Spinach with rice

Spinach Stew with Rice – A Burst of Spring on Your Plate

Spring brings not only a burst of colors in nature but also a variety of fresh ingredients that delight our senses. Spinach stew with rice is a simple, healthy, and quick recipe, perfect for celebrating the arrival of warm weather. This dish is not only easy to make but also packed with essential nutrients, helping us maintain our energy throughout the day.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4

Essential ingredients:
- 1 kg of fresh spinach (or frozen if fresh is not available)
- 1 cup of rice (preferably long-grain rice)
- 1 bunch of green onions
- 1 medium onion
- 1 red bell pepper
- 1 carrot
- 1 small can of diced tomatoes (about 400 g)
- A handful of green or black olives, to taste
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil (or vegetable oil)
- Salt and pepper to taste

Step-by-step preparation:

1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by washing the spinach thoroughly, ensuring you remove any impurities. If using frozen spinach, thaw it beforehand. Chop the spinach finely and set it aside. Peel the carrot, onion, and bell pepper. Dice the carrot into small cubes and slice the onion and bell pepper into strips.

2. Sauté the vegetables: In a large skillet or deep pot, add the 2 tablespoons of oil and heat over medium heat. Add the onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until it becomes translucent. Then, add the bell pepper and carrot. Continue cooking for another 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally.

3. Add the rice: Rinse the rice under cold running water to remove excess starch, then add it to the pot. Mix the vegetables with the rice well to allow the flavors to blend.

4. Add the liquid: Pour in about 500 ml of water. You can use warm water to speed up the cooking process. Let everything simmer on low heat, covering the pot with a lid. Cook for 15-20 minutes or until the rice is tender and has absorbed all the liquid.

5. Incorporate the tomatoes and spinach: When the rice is almost done, add the can of diced tomatoes. Mix well and finally stir in the chopped spinach. Allow it to simmer on low heat for another 5-7 minutes until the spinach wilts.

6. Add the olives: A few minutes before turning off the heat, add the olives and season with salt and pepper to taste. Gently stir to avoid crushing the olives.

7. Serving: Spinach stew with rice is served warm, making it a perfect main dish or side. You can garnish the plate with a few lemon slices or a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil for added flavor.

Useful tips:
- Cheese option: For extra flavor, you can sprinkle feta cheese or grated parmesan over the stew before serving.
- Fresh herbs: A sprinkle of fresh dill or chopped parsley will add a fresh note and enhance the dish's flavors.

Nutritional information:
This stew is rich in vitamins and minerals. Spinach is an excellent source of vitamin K, vitamin A, vitamin C, iron, and folic acid. The rice provides complex carbohydrates, offering long-lasting energy. A serving of the stew contains approximately 350-400 calories, depending on the amount of oil and olives added.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use frozen spinach? Yes, frozen spinach is an excellent alternative, just make sure it is completely thawed and drained before adding.
- What other vegetables can I add? You can experiment with zucchini, broccoli, or peas. These vegetables pair perfectly with the stew.
- How can I make the dish spicier? Add a bit of chili pepper or chili flakes for a more intense flavor.

Perfect pairings:
Spinach stew with rice pairs perfectly with a glass of plain yogurt or a refreshing tzatziki. Additionally, a crisp green salad with lemon dressing will complement the meal beautifully.

Personal story:
This spinach stew recipe reminds me of the springs spent in my grandmother's garden, where we joyfully picked spinach and other fresh vegetables. Every meal was a celebration of the season, and this dish quickly became one of the family's favorites. May you also enjoy the flavors of spring with this simple and delicious stew!