In a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat, sauté the onion, garlic cloves, spring onions, and dill leaves in olive oil until softened, for about 5 minutes.
Mix in the salt, black pepper powder, and rice, and sauté for 3-4 minutes before pouring in the white wine and mixing well.
Add the chicken stock in batches while mixing constantly and bring to a boil. Then reduce the heat and let it simmer until the rice is boiled and al dente.
Add the spinach in two batches, along with dill, lemon zest, and lemon juice, and mix well.
Finish by adding olive oil and giving it one final mix before serving.
Spanakorizo is now ready to be served.
Ingredients
Directions
In a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat, sauté the onion, garlic cloves, spring onions, and dill leaves in olive oil until softened, for about 5 minutes.
Mix in the salt, black pepper powder, and rice, and sauté for 3-4 minutes before pouring in the white wine and mixing well.
Add the chicken stock in batches while mixing constantly and bring to a boil. Then reduce the heat and let it simmer until the rice is boiled and al dente.
Add the spinach in two batches, along with dill, lemon zest, and lemon juice, and mix well.
Finish by adding olive oil and giving it one final mix before serving.
Spanakorizo is now ready to be served.
Notes
Spanakorizo is often served as a side dish or as a main course with feta cheese, olives, and crusty bread on the side. It’s a nutritious and filling dish that’s perfect for any time of year, but especially popular during the spring when spinach is in season.
There are many variations of Spanakorizo depending on the region and the cook. Some versions may include tomato or tomato paste, garlic, and various herbs like dill, parsley, or mint. Some cooks may also add a splash of lemon juice or zest to brighten the flavors.
Overall, Spanakorizo is a comforting and delicious dish that highlights the simple and fresh flavors of Greek cuisine. It’s a great option for vegetarians or anyone looking for a healthy and tasty meal.
Tips
- Use fresh ingredients: Fresh spinach and herbs like dill and parsley will give the dish the best flavor.
- Rinse the rice: Rinse the rice under cold running water before cooking to remove excess starch and prevent it from becoming too sticky.
- Sauté the rice: Sautéing the rice with the onion and garlic before adding the liquid will help prevent it from becoming too mushy.
- Adjust the liquid: The amount of liquid needed to cook the rice may vary based on the type of rice and the other ingredients in the dish. Add the chicken stock in batches and stir constantly to prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
- Use a Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot: A heavy-bottomed pot will help distribute the heat evenly and prevent the Spanakorizo from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
- Serve with lemon wedges: Squeezing fresh lemon juice over the Spanakorizo just before serving will help brighten the flavors and add a zesty kick.
- Don’t overcook the spinach: Add the spinach towards the end of the cooking process and stir gently to prevent it from becoming too wilted or mushy.
- Customize the recipe: Add your own personal touch to the dish by adding other vegetables or spices, like bell peppers, fennel, or smoked paprika.
FAQs
Q: Can I use brown rice instead of white rice for Spanakorizo?
A: Yes, you can use brown rice, but you’ll need to adjust the cooking time and liquid accordingly, as brown rice typically takes longer to cook than white rice.
Q: Is spanakorizo a vegan dish?
A: Spanakorizo can be vegan if you use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock.
Q: Can I freeze spanakorizo?
A: Yes, you can freeze Spanakorizo, but keep in mind that the texture of the rice may change slightly after thawing and reheating. It’s best to freeze it in small portions and reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop.
Q: Can I add other vegetables to Spanakorizo?
A: Yes, you can add other vegetables such as carrots, celery, or bell peppers to the dish. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time and liquid accordingly based on the additional ingredients.
Q: Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh spinach for Spanakorizo?
A: Yes, you can use frozen spinach, but it’s best to thaw and drain it before adding it to the dish. You may also need to adjust the cooking time and liquid accordingly, as frozen spinach can release more liquid than fresh spinach.