Mediterranean Diet Rice with Spinach
Delight in the vibrant, wholesome flavors of this Mediterranean Diet Rice with Spinach—a quick, nutritious dish that combines fragrant basmati rice, tender spinach, and zesty lemon for a burst of freshness in every bite. Infused with olive oil, garlic, and dried oregano, this recipe is a celebration of simple yet bold Mediterranean ingredients, all cooked together in a flavorful vegetable broth. Finished with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and (optional) creamy crumbled feta cheese, this dish is perfect for health-conscious enthusiasts looking to savor a satisfying, plant-forward meal. Ready in just 35 minutes, this Mediterranean rice makes a versatile side or standout main dish, ideal for family dinners or meal prep.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil
- 1 large Red onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1.5 cups Basmati rice, rinsed
- 3 cups Vegetable broth
- 4 cups Fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- 2 tablespoons Lemon juice
- 1 whole Zest of lemon
- 1 teaspoon Dried oregano
- 0.5 teaspoon Salt
- 0.25 teaspoon Black pepper
- 0.25 cup Fresh parsley, chopped
- 0.5 cup Feta cheese, crumbled (optional for garnish)
Instructions
Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.
Add the finely chopped red onion and sauté until it becomes translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
Add the rinsed basmati rice to the saucepan and stir to coat the grains in the oil and onion mixture.
Pour in the vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a boil.
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan, and let the rice simmer for about 15 minutes.
After 15 minutes, uncover and stir in the chopped spinach, allowing it to wilt into the rice.
Add the lemon juice, lemon zest, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper, stirring to combine.
Re-cover the pot and let it cook for an additional 5 minutes, or until the rice is tender and all liquid is absorbed.
Remove from heat and let the rice sit, covered, for 5 minutes to absorb any remaining moisture.
Fluff the rice with a fork and stir in the chopped fresh parsley.
Serve the Mediterranean Diet Rice with Spinach warm, topped with optional crumbled feta cheese, if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1368 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 62.7 g | 80% | |
| Saturated Fat | 24.0 g | 120% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 4.8 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 107 mg | 36% | |
| Sodium | 4446 mg | 193% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 157.7 g | 57% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 22.1 g | 79% | |
| Total Sugars | 22.0 g | ||
| Protein | 52.0 g | 104% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 1169 mg | 90% | |
| Iron | 16.2 mg | 90% | |
| Potassium | 3658 mg | 78% | |
*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.
