Spinach Rice

Spinach Rice is a tasty side that pairs beautifully with just about anything. A great way to add greens to your meal making this a two for one side dish.

Rice is a common dish in my family and I like to find creative ways to mix it up. I often purchase the big container of baby spinach at the market and like to incorporate it into my dishes other than adding it to a salad. I found by combining these two ingredients, it made a fantastic side that was well received by the family. 

You start off by sauteing some onions until they’re softened. Then a few cloves of garlic is added along with a few handfuls of baby spinach. There’s no need to chop the spinach which is a plus because the spinach will wilt. Using a 4-quart pot to make this dish is recommended to hold the amount of spinach when it’s first added. It looks like a lot yet in a few seconds it wilts down to a fraction of itself.

Add the rice and stir to coat it with all that goodness. Add the water, yes water. No need for stock here because there is plenty of flavor already. Let it cook for 20 minutes then stir in the pine nuts. The pine nuts add a delicious crunch. 

You have your veggies, your starch, and flavor all in one dish. It may not be the prettiest dish, but it pairs well with just about anything and is simple to prepare. Doesn’t that trump pretty? I think it does.

Check out some of my other sides:

• Rice Pilaf
• Cilantro Lime Rice
• Perfect Rice

Pairs well with just about anything, but here are some suggestions: Adodo Seasoned Crack Wings, Slow Roasted Chicken, Roasted Chicken Leg Quarters, Italian Meatloaf, Roasted Lamb Chops, Pan Fried Haddock, and Roasted Salmon with Crispy Skin.

Spinach Rice is a tasty side that pairs beautifully with just about anything. A great way to add greens to your meal making this a two for one side dish.

Be happy, eat well.

Spinach Rice

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Spinach Rice is a tasty side that pairs beautifully with just about anything. A great way to add greens to your meal making this a two for one side dish.

Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes minutes

Servings: 4

Author: Natalie Gregory

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons oil neutral or olive
• 1 medium onion diced
• 2 - 3 cloves garlic minced
• 1 cup long grain rice
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt or to taste
• ½ teaspoon pepper
• 1 ¾ cups water
• 2 big handfuls baby spinach - about 3 ounces or so*
• ¼ cup toasted pine nuts or other nuts of choice*

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Instructions

• Add oil to a 4-quart saucepan over medium-high heat.
• Sauté onions until soft and translucent, about 3 - 5 minutes.
• Add garlic and sauté until fragrant, then add the spinach and cook until just wilted. Add salt and pepper.
• Stir in the rice until rice is coated with oil and everything is distributed, then add the water. Stir and bring to a boil then lower to a simmer (low heat) and cover. Cook for 20 minutes then remove from heat. Stir in pine nuts and serve.

Notes

To toast pine nuts, simply place pine nuts in a hot skillet over medium heat and shake for a minute or two to lightly brown and release the oils of the pine nuts. You can also simply use raw pine nuts.

Nutritional Information

I don't post the nutritional value because I don't trust the accuracy of the nutritional apps. I’m not a nutritionist and don't want to post misinformation.

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