Spanakorizo: A Hearty and Delicious Greek Spinach Rice Recipe

Spanakorizo, a beloved staple in Greek cuisine, is a flavorful and nutritious dish of spinach and rice cooked together in a fragrant broth. It’s a comfort food classic, often enjoyed as a main course or a side dish. This recipe offers a detailed guide to creating authentic spanakorizo at home, bursting with fresh flavors and satisfying textures. Get ready to embark on a culinary journey to Greece!

What is Spanakorizo?

Spanakorizo (pronounced spah-nah-ko-RIH-zoh) translates to “spinach rice” in Greek. It’s a simple yet incredibly flavorful dish that showcases the vibrant flavors of fresh spinach, aromatic herbs, and fluffy rice. Often considered a peasant dish, it highlights the resourceful and delicious ways Greek cooks utilize readily available ingredients. This recipe is naturally vegetarian and vegan, making it a great option for those with dietary restrictions.

Why You’ll Love This Spanakorizo Recipe

* **Delicious and Flavorful:** The combination of spinach, herbs, lemon juice, and olive oil creates a symphony of flavors that is both refreshing and comforting.
* **Nutritious and Healthy:** Spanakorizo is packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants from the spinach, making it a healthy and wholesome meal.
* **Easy to Make:** This recipe is surprisingly simple to prepare, requiring minimal ingredients and straightforward cooking techniques.
* **Versatile:** Spanakorizo can be enjoyed as a main course, a side dish, or even as a light lunch.
* **Budget-Friendly:** The ingredients for spanakorizo are relatively inexpensive, making it a great option for budget-conscious cooks.
* **Vegan and Vegetarian Friendly:** It’s naturally plant-based and easily adaptable to various dietary needs.

Ingredients You’ll Need

* **Spinach:** Fresh spinach is the star of this dish. Aim for about 1 pound (450g) of fresh spinach. Baby spinach is convenient, but mature spinach offers a more robust flavor. Frozen spinach can also be used, but be sure to thaw it completely and squeeze out any excess water.
* **Rice:** Medium-grain rice is traditionally used in spanakorizo. Arborio rice (used for risotto) can also work in a pinch, lending a creamy texture. Avoid long-grain rice, as it doesn’t absorb the broth as well.
* **Onion:** A yellow or white onion provides a foundational flavor base.
* **Garlic:** Fresh garlic cloves add a pungent aroma and flavor.
* **Fresh Herbs:** Dill and parsley are essential for authentic spanakorizo. Use fresh herbs for the best flavor. Dried herbs can be substituted, but use about half the amount.
* **Olive Oil:** Extra virgin olive oil is a key ingredient in Greek cuisine and adds richness and flavor to the dish.
* **Lemon Juice:** Fresh lemon juice brightens the flavors and adds a tangy kick.
* **Vegetable Broth (or Water):** Vegetable broth adds more depth of flavor, but water can be used as a substitute.
* **Salt and Pepper:** To taste, to season the dish.
* **Optional Additions:** Feta cheese (for serving, if not vegan), a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.

Detailed Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these detailed instructions to create a perfect pot of spanakorizo every time:

**Preparation (15 minutes):**

1. **Wash the Spinach:** Thoroughly wash the spinach in cold water to remove any dirt or grit. If using mature spinach, remove the tough stems. Baby spinach may not require stem removal.
2. **Chop the Spinach:** Roughly chop the spinach into bite-sized pieces. If using frozen spinach, thaw it completely and squeeze out as much water as possible. This is crucial to prevent a watery final dish.
3. **Dice the Onion:** Finely dice the onion. Uniformly sized pieces will ensure even cooking.
4. **Mince the Garlic:** Mince the garlic cloves. You can use a garlic press or finely chop them with a knife.
5. **Chop the Herbs:** Finely chop the fresh dill and parsley. Measure out the quantities specified in the recipe.
6. **Prepare the Broth:** Have your vegetable broth (or water) ready. It’s helpful to warm the broth slightly before adding it to the rice, as this can help speed up the cooking process.

**Cooking the Spanakorizo (35-40 minutes):**

1. **Sauté the Onion:** In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Stir frequently to prevent burning. The onion should be soft and fragrant, but not browned.
2. **Add the Garlic:** Add the minced garlic to the pot and sauté for another minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter. Stir constantly.
3. **Add the Rice:** Add the rice to the pot and stir to coat it evenly with the olive oil and onion mixture. Cook for about 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until the rice is lightly toasted. This helps to enhance the flavor of the rice and prevents it from becoming mushy.
4. **Add the Spinach:** Add the chopped spinach to the pot. It may seem like a lot of spinach at first, but it will wilt down as it cooks. Stir until the spinach begins to wilt, about 3-5 minutes. If using frozen spinach, add it at this point.
5. **Add the Herbs:** Add the chopped dill and parsley to the pot. Stir to combine the herbs with the spinach and rice.
6. **Add the Broth (or Water):** Pour the vegetable broth (or water) into the pot. The liquid should cover the rice and spinach mixture by about an inch. Add salt and pepper to taste. Remember that you can always add more seasoning later, so it’s best to start with less and adjust as needed.
7. **Bring to a Boil, Then Simmer:** Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is cooked through and the liquid has been absorbed. Do not stir the rice during this time, as it can release starch and make the dish sticky.
8. **Rest the Spanakorizo:** Once the rice is cooked, remove the pot from the heat and let it rest, covered, for 10 minutes. This allows the rice to fully absorb any remaining liquid and prevents it from becoming mushy.
9. **Fluff and Finish:** After resting, fluff the spanakorizo with a fork. This will help to separate the rice grains and create a lighter texture. Stir in the fresh lemon juice. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Add more salt, pepper, or lemon juice to your liking.

**Serving:**

Serve the spanakorizo hot, warm, or at room temperature. It can be enjoyed as a main course or a side dish. For a heartier meal, top it with crumbled feta cheese (if not vegan). A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil is also a nice finishing touch. Spanakorizo pairs well with a side salad, grilled vegetables, or crusty bread.

Tips for Perfect Spanakorizo

* **Use Fresh, High-Quality Ingredients:** The flavor of spanakorizo relies heavily on the quality of the ingredients. Use fresh spinach, herbs, and lemon juice for the best results. High-quality olive oil also makes a big difference.
* **Don’t Overcook the Rice:** Overcooked rice will result in a mushy spanakorizo. Check the rice frequently during the simmering process and remove the pot from the heat as soon as the rice is cooked through.
* **Don’t Stir the Rice While Simmering:** Stirring the rice while it’s simmering can release starch and make the dish sticky. Avoid stirring unless absolutely necessary.
* **Adjust the Liquid as Needed:** The amount of liquid needed may vary depending on the type of rice you use and the freshness of the spinach. If the rice is drying out before it’s cooked through, add a little more broth or water.
* **Squeeze Out Excess Water from Frozen Spinach:** If using frozen spinach, be sure to thaw it completely and squeeze out as much water as possible. This will prevent a watery final dish.
* **Let it Rest:** Allowing the spanakorizo to rest for 10 minutes after cooking is crucial for achieving the perfect texture. This allows the rice to fully absorb any remaining liquid and prevents it from becoming mushy.
* **Adjust the Lemon Juice to Your Taste:** The amount of lemon juice you use is a matter of personal preference. Start with the amount specified in the recipe and then add more to your liking.

Variations and Additions

Spanakorizo is a versatile dish that can be easily adapted to your taste preferences. Here are a few variations and additions to try:

* **Add Feta Cheese:** Crumbled feta cheese is a classic addition to spanakorizo. It adds a salty and tangy flavor that complements the other ingredients perfectly. Add it after the spanakorizo is cooked, just before serving.
* **Add Other Vegetables:** You can add other vegetables to spanakorizo, such as carrots, zucchini, or bell peppers. Sauté the vegetables along with the onion and garlic.
* **Add Protein:** For a heartier meal, add protein to the spanakorizo. Chickpeas, lentils, or white beans are all great options. Add them after the rice has been simmering for about 10 minutes.
* **Add a Pinch of Red Pepper Flakes:** For a touch of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the pot along with the onion and garlic.
* **Use Different Herbs:** While dill and parsley are the traditional herbs used in spanakorizo, you can experiment with other herbs, such as mint or oregano.
* **Make it with Brown Rice:** For a healthier option, you can make spanakorizo with brown rice. Brown rice will take longer to cook than white rice, so you may need to adjust the cooking time and the amount of liquid.
* **Add Tomato:** Some variations include tomato, adding a slight sweetness and acidity to the dish. This can be in the form of diced tomatoes or tomato paste.

Serving Suggestions

Spanakorizo can be served as a main course, a side dish, or even as a light lunch. Here are a few serving suggestions:

* **As a Main Course:** Serve spanakorizo with a side salad, grilled vegetables, or crusty bread. Top with crumbled feta cheese (if not vegan) and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil.
* **As a Side Dish:** Serve spanakorizo alongside grilled or roasted meats, fish, or poultry.
* **As a Light Lunch:** Enjoy spanakorizo on its own or with a small side salad.

Storage Instructions

Spanakorizo can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. Add a little water or broth if needed to prevent it from drying out.

Spanakorizo Recipe

**Yields:** 4-6 servings
**Prep time:** 15 minutes
**Cook time:** 35-40 minutes

**Ingredients:**

* 1 pound (450g) fresh spinach, washed and roughly chopped
* 1 cup medium-grain rice
* 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
* 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
* 1/4 cup chopped fresh dill
* 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
* 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
* 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
* 4 cups vegetable broth (or water)
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Optional: Feta cheese for serving

**Equipment:**

* Large pot or Dutch oven
* Cutting board
* Knife

**Instructions:**

1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
2. Add the minced garlic and sauté for another minute, until fragrant.
3. Add the rice and stir to coat it evenly with the olive oil and onion mixture. Cook for about 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until the rice is lightly toasted.
4. Add the chopped spinach and stir until it begins to wilt, about 3-5 minutes.
5. Add the chopped dill and parsley. Stir to combine.
6. Pour in the vegetable broth (or water). Add salt and pepper to taste.
7. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is cooked through and the liquid has been absorbed.
8. Remove from the heat and let rest, covered, for 10 minutes.
9. Fluff with a fork. Stir in the lemon juice. Taste and adjust seasoning.
10. Serve hot, warm, or at room temperature. Top with crumbled feta cheese (if not vegan) and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, if desired.

Enjoy Your Homemade Spanakorizo!

This hearty and delicious Greek spinach rice is a true taste of the Mediterranean. With its simple ingredients and easy preparation, you can enjoy this flavorful dish any night of the week. Kali Orexi (Bon appétit)! This recipe is sure to become a family favorite.