rice with spinach recipe

rice with spinach recipe

The Best rice with spinach recipe

I love making rice with spinach for my family because it’s a simple and delicious meal that everyone enjoys. The dish has its roots in Indian cuisine, where it’s known as ‘palak rice.’

It’s made by cooking rice with spinach puree, onions, garlic, and spices. The result is a flavorful and nutritious meal that’s perfect for any occasion.

I’ve been making this recipe for years, and it’s always a hit with my kids and husband. They love the way the spinach adds a burst of flavor to the rice, and I appreciate how easy it is to make.

In fact, I often make a big batch of the spinach puree on the weekends and freeze it for later use. This way, I can whip up a quick and healthy meal during the week without too much fuss.

My kids are also great eaters, so they’re always happy to try new foods. But even my picky eater husband loves this dish, which is saying something!

He’s not a big fan of green foods, but he can’t resist the creamy texture and mild flavor of this rice with spinach. It’s become a staple in our household, and I’m always happy to serve it up for family gatherings or special occasions.

Rice with Spinach

Rice with Spinach

4.6 from 1055 votes

A simple and nutritious one-pot dish of fluffy rice cooked with fresh spinach and aromatic spices. This recipe makes a satisfying side or a light main course with a gentle heat from green chilies.

Prep Time10 mins
Cook Time25 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time35 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 320 kcal

🥘Ingredients

Main Ingredients

1 cup basmati rice, rinsed and drained
2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
1 medium onion, thinly sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 green chili, slit (optional)
1 teaspoon cumin seeds
2 tablespoons vegetable oil or ghee
2 cups water
Salt to taste

👨‍🍳Directions

1Heat the oil or ghee in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
2Add the cumin seeds and cook until they sizzle and become fragrant, about 30 seconds.
3Add the sliced onion and cook, stirring often, until it turns golden brown, about 5 to 7 minutes.
4Stir in the minced garlic and green chili and cook for 1 minute more until the garlic is fragrant.
5Add the chopped spinach and cook, stirring frequently, until it wilts and reduces in volume, about 2 to 3 minutes.
6The spinach should turn bright green and release some moisture.
7Add the rinsed rice and salt, and stir gently to coat the grains with the spinach mixture.
8Pour in the water and bring the mixture to a boil over high heat.
9Reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan with a tight-fitting lid, and simmer for 15 to 18 minutes.
10The rice should be tender and all the liquid absorbed.
11Remove from heat and let it rest, covered, for 5 minutes before fluffing with a fork.

🔧Equipment

Medium saucepan with lid
Cutting board
Knife
Measuring cups and spoons
Wooden spoon

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 320 kcal🧈Total Fat: 10g💛Saturated Fat: 2g❤️Cholesterol: 0mg🧂Sodium: 480mg🌾Total Carbs: 52g🥦Dietary Fiber: 3g🍬Sugars: 3g🥩Protein: 7g

📝Notes

For a richer flavor, substitute ghee for oil. You can also add a pinch of turmeric for color or a squeeze of lemon juice before serving for brightness.

Watch Video Of How Rice with Spinach Works

This rice with spinach recipe is always a good idea because it is easy, healthy, and pleases a crowd. I make it for family dinners, potlucks, and even holiday sides.

It stores well in the fridge for up to four days and reheats nicely in the microwave or on the stove. For serving, I like to top it with a fried egg or some toasted nuts for extra texture.

It works for any occasion and I am sure you will reach for it again and again.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Rice with Spinach

Q: What type of rice should I use for this recipe?

I prefer to use basmati rice because of its nutty flavor and fluffy texture. However, you can use any type of long-grain rice you like.

Q: Can I add other vegetables to the dish?

Yes, feel free to add other vegetables like carrots, peas, or mushrooms to make the dish more colorful and nutritious.

Q: How do I store leftover rice with spinach?

You can store leftover rice with spinach in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to 2 months.

Q: Can I reheat cooked rice with spinach in the microwave?

Yes, you can reheat cooked rice with spinach in the microwave by covering it with a paper towel to prevent drying out.

Q: Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?

Yes, this recipe is vegetarian-friendly as long as you use vegetarian-friendly spices.

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