Brown Rice Florentine
Elevate your weeknight dinner game with this hearty and wholesome Brown Rice Florentine recipe—a perfect blend of nutty brown rice, tender garlic-sautéed spinach, and zesty lemon, all crowned with a touch of grated Parmesan. This nutrient-packed dish combines the earthy flavors of whole-grain rice and fresh greens with the subtle heat of optional red pepper flakes for a delightful balance of comfort and sophistication. Ready in under an hour, this one-pan wonder boasts a simple yet flavorful cooking method, making it both healthy and easy to prepare. Serve it as a standalone vegetarian meal or pair it with your favorite protein for a complete, satisfying dinner that’s sure to please. Perfect for busy nights, this Brown Rice Florentine will quickly become a go-to recipe in your kitchen repertoire.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 cup brown rice
- 2 cups water
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 large, minced garlic cloves
- 6 cups fresh spinach
- 0.5 teaspoons salt
- 0.25 teaspoons ground black pepper
- 0.25 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 0.25 teaspoons red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
Rinse the brown rice under cold water to remove excess starch. Combine the rice and water in a medium-sized saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 35-40 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the water is absorbed.
While the rice cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant but not browned.
Add the fresh spinach to the skillet, one handful at a time, stirring frequently. Cook until the spinach is wilted, about 3-4 minutes.
Season the spinach mixture with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
Once the rice is finished cooking, fluff it with a fork, and add it to the skillet with the spinach mixture. Stir to combine.
Turn off the heat and stir in the Parmesan cheese and lemon juice. Adjust seasoning to taste.
Serve the Brown Rice Florentine warm, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
630 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 35.9 g | 46% | |
| Saturated Fat | 8.8 g | 44% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 20 mg | 7% | |
| Sodium | 1685 mg | 73% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 59.9 g | 22% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 8.8 g | 31% | |
| Total Sugars | 1.2 g | ||
| Protein | 18.8 g | 38% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 472 mg | 36% | |
| Iron | 7.2 mg | 40% | |
| Potassium | 182 mg | 4% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
