Brown Rice with Spinach and Feta Cheese
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings: 4
Category: Spinach
Keywords: Cheese, Greens, Vegetable, Greek, European, Oven, < 4 Hours
Description:
Take your plain rice to the next level with this healthy and flavorful Greek-inspired casserole. Packed with antioxidants from spinach and fiber from brown rice, this dish makes a nutritious and satisfying main course. The addition of feta cheese and kalamata olives enhances its Mediterranean flair, while the eggs bind it all together for a perfect bake. Whether for a family dinner or a meal prep staple, this dish offers a delightful combination of taste and nutrition.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Olive oil | 1 tablespoon |
| Onion (chopped) | 1 medium |
| Brown rice | 1 cup |
| Water | 2 cups |
| Broth (vegetable or chicken) | 1 cup |
| Frozen spinach (thawed and drained) | 4 cups |
| Feta cheese (crumbled) | 8 oz |
| Kalamata olives (pitted and chopped) | 4 tablespoons |
| Eggs | 2 large |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 379.8 kcal |
| Fat Content | 15.1 g |
| Saturated Fat Content | 6.7 g |
| Cholesterol Content | 212.8 mg |
| Sodium Content | 534.6 mg |
| Carbohydrate Content | 44.7 g |
| Fiber Content | 4.8 g |
| Sugar Content | 3.9 g |
| Protein Content | 17.6 g |
Instructions
-
Cook the Rice:
In a large saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes, or until it turns a golden color. Stir in the brown rice, followed by the water. Bring the mixture to a boil, then cover and reduce the heat to a simmer. Let the rice simmer for approximately 45 minutes, or until all the water has been absorbed and the rice is tender. Once done, remove the saucepan from the heat. -
Prepare the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven is heating, lightly grease an 8×8-inch baking dish with olive oil or cooking spray. A ceramic or glass baking dish works best for even baking. -
Mix the Ingredients:
Once the rice is cooked, stir in the thawed and drained spinach, crumbled feta cheese, and chopped kalamata olives. Beat the eggs and stir them into the rice mixture, ensuring everything is evenly combined. -
Assemble and Bake:
Pour the rice mixture into the prepared baking dish. Spread it out evenly. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake, uncovered, for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a knife inserted into the center comes out clean. -
Cool and Serve:
Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and let it stand for about 5 minutes before serving. This allows the casserole to set, making it easier to slice and serve.
Tips for Best Results:
- For a creamier texture, you can stir in a little bit of heavy cream or sour cream before baking.
- If you’re not a fan of kalamata olives, you can swap them for green olives or omit them altogether.
- To make this recipe vegetarian, use vegetable broth in place of chicken broth.
This dish pairs wonderfully with a side of Greek yogurt or a fresh tomato and cucumber salad for a complete Mediterranean meal.
