Discover the Comfort of Spanakorizo
Have you ever craved a dish that feels like a warm hug? Spanakorizo, the classic Greek spinach and rice dish, is exactly that. It’s comforting, wholesome, and packed with vibrant flavors from fresh herbs, lemon, and olive oil. Whether you’re looking for a light vegetarian meal, a flavorful side dish, or a meal prep-friendly option, Spanakorizo has you covered.
This dish is a celebration of simplicity—ingredients like spinach, rice, and lemon come together beautifully to create a recipe that’s greater than the sum of its parts. And the best part? It’s incredibly easy to make.
Let’s dive into the world of Spanakorizo, learn how to make it step by step, and explore ways to make it your own.
Why You’ll Love Spanakorizo
Spanakorizo isn’t just a dish; it’s a comforting experience. Here’s why you’ll fall in love with this Greek classic:
- Healthy and Nutritious: Packed with spinach, herbs, and rice, it’s a nutrient-dense meal that’s rich in vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants.
- Versatile: Serve it warm as a main dish or cold as a side dish—it’s perfect for any occasion.
- Simple Ingredients: You likely have most of the ingredients already in your pantry or fridge.
- Bursting with Fresh Flavors: The addition of lemon juice and fresh herbs elevates the dish to a whole new level.
- Vegetarian-Friendly: It’s naturally vegetarian, but you can easily make it vegan or add proteins to suit your preferences.
Ingredients for Spanakorizo
Here’s everything you need to make this delicious Greek dish.
Main Ingredients
Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
Olive oil | ¼ cup (plus more for serving) | Adds richness and authentic Mediterranean flavor |
Scallions | 4, sliced | Provides a mild onion flavor |
Yellow onion | 1, diced | Adds depth and sweetness |
Garlic | 2 cloves, minced | Adds aromatic flavor |
Arborio rice | 1 cup | Creates a creamy texture when cooked |
Baby spinach | 1 lb (roughly chopped) | The star ingredient of the dish |
Fresh parsley, dill, or mint | ¼ cup (chopped) | Use one or a combination for bold flavors |
Warm vegetable or chicken broth | 4 cups | Adds flavor while cooking the rice |
Sea salt or kosher salt | ½ tsp (plus more to taste) | Enhances the natural flavors |
Freshly ground black pepper | ¼ tsp | Adds a touch of heat |
Lemon zest | From 1 small lemon | Adds brightness to the dish |
Lemon juice | From 1 small lemon | Brings a refreshing tanginess |
Optional Garnishes
Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
Olive oil (for drizzling) | To taste | Adds richness when serving |
Lemon wedges | To taste | For an extra burst of citrus flavor |
How to Make Spanakorizo
This step-by-step guide will help you prepare Spanakorizo like a pro.
1. Prepare the Ingredients
- Finely chop the onions, scallions, garlic, and fresh herbs. Roughly chop the spinach.
- Zest and juice the lemon. Warm the vegetable or chicken broth and keep it ready.
2. Sauté the Aromatics
- Heat ¼ cup of olive oil in a wide saucepan over medium heat.
- Add the diced yellow onion, the white part of the scallions, and the minced garlic. Sauté for 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are softened and translucent.
3. Toast the Rice
- Stir in the arborio rice. Sauté for 2–3 minutes, stirring constantly, until the rice becomes slightly translucent. This step adds flavor and helps the rice cook evenly.
4. Add the Spinach
- Gradually add the chopped spinach, stirring until it wilts. This should take about 4–5 minutes. The spinach will shrink significantly as it cooks.
5. Add Herbs, Seasoning, and Broth
- Stir in the fresh parsley, dill, or mint, along with the salt and black pepper.
- Pour in the warm broth, stirring gently to combine.
6. Simmer the Dish
- Lower the heat to a gentle simmer and cover the pot with a lid.
- Cook for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the rice absorbs most of the liquid and becomes tender.
7. Add Lemon Zest and Juice
- Remove the pot from the heat and stir in the lemon zest and juice. Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed.
8. Serve and Garnish
- Serve the Spanakorizo warm, drizzled with olive oil and extra lemon wedges on the side. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh herbs for a pop of color and flavor.
Tips for the Perfect Spanakorizo
- Use Arborio Rice: This short-grain rice absorbs liquid beautifully, creating a creamy consistency that’s perfect for Spanakorizo.
- Don’t Rush the Spinach: Adding the spinach gradually ensures it cooks evenly and integrates well into the dish.
- Keep the Broth Warm: Using warm broth helps the rice cook evenly and prevents the cooking process from slowing down.
- Taste as You Go: Adjust the seasoning and lemon juice to your liking for a perfectly balanced dish.
- Let It Rest: Allow the dish to sit for 5 minutes off the heat before serving—this lets the flavors meld beautifully.
Nutritional Information
Here’s an approximate nutritional breakdown per serving (based on 4 servings):
Nutrient | Amount Per Serving |
Calories | 280 |
Total Fat | 10g |
Saturated Fat | 1.5g |
Carbohydrates | 37g |
Fiber | 4g |
Protein | 6g |
Sodium | 500mg |
Creative Variations for Spanakorizo
While the classic recipe is delicious on its own, you can easily customize it to suit your preferences:
1. Add Feta Cheese
- Crumble feta cheese on top before serving for a tangy, creamy finish.
2. Include Chickpeas
- Toss in a can of drained and rinsed chickpeas for added protein and texture.
3. Make It Spicy
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of chili oil for a spicy kick.
4. Use Kale or Chard
- Swap out the spinach for kale or Swiss chard for a heartier green.
5. Try a Vegan Version
- Use vegetable broth and drizzle with extra olive oil to enhance the richness without using dairy.
What to Serve with Spanakorizo
This dish is versatile and pairs beautifully with a variety of sides and mains:
- Grilled Protein: Pair it with grilled chicken, fish, or shrimp for a complete meal.
- Greek Salad: Serve with a classic Greek salad of tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, and feta.
- Pita Bread: Warm pita bread makes a great side for scooping up the rice and spinach.
- Tzatziki Sauce: A dollop of tzatziki adds a refreshing, tangy complement.
FAQs About Spanakorizo
1. Can I make Spanakorizo ahead of time?
Yes! Spanakorizo tastes even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld. Simply store it in an airtight container in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
2. Can I freeze Spanakorizo?
While you can freeze it, the texture of the rice may change slightly upon thawing. If you plan to freeze, undercook the rice slightly to avoid it becoming mushy when reheated.
3. What type of rice works best for this recipe?
Arborio rice is ideal because it absorbs liquid well and creates a creamy texture. If you don’t have arborio, you can use medium-grain rice as an alternative.
4. Is Spanakorizo gluten-free?
Yes, this dish is naturally gluten-free, as it doesn’t contain any wheat-based ingredients.
5. Can I use frozen spinach?
Yes, you can use frozen spinach if fresh isn’t available. Just thaw and drain it thoroughly before adding it to the dish.
6. How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently and add a splash of broth if needed to loosen the texture.
Conclusion: Bring Greek Comfort Food to Your Table
Spanakorizo is a dish that’s as comforting as it is delicious. With its creamy rice, fresh spinach, and bright lemon flavor, it’s a recipe that brings the warmth of Greek cuisine to your kitchen. Whether you’re looking for a light vegetarian meal, a flavorful side, or an easy dish to prep ahead, Spanakorizo is sure to become a household favorite.
So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, heat up your pot, and get ready to enjoy a bowl of Spanakorizo that’s as satisfying as it is simple to make.
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Spanakorizo: A Simple Greek Spinach and Rice Dish
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Spanakorizo is a classic Greek dish that combines tender spinach, creamy rice, and bright lemon flavors for a meal that’s wholesome, comforting, and full of Mediterranean charm. Perfect as a light vegetarian main or a flavorful side, this recipe is simple to make and endlessly versatile.
Ingredients
For the Spanakorizo:
- ¼ cup olive oil (plus more for serving)
- 1 cup yellow onion, diced
- 4 scallions, sliced (white parts for cooking, green parts for garnish)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup arborio rice
- 1 lb fresh baby spinach, roughly chopped
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, dill, or mint (chopped)
- 4 cups warm vegetable or chicken broth
- ½ tsp sea salt (plus more to taste)
- ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper
- Zest from 1 lemon
- Juice from 1 lemon
Optional Garnishes:
- Drizzle of olive oil
- Lemon wedges
- Extra fresh herbs (parsley, dill, or mint)
Instructions
Prepare Ingredients
- Chop the onions, scallions, garlic, and herbs.
- Roughly chop the spinach and zest and juice the lemon. Keep the broth warm.
2. Sauté Aromatics
- Heat ¼ cup olive oil in a wide saucepan over medium heat.
- Add the diced yellow onion, the white part of the scallions, and minced garlic. Sprinkle with salt.
- Sauté for 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions soften and turn translucent.
3. Toast the Rice
- Stir in the arborio rice and sauté for 2–3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the rice begins to look slightly translucent.
4. Add Spinach
- Gradually add the chopped spinach, stirring as it wilts. This will take about 4–5 minutes.
5. Add Herbs, Seasoning, and Broth
- Mix in the fresh parsley, dill, or mint along with salt and black pepper.
- Pour in the warm broth and gently stir to combine.
6. Simmer the Dish
- Lower the heat to a gentle simmer. Cover the pot with a lid and cook for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the rice absorbs most of the liquid and is tender.
7. Add Lemon Zest and Juice
- Remove the pot from heat. Stir in the lemon zest and juice for a bright, fresh finish. Adjust seasoning as needed.
8. Serve and Garnish
- Spoon the Spanakorizo into bowls and drizzle with olive oil. Garnish with scallion greens, extra herbs, and lemon wedges for serving.
Notes
- Rice Choice: Arborio rice is recommended for its creamy texture, but medium-grain rice can be used as an alternative.
- Broth Temperature: Keep the broth warm to maintain a consistent cooking temperature for the rice.
- Vegan Option: Use vegetable broth for a vegan-friendly version.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Dish, Side Dish
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Greek