BM# 76: Week 1/ Day 2
Theme: Flavors of Greece
Dish: Spanakorizo
Today I have a simple and delicious Greek dish called ‘Spanakorizo’ or Spinach rice. This dish is traditionally made during winter and is served as a side dish to fish or meatballs. I served it with some raita (yogurt sauce) for a simple and filling meal.
This Greek Spanakorizo is very similar to Indian palak rice (spinach rice) but with less spices and more herbs. The Greeks love their herbs like mint, dill and oregano. These give the dish a nice fresh taste to the dish. Adjust the amount of herbs to your preference.
I used basmati rice in this dish, but any medium or long grain rice can be used. Also I used frozen chopped spinach because that is what I had on hand. Fresh baby spinach would taste even better here. 
I think next time I make this dish, I will probably add some chickpeas or tofu or even paneer (to give an Indian twist to the dish) to make it more protein rich and substantial. This is a quick and easy dish to make on a weekday. If you add the protein right to the rice, then you have an amazing one pot dish that is great to pack for lunch the next day too.
This Greek rice an be served as is but some Kalamata olives and feta/ Greek cheese will not be out of place. I loved the salty olives and the creamy tangy cheese with the rice. Do give this a try, I’m sure you will keep making it often.
Lets check out what my fellow marathoners have cooked today for BM# 76.
Spanakorizo
Ingredients
- 1 cup Long grain Rice (I used Basmati rice)
- 2 cups Frozen chopped Spinach (or use a 8oz. bag of baby spinach chopped)
- 1 Small Yellow Onion, chopped
- 1 tbsp Fresh Mint, chopped (or use 1tsp dry mint)
- ¼ tsp Red Pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- To taste Salt Pepper
- 2 Garlic cloves, finely minced
Instructions
- Wash and rinse rice. Soak in water for about 30 minutes.
- Heat 2tbsp olive oil in a pan, add the red pepper flakes, onion and crushed garlic. Cook for 3~4 minutes until the onions turn translucent.
- Add the spinach and cook for 3~4 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
- Add the dry mint and dill. Cook for 1 more minute.
- Drain the rice and stir into the pan. Add 1¾cups of water. Bring the mixture to a boil and cook till the water evaporates from the surface. Reduce the flame to low and cook covered till all of the water is absorbed and the rice is tender, about 5~6 minutes.
- Set the pan aside covered for 5 minutes before fluffing and serving.
Anlet prince - Annslittlecorner
Healthy meal…
Varada
Nice side dish. Would look very nice and colorful on a dinner party platter too.
Rajani
Looking forward to your paneer version as well 🙂
Gayathri Kumar
This rice sounds so simple yet it is bursting with flavour. The addition of feta and olives makes it quite interesting.
PJ
Yes, this definitely sounds like a day weekday meal. The addition of proteins sounds good.Planning to try this soon.
themadscientistskitchen
Same pinch Pavani. Loved the rice I thought it was delicious.
Priya Suresh
This rice is a beautiful find Pavani, even i would like to add some chickpeas or paneer in this rice.
Rafeeda - The Big Sweet Tooth
Looks like an amazing bowl of rice… and I like you feel that some protein source would make it even more filling…
sushma
Looks soo delicious, I have made too for week 3.
Sandhiya
Healthy and very inviting bow of rice.Love the simplicity of the dish.
Sharmila - The Happie Friends potpourri Corner
Just Perfect.. Love this..
[email protected]
This rice sounds like a welcome change from pulao and biryani. Lovely share Pavani.
Srivalli
Wow Pavani, your rice bowl looks absolutely stunning, not to mention how inviting to know its so healthy too!..
Sapna
The Greek style spinach rice looks irresistible. The entire setup is beautiful.
Jenni
This looks like a great dish! Yum!
Mandee Pogue
First of all, your photos are stunning! And secondly, I pinned this because I honestly can’t wait to try it this weekend! I love Greek food and this looks right up my alley! Thanks so much for sharing!
Jessica @ A Kitchen Addiction
Love these flavors! This rice would disappear in a hurry at our house!
The Food Hunter
pinning! I will be making this soon.
Sandi G
I love all of the seasonings in this rice…can’t wait to try it.