Corn & Spinach Rice: A Sweet and Savory Delight
If you’re on the hunt for a quick, delicious, and visually appealing rice dish that pairs perfectly with a variety of meals, look no further. Our Corn & Spinach Rice recipe is an absolute winner, combining the natural sweetness of corn with the vibrant flavor of spinach and an array of aromatic spices. This dish is not only easy to prepare but also packed with flavor, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. With a prep time of just 2 minutes and a cooking time of 25 minutes, you’ll have a satisfying and nutritious meal ready in no time.
Ingredients:
- Corn: 1/2 cup
- Spinach: 1 cup, chopped
- Onion: 1 medium, finely chopped
- Rice: 1 cup, rinsed
- Black Peppercorns: 1 teaspoon
- Cinnamon Stick: 1 small piece
- Cloves: 2 whole
- Green Cardamoms: 2 whole
- Turmeric Powder: 1/4 teaspoon
- Salt: to taste
- Oil: 1 tablespoon (for cooking)
Instructions:
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Warm the Oil: In a medium-sized pot or saucepan, heat the oil over medium heat until it shimmers.
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Add Spices: Introduce the black peppercorns, cinnamon stick, cardamoms, and cloves to the pot. Sauté the spices for about 1 minute, or until they release their fragrant oils and become aromatic.
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Cook the Onions: Add the finely chopped onions and turmeric powder to the pot. Stir continuously for 2 minutes, allowing the onions to become translucent and tender, and the spices to meld together.
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Incorporate Corn and Spinach: Add the corn, chopped spinach, and salt to the pot. Mix well to ensure the spinach wilts and the corn is evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
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Add Rice: Stir in the rinsed rice, ensuring it is coated with the spices and mixed thoroughly with the vegetables.
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Simmer: Pour in 2 cups of hot water. Stir the mixture, bringing it to a gentle boil.
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Cook Covered: Reduce the heat to very low, cover the pot with a lid, and let the rice cook undisturbed for 20 minutes. This low heat will allow the rice to absorb all the flavors and cook to perfect tenderness.
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Rest and Fluff: Once the cooking time is complete, turn off the heat and let the rice sit covered for a few minutes. Fluff the rice gently with a fork before serving to separate the grains.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 316.3
- Fat: 5.3 grams
- Saturated Fat: 0.8 grams
- Cholesterol: 0 milligrams
- Sodium: 14 milligrams
- Carbohydrates: 61.3 grams
- Fiber: 2.3 grams
- Sugar: 1.9 grams
- Protein: 5.7 grams
Serving Suggestions:
This Corn & Spinach Rice pairs beautifully with a side of grilled chicken, tofu, or a fresh salad. It’s also perfect on its own as a light and satisfying meal. Enjoy this vibrant dish for lunch, dinner, or as part of a festive feast!
Tips:
- For extra flavor, you can add a squeeze of lemon juice or a sprinkle of fresh herbs like cilantro or mint before serving.
- Adjust the spice levels according to your taste preferences, adding more or less pepper or turmeric if desired.
- Ensure the rice is rinsed well before cooking to remove excess starch and prevent it from becoming sticky.
With its delightful combination of sweet corn and nutritious spinach, this Corn & Spinach Rice is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. Enjoy every bite of this aromatic and easy-to-make dish! 🌽🍚🌿
