great

The Mediterranean Diet emphasizes whole grains, healthy fats, legumes, fresh fruits and vegetables. It has been shown to have many health benefits including improved blood cholesterol, glucose control, reduced chance of developing certain cancers, better heart health, cognitive function, and weight management. Here are some helpful tips to help you adopt the Mediterranean diet. Firstly, start swapping high-calorie snacks such as chips for nutrient-dense vegetables, even if you consume them as appetizers before meals or during exchanges between traditional courses. You can also add spices to your diet, or use other ingredients derived from vegetables, fruits, and nuts. Incorporate grains, legumes, as well as high-fiber products to increase satisfaction after meals. These steps will enable you to enjoy your food while also achieving a healthier lifestyle that may lead to additional health benefits such a longer lifespan, better quality of life, and greater enjoyment.

Resources:

[TAG45] Healthline ranked the Mediterranean Diet number 1 for the following reasons: Numerous studies associate the Mediterranean diet with a reduced risk of heart

[TAG46] The Mediterranean diet originates in the food cultures of ancient civilizations which developed around the Mediterranean Basin and is based on the regular

[TAG47] Psychology Today reports: Eating more green, leafy vegetables and less red meat were associated with improved cognitive functioning in a recent study of older

[TAG48] This review of five human studies on the Mediterranean diet examines its effects on weight loss, various diseases, and the risk of death.

[TAG49] CNBC reports that Joan Salge Blake, Boston University’s clinical professor of nutrition says: “‘Poor protein [intake] can contribute to fatigue, and that’s the

[TAG50] The Mediterranean diet has been linked to a number of health benefits, including reduced mortality risk and lower incidence of cardiovascular disease.

[TAG51] According to Olive Oil Times: The authors of the meta-study, published in Current Obesity Reports, noted that hypertension, type 2 diabetes mellitus, several

[TAG52] The Mediterranean diet, with its emphasis on fresh vegetables and fruit, whole grains, legumes, olive oil and fish, provides an array of health benefits,

[TAG53] The study described in The Epoch Times found: In the conclusions of this study, the authors prefer the Mediterranean diet over the Keto diet because the key to

[TAG54] The Mediterranean diet is a heart-healthy eating plan that emphasizes healthy fats, whole grains, fruits, vegetables, beans, nuts and seeds.

[TAG55] Abstract. Consuming a Mediterranean diet rich in minimally processed plant foods has been associated with a reduced risk of developing multiple chronic diseases

[TAG56] It’s an easy (and delicious!) change that can turn your diet into a disease-fighting tool.

[TAG57] There are many misconceptions about the Mediterranean diet. Learn what it really means and how it can help you live a healthier, longer life.

[TAG58] A review article published in the journal Experimental Gerontology describes the utility of Mediterranean diet (MedDiet) in the prevention and management of