Greek Spinach Rice, known as Spanakorizo, is a comforting, healthy, and flavorful dish made with tender spinach, rice, and aromatic herbs. This one-pot vegetarian recipe combines olive oil, onions, garlic, dill, and lemon juice to create a light yet satisfying meal. It’s often served warm with a drizzle of olive oil and a side of feta cheese or a wedge of lemon for added brightness. Perfect as a main or a side dish!
Ingredients
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 1 ½ cups medium-grain white rice
- 2 teaspoons large-grain kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 pinch cayenne pepper, or to taste
- 1 bunch green onions, thinly sliced
- ½ cup packed finely chopped fresh dill
- ½ cup packed finely chopped fresh mint leaves
- 1 pound frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
- 2 ¾ cups cold water, or more as needed
- kosher salt to taste
- To Serve:
- 3 medium lemons, cut in half
- ¾ cup crumbled feta cheese
- 2 tablespoons pickled red onions, or to taste (Optional)
- 1 pinch hot chili flakes, or to taste (Optional)
- 1 drizzle olive oil
Instructions
- Gather all ingredients.
- Heat oil in a saucepan over medium-high heat. Add rice and stir until every grain is coated in oil and you hear it start to sizzle. Stir in 2 teaspoons large-grain kosher salt, pepper, cayenne, and green onions and cook for about 1 minute.
- Add dill, mint, spinach, and 2 3/4 cups water. Mix until thoroughly combined and bring to a simmer.
- Cover, reduce heat to medium-low, and cook until rice is tender, about 25 minutes. If rice is not quite ready at 25 minutes, add a splash of water, cover, and continue to cook until it is ready.
- Uncover and stir well. Cover again and let sit for 5 minutes. Taste and adjust salt if necessary.
- Divide rice mixture evenly into six bowls. Squeeze ½ lemon over each serving, then top with feta cheese, pickled onions, chili flakes, and a drizzle of olive oil.