This simple, delicious, and authentic Spanakorizo (Greek Spinach Rice) makes a filling vegetarian meal or side dish. Fresh dill, chives, and lemon juice give it an extraordinary flavor and aroma.
This Spanakorizo recipe has always had a special place at our dinner table. Fragrant and rich, this dish is loved by kids and adults. Below, I’ll teach you everything you need to know about this tasty Greek Spinach Rice.
WHAT IS SPANAKORIZO?
Spanakorizo is a classic Greek vegetarian dish made with spinach and rice. It is probably one of the healthiest traditional Greek recipes because it’s packed with lots of spinach, onions, fresh herbs, and lemon. While a basic Spanakorizo recipe contains only spinach, onion, and dill, there are many variations of this dish.
WHAT KIND OF RICE IS USED IN SPANAKORIZO
There are many opinions as to which type of rice works best in Spanakorizo. Some people enjoy short-grain white rice because of the creamy texture, and some prefer brown rice for additional health benefits. I use basmati rice in this recipe. It is a premium rice that cooks fast and turns out soft, yet fluffy, every time. I suggest starting your Spanakorizo journey with basmati rice and then trying other options when you feel adventurous. 🙂
HOW TO MAKE SPANAKORIZO:
1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Sauté the onions for about 5-7 minutes, or until translucent. Add the garlic, 2 tablespoons of dill, and 2 tablespoons of chives. Sauté for another minute or two.
2. Add the spinach, and cook for 3-4 minutes, just until it wilts down.
3. Add the salt, pepper, basmati rice, and vegetable broth and stir. Bring it to a boil, cover with a lid, and reduce the heat to medium-low. Simmer for 20 minutes.
4. Stir in the butter, lemon juice and zest, and the remaining dill and chives.
5. Garnish with feta cheese and lemon wedges. Serve.
WHAT TO SERVE SPANAKORIZO WITH
This dish can be served as a side to chicken , fish, or meat. I love serving some fresh salad with it, too. Spanakorizo can also be served on its own, with some feta cheese and a slice of fresh, crusty bread.
You’ll love these recipes too:
- Spanakopita (Traditional Greek Spinach Pie)
- Spinach Risotto
- Easy Spanakopita Bites
- Spanakopita Quesadilla
Spanakorizo Video Tutorial
Spanakorizo – Greek Spinach Rice
Ingredients
- 3 tbsp. olive oil
- 1 medium onion chopped
- 4 garlic cloves chopped
- 4 tbsp. chives or scallions chopped and divided
- 4 tbsp. dill chopped and divided
- 1/2 lb. baby spinach
- 1 cup basmati rice
- 2 cups vegetable broth can substitute with water
- 3 tbsp. butter
- 2 tbsp. lemon juice
- 1/2 tbsp. lemon zest
- feta cheese to garnish
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Sauté the onions for about 5-7 minutes, or until translucent. Add the garlic, 2 tablespoons of dill, and 2 tablespoons of chives. Sauté for another minute or two.
- Add the spinach, and cook for 3-4 minutes, just until it wilts down.
- Add the salt, pepper, basmati rice, and vegetable broth and stir. Bring it to a boil, cover with a lid, and reduce the heat to medium-low. Simmer for 20 minutes.
- Stir in the butter, lemon juice and zest, and the remaining dill and chives.
- Garnish with feta cheese and lemon wedges. Serve.
Thank you for your recipe, the proportions are great, for me personally. My father was Greek and we ate this often but Daddy sauteed some garlic and when we each had our portions we drizzled olive oil and a squeeze of lemon over it. I have been eating it that way for Over sixty years. God Bless and keep the great recipes coming.
Thank you so much, Liz! I would love to try your dad’s rice. Best of luck to you!
Spanakoryzo is one of my fav foods, accompanied by feta cheese of course and lots of lemon. Allow me to tell you that in the photos the rice is a lot, the final dish has to have more spinach than rice,traditionally. But other than that it’s a matter of taste of course. Thank you
Thank you for the feedback! I have tried this dish in a Greek restaurant and they had the same rice/spinach proportions. Maybe different regions have different recipes? Not sure. This is one of my most favorite side dishes. 🙂 best wishes!