Greek Spanakorizo 🌿🍋

Simple, spinach and rice! 💚✨

Spanakorizo is one of those traditional Greek dishes that proves healthy eating doesn't need to be complicated. Fresh spinach, rice, dill and a squeeze of lemon come together in one delicious dish!

🔹 Serves 4

🔶 Ingredients

🔹 700 g fresh spinach, washed and roughly chopped (step 3)

🔹 200 g short-grain rice, rinsed (step 4)

🔹 1 medium onion, finely chopped (step 2)

🔹 2 spring onions, finely chopped (step 2)

🔹 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil (steps 2, 7)

🔹 500 ml hot water or low-salt vegetable stock, plus more if needed (step 4)

🔹 ½ bunch fresh dill, finely chopped (steps 5, 7)

🔹 Juice of 1 lemon (step 7)

🔹 Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste (step 5)

🔶 Directions

1. Wash the spinach thoroughly and prepare all the vegetables.

2. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and spring onions, and sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened.

3. Add the spinach gradually, stirring until it begins to wilt and reduces in volume.

4. Add the rinsed rice and hot water or vegetable stock. Stir gently and bring to a simmer.

5. Add most of the chopped dill, salt and black pepper. Cover and cook over low heat for approximately 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the rice is tender. Add a little more water if needed.

6. Remove from the heat and allow the spanakorizo to rest for 5 minutes with the lid on.

7. Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil, fresh lemon juice and dill. Stir gently and serve warm!

Here are some ideas that would pair well with this recipe, if you want to experiment:

• Extra herbs: Add fresh mint, parsley or a little chopped fennel.

• More vegetables: Try adding leeks or grated zucchini.

• A protein-rich pairing: Serve with Greek yoghurt, a boiled egg or a few cubes of feta cheese.

• Brown rice: For extra wholegrains, try brown rice, adjusting the cooking time and liquid accordingly.

💡 Healthy U Tip: Adding lemon juice to spinach provides vitamin C, which can help improve the absorption of its non-haem iron. A simple combination that makes nutritional sense!

Serve warm, with an extra squeeze of lemon if you like.

Enjoy! 🍽️

Tags: recipes, vegetarian, Mediterranean, Greek cuisine