Greek Rice with Spinach, Feta, and Black Olives Recipe
Description:
Indulge in the flavors of Greece with this delightful and straightforward recipe inspired by Paula Wolfert. A hearty dish featuring spinach, feta, and black olives, it’s perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a festive brunch gathering. Serve it with plenty of crusty bread to soak up all the delicious juices, and watch it disappear in no time!
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Prep Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour and 5 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Fresh spinach | 2 bunches |
| Sea salt | To taste |
| Extra virgin olive oil | 1/2 cup |
| Scallion | 4 |
| Onions | 1/2 |
| Leek | 3/4 |
| Tomato puree | 1/2 cup |
| Long-grain rice | 1/2 cup |
| Dill | 1/4 cup |
| Fresh ground black pepper | To taste |
| Kalamata olives | To garnish |
| Feta cheese | To garnish |
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Spinach:
- Start by washing the spinach and its tender stems thoroughly until the water runs clear. Drain well.
- For larger, crinkly leaves, lightly sprinkle them with salt and mix well. Let them stand in a colander for about 15 minutes, then rinse and squeeze out any excess moisture.
- Shred the spinach to yield approximately 3 cups. Set aside.
-
Cook the Aromatic Base:
- Heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil in a 10-inch straight-sided skillet over medium-low heat.
- Add the scallions, onions, a pinch of salt, and 1/4 cup of water to the skillet. Cover and cook for about 10 minutes, allowing the onions to turn golden slowly, stirring occasionally.
-
Prepare the Rice Mixture:
- Add 1 cup of water and the reduced tomato puree to the skillet with the onions.
- Stir in the long-grain rice, cover, and cook for an additional 10 minutes.
-
Layer with Spinach and Dill:
- Spread the shredded spinach and dill evenly over the rice mixture in the skillet.
- Cover and cook for another 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
-
Let it Cool:
- Once cooked, remove the skillet from the heat. Mix the contents gently.
- Place a double thickness of paper towel over the rice, cover again, and let it stand until cool.
-
Final Touches:
- Adjust the seasoning with freshly ground black pepper and additional salt if needed.
- Drizzle the remaining tablespoon of olive oil over the dish.
- Garnish with kalamata olives and crumbled feta cheese for an extra burst of flavor.
-
Serving Suggestion:
- This Greek rice with spinach, feta, and black olives is delicious served at room temperature. Accompany it with crusty bread and perhaps some yogurt on the side for a complete meal bursting with Mediterranean goodness.
Nutritional Information:
- Calories: 284.7
- Fat Content: 14.7g
- Saturated Fat Content: 2.1g
- Cholesterol Content: 0mg
- Sodium Content: 192.9mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 33.5g
- Fiber Content: 6.7g
- Sugar Content: 4.1g
- Protein Content: 9.2g
Keywords:
Long Grain Rice, Spinach, Rice, Greens, Vegetable, Greek, European, Low Protein, Low Cholesterol, Healthy, Kid Friendly, Christmas, Brunch, Less than 4 Hours
Experience the taste of Greece in your own kitchen with this enticing Greek rice dish. Bursting with vibrant flavors and nutritious ingredients, it’s a wholesome meal that’s sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy the simplicity and goodness of this recipe, and savor each bite with friends and loved ones. Bon appétit! 🍽️🌿🧀
