Saturday, January 17, 2009

Spanakorizo (Greek Spinach Rice)

A quick go-to meal for my family is often a pot of lentil soup, a hearty pasta and veggie dish or a vitamin-packed helping of spanakorizo. The latter, in particular, is an ideal meal that takes no more than 30 to 35 minutes to make, is filling and is laden with vitamins, minerals and anti-oxidants.

According to sources, eating spinach can prevent memory loss and cataracts. And that's not all: this iron-rich leafy green can help protect us against osteoporosis, heart disease, colon cancer, arthritis and numerous other diseases. In fact, researchers have identified at least 13 different flavonoid compounds in spinach that function as antioxidants and as anti-cancer agents, specifically protecting those whose diets include a healthy helping of this veggie against prostate and ovarian cancers.

So, it's quick, it's tasty and it's healthy--what are you waiting for? Accompany this simple spanakorizo with some feta, a few Kalamata olives and some crusty bread and you're good to go.

I'm sending this dish over to Rachel of The Crispy Cook as she is hosting this week's edition of Weekend Herb Blogging, a fun event originally created by Kalyn of Kalyn's Kitchen and now overseen by Haalo of Cook (Almost) Anything Once.






Spanakorizo

Serves 4 to 6

1/3 cup olive oil
1 medium onion, finely chopped
3 scallions, finely chopped
1/2 teaspoon dried mint
1 1/2 cups rice
1/2 cup dry white wine
10 oz. chopped tomatoes
2 cups water
24 oz. of spinach
2 tablespoons chopped parsley
Salt and pepper, to taste


Heat the oil in a dutch oven over medium heat and add the onion and scallions, stirring until fragrant and softened. Toss in the mint and then add the rice, stirring until coated well with the onion mixture.


Stir in the wine and boil until most of the liquid is absorbed. Add the chopped tomatoes to the dutch oven along with the water, salt and pepper and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer until the rice is cooked halfway through. Stir in the spinach and add more water as necessary, simmering until the rice is cooked through.


Sprinkle with parsley and a bit of olive oil just before serving.



16 comments:

Maria Verivaki said...

spinach can also be substituted with other leafy greens, which are, at the moment, available in the cretan fresh markets. i make the sauce (greens added) and freeze it in small bowls, so that, just by adding rice and water, i can make a quick meal when i've had a busy day

Peter G | Souvlaki For The Soul said...

One of my absolute favourites! I add a little dill too. Yum! Now I'm hungry again!

Ivy said...

We love spanakoryzo and I find the addition of wine very interesting.

Rachel said...

Thank you for sending a plateful of spanakorizo over to Weekend Herb Blogging! Looks delicious.

Hopie said...

I love spinach and it's definitely good for you! This looks like a great go-to meal.

Laurie Constantino said...

I've never met a single person who doesn't like spanakorizo. It is wonderful comfort food.

Haalo said...

that has my mouth watering - time for lunch!

Teresa Cordero Cordell said...

Hello Maria. How's everything going? I love this dish. You know, I could live off of rice. There are so many ways to prepare it, but your recipe with the mint and spinach sounds absolutely delightful. Can't wait to try it.

gastroanthropologist said...

Spinach is good for your teeth too (it creates a film on your teeth that protects them).

I have a question about dried mint...I've actually never used it. Any tips and info about dried vs. fresh...

Looking forward to trying this.

Anonymous said...

One of my favorite sides! We never had it with tomato growing up but I'll have to give that a try once!

Peter M said...

Maria, as a child I was a brat and wouldn't eat it but now I luv Spanakorizo.

You've done one major thing here...made it look really good...it's hard to capture a good pic but YOU have.

Dewi said...

This sounds like the type of meal that I'd like to make during weekdays.
Cheers,
Elra

Núria said...

What a delicious dish Maria! If there is rice involved then I automatically become a fan ;D

It looks a bit like a risotto or our rices here but still special... I like it!!!

Rosie said...

Looks absolutely delicious Maria!!

So nice to be back blogging once again and viewing your yummy creations :)

Rosie x

Rosie said...

Looks absolutely delicious Maria!!

So nice to be back blogging once again and viewing your yummy creations :)

Rosie x

Unknown said...

I love spanakorizo but I make it with dill instead of parsley!