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Recipe

Greek-Inspired Easter Spinach Rice with Feta

Make lemony spinach rice with dill and feta for an Easter lunch. Includes long-grain rice measurements, gentle cooking and safe leftover handling.

Spinach rice with crumbled feta and lemon
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Ingredients

  • 1 cup (185 g) uncooked long-grain white rice
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 medium onion (150 g), finely chopped
  • 4 scallions, thinly sliced
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 300 g fresh spinach, washed and roughly chopped
  • 1 3/4 cups (420 ml) low-sodium vegetable broth
  • 1/4 teaspoon fine salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh dill
  • 120 g feta cheese, crumbled

Instructions

  1. Rinse rice in a sieve under cold running water until the water is less cloudy, then drain well. Chop the vegetables and zest the lemon before juicing it.
  2. Heat oil in a wide saucepan with a close-fitting lid over medium heat. Cook onion for 6 minutes until soft, then add scallions and garlic for 1 minute.
  3. Add spinach in two batches and stir until wilted, about 3 minutes. Stir in drained rice, then broth, salt and pepper. Bring to a gentle boil.
  4. Cover, turn the heat to low and cook for 15–18 minutes without frequent lifting of the lid. Check a grain: it should be tender and the liquid largely absorbed. If firm and dry, add 2 tablespoons hot water, cover and cook 3 minutes longer.
  5. Remove from heat and leave covered for 10 minutes. Fluff gently with a fork, then fold in lemon zest, juice and dill. Avoid vigorous stirring, which can make the rice gummy.
  6. Divide into four bowls and scatter 30 g feta over each. Serve promptly. Cool any leftovers promptly in shallow containers rather than leaving the pot on the stove.

Spinach, lemon and dill turn a simple pan of rice into a bright spring lunch. This Greek-inspired variation uses long-grain rice and a feta finish, drawing on the flavor combination of spanakorizo without claiming to reproduce one definitive traditional recipe. It also works as six smaller side portions; the nutrition here is for four lunch portions.

Rice choice

This method uses long-grain white rice. Brown rice, risotto rice and parboiled rice require different cooking times and liquid amounts. Check the package if the variety is unusual.

Leftovers

Refrigerate promptly, within 2 hours, in shallow containers at 40°F / 4°C or below. For this recipe, use refrigerated rice within 1 day and reheat once to 165°F / 74°C. Do not leave cooked rice at room temperature for a buffet afternoon.

Serving at Easter

Serve as a light meat-free lunch or reduce portions to make a side dish. A side-sized portion has different nutrition from the four lunch servings listed.

Frequently asked questions

Can I omit feta?

Yes. The rice remains flavorful without cheese, but the salt balance and nutrition change. Check broth ingredients for a dairy-free version.

Can I use frozen spinach?

Use about 200 g thawed frozen spinach, squeezed well. Excess water can make the rice wet, so do not add it straight from a frozen block.

Nutrition and recipe notes

This original recipe has not been kitchen-tested. Nutrition is an approximate editorial estimate per stated serving, not a laboratory analysis or independently verified calculation. Brands, portions and substitutions change the values.

Allergens: Milk; check broth ingredients. Check product labels.

Per serving

Nutrition facts

Serving size: One-quarter of the rice including 30 g feta (estimated)

Calories
355
Total fat
14 g
Saturated fat
5 g
Cholesterol
27 mg
Sodium
470 mg
Total carbohydrate
46 g
Dietary fiber
4 g
Total sugars
5 g
Protein
11 g

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