Mediterranean Spinach Rice is full of vibrant flavors from onion, garlic, lemon, and dill. This delicious side dish is easy to make on the stove in 30 minutes.
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While there's nothing wrong with serving plain rice, it's simple to turn it into a special side dish with only a few extra ingredients.
Using a similar cooking method as Greek yellow rice and chickpea pilaf, Spinach Rice has the perfect texture and a mouthwatering taste.
If you like the flavors of fresh herbs and citrus, you're sure to enjoy this rice recipe.
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Why you'll love this recipe
- It's loaded with fresh flavors and only requires 7 ingredients (plus salt and pepper).
- It's ready to eat in 30 minutes.
- You can serve it with a variety of your favorite dishes.
Ingredients
Baby spinach: While I used packaged baby spinach leaves, a bunch of fresh spinach, roughly chopped, can be used instead. I don't recommend using frozen spinach for this recipe.
Long-grain white rice: I used Jasmine.
Fresh lemon: Both the zest and juice brighten the Spinach Rice. Be sure to zest the lemon before squeezing out the juice.
Variations
- Make it with long-grain brown rice by adding about ½ cup extra water and allowing extra time for the rice to cook
- Prepare it with vegetable broth instead of water
- Add more veggies like sliced mushrooms or diced red bell pepper
- Use your favorite fresh herbs like cilantro, parsley, or mint
- Top it with toasted pine nuts, sliced olives, or vegan feta cheese
For the complete list of ingredients with measurements plus recipe instructions, please see the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
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Instructions
- Saute the onion in olive oil until soft and slightly translucent.
- Add the garlic and baby spinach and saute until the spinach is soft and reduced in size.
- Add the rice and stir for a couple of minutes.
- Stir in the water and bring to a simmer. Reduce the heat and cook, covered, until the water has been adsorbed and the rice is tender.
- Remove the pot from the heat. Lift up the lid and lay a clean dish towel over the top. Replace the lid on top of the towel and allow the rice to steam for a few minutes.
- Stir in the dill, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Taste and add salt and pepper, as desired.
Amy's tip
The bright flavors in this Spinach Rice recipe are enhanced and balanced with the addition of salt. I recommend adding a little at a time, trying as you go, for the optimal taste.
Serving suggestions
Spinach Rice is a versatile side dish that pairs well with a variety of proteins and vegetables.
It's wonderful with zucchini chickpea stew. Or try it with Dijon balsamic glazed tofu and tomato and green pepper salad.
You can also use it as a filling for stuffed tomatoes, squash, or bell peppers.
Storing and freezing
Leftover rice can be refrigerated in an airtight container for 3 to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
To reheat from frozen, defrosting the rice isn't necessary. Add a few tablespoons of water before reheating it in a pot on the stove or in a microwave-safe bowl.
More vegan rice recipes
And for even more recipes, join the Vegan Mediterranean Diet Recipes Facebook group for support, inspiration & fun!
📋 Recipe
Spinach Rice with Lemon and Dill
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Ingredients
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil
- ½ cup onion, diced small
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 5 ounces baby spinach
- 1½ cups long-grain white rice, rinsed and drained
- 2¼ cups water
- ¼ cup fresh dill, chopped
- 1 Tablespoon lemon zest
- 2 Tablespoons lemon juice
- salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add the onions and saute until softened and slightly translucent.
- Add the garlic and spinach to the pot. Saute until the spinach is soft and reduced in size.
- Add the rice to the pot. Stir frequently for a couple of minutes until the rice starts to look translucent.
- Stir in the water and bring to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and allow the rice to gently simmer until the water is absorbed and the rice is tender.
- Remove the pot from the heat. Lift up the lid and lay a clean dish towel over the top. Replace the lid on top of the towel and allow the rice to steam for 5 to 10 minutes.
- Fluff the rice with a fork and fold in the dill, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Taste, season with salt and pepper, and serve.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutritional information is an estimation only.
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