Spinach Rice is a comforting and healthy dish made with fluffy rice, fresh spinach, and simple spices. It’s colorful and packed with nutrients, perfect for lunch or dinner!
Whenever I make it, I feel like I’m eating my veggies and having fun at the same time! Plus, it’s ready in no time—making it a weeknight winner in my book!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rice: Long-grain rice like basmati or jasmine works best for this recipe. Its fluffy texture makes it perfect for absorbing flavors. If you need a substitute, you can use brown rice for a nuttier taste, but remember it may require a longer cooking time.
Vegetable Broth: Using vegetable broth adds a rich flavor to the rice. If you’re short on broth, you can use water, but consider adding a bit of extra seasoning to bring flavor. Homemade broth is also a great choice for a fresher taste!
Spinach: Fresh spinach is the star here, but you can use frozen spinach in a pinch. Just make sure to thaw and drain it well before adding it to avoid excess water in the dish.
Onion and Garlic: These aromatics are crucial for building flavor. While I prefer yellow onions, you can use shallots for a milder taste or green onions for a fresher flavor. Garlic powder can also work if fresh garlic isn’t available.
Seasoning: Adjust the salt and pepper to your taste! You can also skip the red pepper flakes if you prefer a milder dish, or add more for extra heat if you like it spicy.
How Can I Ensure My Rice Turns Out Perfectly Fluffy?
Cooking rice can sometimes be tricky, but following a few key steps helps! The initial sautéing of rice is crucial for flavor and texture. Here’s how to get it just right:
- Heat olive oil and sauté the onions until they are soft.
- Add garlic for aroma, then stir in your rice, making sure each grain is coated with oil.
- When adding the liquid, ensure it’s at a rolling boil before you reduce the heat. This helps the rice cook evenly.
- Once covered, resist the urge to lift the lid while it cooks – steam is essential!
- After cooking, letting it sit off the heat for a few minutes before serving helps maximize fluffiness.
By following these steps, you should have light, fluffy spinach rice ready to enjoy!
How to Make Delicious Spinach Rice
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dish:
- 1 cup long-grain rice (such as basmati or jasmine)
- 2 cups vegetable broth or water
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional, for brightness)
- Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 10 minutes to prep and about 30 minutes to cook. So, in total, you can expect to spend around 40 minutes to have a flavorful spinach rice dish ready to serve!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Onion and Garlic:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet or pot over medium heat. Once the oil is warm, add the chopped onion. Sauté it for about 3-4 minutes until it turns translucent and soft. Then, toss in the minced garlic and sauté for another 1-2 minutes until it’s fragrant. You’ll love the smell!
2. Toast the Rice:
Next, stir in the rice, salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes (if you want a little heat). Cook this mixture for a couple of minutes, stirring frequently to let the rice lightly toast. This adds a nice flavor!
3. Cook the Rice:
Now it’s time to pour in the vegetable broth or water. Bring it all to a boil, and then reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is fully cooked and the liquid has been absorbed. Resist the urge to lift the lid during this time!
4. Add the Spinach:
In the last few minutes of cooking, gently fold in the chopped spinach. Cover the skillet again and let it steam for about 5 minutes until the spinach is wilted and tender. It’s going to look vibrant and delicious!
5. Final Touches:
Remove from heat and stir in the lemon juice if you’re using it. Then, fluff the rice with a fork to mix everything together. Give it a taste and add more seasoning if you think it needs it.
6. Serve It Up:
Your Spinach Rice is now ready to enjoy! Serve it hot, and if you’d like, sprinkle some fresh parsley or cilantro on top for a lovely garnish. This dish can be served as a side or enjoyed as a light main dish. Dig in and enjoy!
Can I Use Brown Rice Instead of White Rice?
Absolutely! Just keep in mind that brown rice will require more liquid and a longer cooking time. Instead of 2 cups of broth, use about 2.5 cups, and simmer for 40-45 minutes instead of 15-20 minutes. Check the rice periodically to ensure it’s soft and cooked through!
What If I Don’t Have Vegetable Broth?
No problem! You can substitute water for vegetable broth, or use chicken broth if you’re not vegetarian. For added flavor, consider adding a splash of soy sauce or a pinch of seasoning to enhance the taste without the broth.
How to Store Leftover Spinach Rice?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it up in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent it from drying out.
Can I Add Other Vegetables to This Recipe?
Definitely! You can add other vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or peas. Just sauté them with the onions at the beginning to ensure they’re tender by the time the rice is done cooking!
