What is Spanakorizo

Spanakorizo is such a simple dish as many Greek ones are, but yet delicious and easy to make. Rice is cooked along with spinach in olive oil to a silky, creamy texture. Oh, and did I mention its nutritional value? Spinach full of antioxidants and fiber, the lemon helps with some absorption of the iron in the spinach and the rice is a source of carbohydrates to provide sustenance. The actual recipe has little olive oil during the cooking stage, but adding some olive oil while serving makes it even more delicious and the addition of fat helps with the absorption of antioxidants. Now this recipe makes about 2 main course servings, so basically you are getting ½ pound of vegetables in one sitting. The beauty of the Greek diet… getting your vegetables effortlessly.

The rice

A note about the rice: It is important to use the right type which in this case is medium grain rice. You do not want short grain rice which may end up giving your dish a sticky texture, but not long grain either as you will not have the smooth texture we are looking for in this recipe. As for brown rice, it takes a while longer to cook, it will not have the same texture will not cook to the point of being creamy and as a result you may be overcooking the spinach as well.

*Most traditional Greek recipes require medium grain rice, here in Greece it is called “Carolina” but you may use Arborio if you are unable to find medium grain. From a quick search on Google there are several brands that carry medium grain rice.

Spanakorizo Ingredients

• Fresh spinach: I recommend using fresh spinach for this recipe to achieve the perfect texture and flavor. Rinse well.
• Lemon juice: Freshly squeezed from half a lemon, adds some tanginess.
• Onion or spring onions: Finely chopped onion (or spring onions for a milder taste), this provides a base for the dish.
• Extra Virgin Olive oil: Make sure it is fresh
• Dry mint (preferably spearmint): Adds a cool, slightly sweet herbal note.
• Fresh dill: The light anise-like flavor, gives it an additional depth.
• Medium-grain rice: This rice becomes creamy and tender when cooked. Make sure you use the right type of rioce (see my note above).

How to Make Spanakorizo

• First start by adding the spinach to a large pot with the lemon juice and 1 teaspoon olive oil and heat it to wilt. Set aside to drain.
• In another pot sauté the onion with the rest of the olive oil until soft.
• Once the onion is soft add add the spinach, dry mint, dill and 2/3 cup warm water and bring to a boil.
• Add the rice, salt (as needed) and pepper and simmer, covered for about 20 minutes until rice is soft. Add additional warm water as needed.
• Serve warm or at room temperature with a squeeze of lemon juice and a bit of olive oil and feta.

Insider Tips to Make the Best Authentic Spanakorizo

1. The most important is to make sure you use medium grain rice. Using short grain will make it too sticky and long-grain well too grainy. And no aromatic rices such as basmati either, they give a completely different flavor and texture.
2. There is absolutely no garlic in this traditional recipe. I see it often on other sites, but the authentic Greek recipe does not contain garlic.
3. There is no butter in this recipe. This traditional recipe is consumed during lent and animal products are prohibited, therefore it is meant to be vegan, so no butter.
4. Make sure you cook the spinach with the rice so that the flavors meld together. It’s not just rice and spinach mixed together.

Serve it with

This can be enjoyed plain (without feta) for a vegan dish or with feta. And this is considered a main course, but you may serve it as a side dish. It goes well with fish or beef patties (biftekia). Or you can serve it with tiropita (cheese pie) like my mom does!

Storage

You can store spanakorizo covered in the refrigerator for 2-3 days.

You may also like these recipes

Greek cuisine has numerous delicious rice-vegetable combo recipes. Check out some of my favorites:
Greek Leeks and Rice – Prasorizo
Greek Cabbage with Rice – Lahanorizo
One-Pot Greek Zucchini Rice

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