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Greek rice made with the flavors of spanakopita and perfect light lunch or Mediterranean side.
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Creamy Greek Spinach Rice - Spanakorizo Made Easy

Greek spinach rice or Spanakorizo is a traditional dish that's as versatile as it is delicious. The lemon and herbs brighten every bite, while feta adds a salty, creamy finish.
Prep Time30 minutes
Cook Time45 minutes
Total Time1 hour 15 minutes
Course: Rice side dish, Vegetarian main
Cuisine: Greek
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 442kcal

Ingredients

  • 1 cup medium-grain rice such as arborio, paella, or Bomba rice
  • 1 bunch scallions about 6, divided
  • ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • 10 ounces fresh baby spinach about 9 cups
  • 1 tablespoon finely chopped garlic
  • 1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 ½ cups water
  • 3 tablespoons chopped fresh dill
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh mint
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter cubed
  • ½ teaspoon grated lemon zest plus 3 tablespoons fresh juice (from 1 lemon), divided
  • 2 ounces feta cheese crumbled (about ½ cup)
  • Fresh dill fronds
  • Fresh small mint leaves

Instructions

  • Place rice in a large bowl and cover with cold water. Agitate using your hand to release excess starch; drain. Repeat process 4 to 5 times until water is mostly clear. Drain and cover with cold water. Let soak at room temperature, uncovered, for 20 minutes. Drain rice well, and set aside.
  • While rice is soaking, thinly slice white and light green parts of scallions; set aside. Thinly slice dark green parts of scallions to equal ¼ cup; place in a small bowl. Cover using a damp paper towel, and set aside until ready to serve. Reserve remaining dark green parts of scallion for another use.
  • Heat oil in a medium Dutch oven over medium-high. Add reserved sliced white and light green parts of scallions; cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 2 minutes. Add spinach, garlic, salt, and pepper; cook, stirring constantly, until spinach is wilted, about 2 minutes. Add drained rice; cook, stirring constantly, until rice is well coated in oil, about 2 minutes. Add 1 ½ cups water; bring to a boil over high. Reduce heat to maintain a simmer; cover and cook, undisturbed, for 18 minutes. Remove from heat, and let stand, covered, for 10 minutes.
  • Remove lid from Dutch oven, and stir in dill, mint, butter, and lemon juice. Transfer to individual plates or a platter; top with feta, reserved dark green parts of scallions, lemon zest, dill fronds, and mint leaves. Serve immediately.

Notes

Notes from the All Our Way Cucina
Don’t peek at your rice while it is cooking or while it is still covered off the heat. You need the heat and steam to stay in the pot for even cooking. 
Make ahead
This is best served immediately, but can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days.

Nutrition

Calories: 442kcal | Carbohydrates: 51g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 23g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 12g | Trans Fat: 0.2g | Cholesterol: 28mg | Sodium: 1098mg | Potassium: 488mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 0.4g | Vitamin A: 7042IU | Vitamin C: 22mg | Calcium: 161mg | Iron: 5mg