Mediterranean Diet Spinach Rice
Elevate your weeknight meals with this vibrant and wholesome Mediterranean Diet Spinach Rice recipe! Packed with nutrient-rich baby spinach and fragrant fresh herbs like dill and parsley, this dish is a celebration of fresh Mediterranean flavors. Long-grain white rice is cooked in savory vegetable broth and infused with aromatic garlic, zesty lemon juice, and bright lemon zest for a refreshing twist. Perfect as a light vegetarian main or a complementary side dish, this recipe is quick to prepare in just 35 minutes, making it an ideal choice for busy days. Top with crumbled feta for an extra burst of creamy, tangy goodness, and pair it with grilled fish or chicken for a complete meal that embodies the essence of the Mediterranean diet. Healthy, delicious, and simple, this spinach rice recipe is sure to become a family favorite!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 6 cups baby spinach, roughly chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 0.5 teaspoons salt
- 0.25 teaspoons black pepper
- 0.25 cups optional feta cheese, crumbled
Instructions
Heat the olive oil in a medium-sized pot or deep skillet over medium heat.
Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes, or until soft and translucent.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute, until fragrant.
Add the rice to the pot and stir for 1-2 minutes, ensuring the rice is coated in the oil and lightly toasted.
Pour in the vegetable broth, bring to a boil, then lower the heat to a simmer.
Cover the pot with a lid and let the rice cook for 15 minutes, or until most of the liquid has been absorbed.
Gently fold in the chopped spinach, allowing it to wilt into the rice for about 2-3 minutes.
Stir in the fresh dill, parsley, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Mix well to combine all flavors.
Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Remove from heat and let the rice sit covered for 5 minutes.
Fluff the rice with a fork before serving. Optional: Sprinkle with crumbled feta cheese for an added layer of flavor.
Serve warm as a light main dish or as a side to grilled fish or chicken.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
951 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 46.2 g | 59% | |
| Saturated Fat | 14.3 g | 72% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 4.1 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 53 mg | 18% | |
| Sodium | 3086 mg | 134% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 109.2 g | 40% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 12.3 g | 44% | |
| Total Sugars | 15.2 g | ||
| Protein | 28.3 g | 57% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 582 mg | 45% | |
| Iron | 9.8 mg | 54% | |
| Potassium | 1972 mg | 42% | |
*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.
