Greek Spinach Rice Spanakorizo Greenbowl2Soul

I know it’s strange but for my sister and me, spinach was one of our favorite things to eat even as toddlers. We loved every spinach dish. Simple stir-fried spinach with steamed rice was something we considered a treat. I still love that simple combination. So, a few years ago when I came across this easy recipe for classic Greek Spinach rice-Spanakorizo which is also made by cooking rice with lots of spinach, I had to try it. No surprise, it immediately became one of my favorite Greek recipes.

Ingredient notes and substitute suggestions

Rice: For this spanakorizo recipe, medium grain rice is the best choice. If you use rice with very short grains, the grains will turn mushy. If you use long-grain rice, you won’t get the desired creaminess. Spinach: I have used regular fresh spinach, you can use baby spinach too. If using regular spinach leaves, discard their tough stems. Frozen spinach can be used too. Onion: Red or brown onion, both can be used to make spanakorizo. Leek: Optional, if you don’t have leek, skip it. Tomato paste: It will add a rich tomato flavor to this Greek rice. I have used only tomato paste in this recipe but you can also add finely chopped fresh tomatoes or canned crushed tomatoes along with tomato paste. Veg bouillon cube: Instead of using veg bouillon cube and water, you can also use vegetable stock to cook the rice. Feta cheese: Optional, vegans may skip it. Olive oil: Use a good quality extra-virgin olive oil to get the best flavor.

Other ingredient details and nutritional information are shared in the recipe card ahead.

How to make (step-by-step process)?

To make this simple and delicious Greek spinach rice recipe, just follow the step-by-step instructions given below: Step 1: Heat olive oil in a large cooking pot. Add chopped onion and saute until it becomes translucent. Step 2: Add chopped leek and green onions. Cook for 3-4 minutes. Step 3: Add tomato paste and crumbled vegetable bouillon cube. Step 4: Saute for a minute. Step 5: Add chopped spinach and dill. Step 6: Mix everything and cook for 3-4 minutes or until the spinach leaves get wilted. If using baby spinach, don’t cook them for this long. Add baby spinach with rice. Step 7: Add rinsed rice, salt, and ground black pepper. Step 8: Saute for a minute. Step 9: Add water. Step 10: Cook until the rice grains are cooked well. You may cover the pot to fasten the rice cooking process. Step 11: Once the rice is cooked, turn off the heat. Add fresh lemon juice and mix. Step 12: Garnish with crumbled feta cheese and lemon wedges. Your simple Greek spinach rice-spanakorizo is ready to be served.

Serving Greek spinach rice

Greek spinach rice can be served both as a main course dish and a side dish. Just add some feta cheese, lemon juice, and extra virgin olive oil on top before enjoying this Greek comfort food. Vegans may skip feta, it still tastes good. This spinach rice is a meal in itself but if you want you can also serve it with some side dishes like Greek roasted vegetables, Greek stuffed eggplant, or Greek yogurt dip. Or, just pair it up with a fresh salad or crusty bread to enjoy a simple and delicious home-cooked Greek meal.

Storing and reheating tips

Store the leftover Greek spanakorizo in an airtight container and refrigerate for a maximum of 4 days. To reheat, either microwave for a few minutes or reheat covered in a pan on the stovetop. Add a splash of water while reheating. Vegan notes: Since the main recipe uses only plant-based ingredients and feta cheese is added only to garnish it, if you are a vegan just skip adding feta cheese on top. It will still taste awesome.