Spinach Rice: How to Make This Simple Side Dish

Rice can be one of the most boring side dishes so sometimes, you need to dress it up a little which is exactly what my spinach rice does. It has a lovely green hue from the spinach and has an extra flair from pine nuts that makes it feel fancy, but is so simple to make.

My version of spinach rice almost has a rice pilaf flair to it with some garlic, parsely, and just a dash of parmesan cheese. This side dish works perfectly from all things to herb marinated chicken to a succulent and crispy restaurant style salmon. Not only that, but it combines the two best parts of every meal; the carbs and the vegetables, so you really cannot beat this spinach rice side dish.

So next time you are looking for a change from boring white rice, try my spinach rice for a delicious change.

Serves 4

Ingredients:

1 cup of jasmine or basmati rice

2 and 1/2 cups of chicken or vegetable stock

1 tablespoon of butter

2 cloves of garlic, minced

Juice of 1 lemon

8 ounces of baby spinach

1/4 cup of pine nuts

1/4 cup of shredded parmesan cheese

2 tablespoons of diced parsley

Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and toast the rice and pine nuts for 3- 5 minutes or until just slightly browned.
2. Next, add the garlic and cook for just 30 seconds before adding half of the lemon juice, salt, and pepper to taste.
3. Bring the heat up to high and add the stock and give the mixture a good stir. Bring it just to a boil and then reduce the heat to low and cover. Cook for 18 minutes.
4. Once the stock is mostly reduced, stir in the spinach, the rest of the lemon juice, and adjust the seasoning. Cover and allow the spinach to wilt, about 3 more minutes.
5. Fluff the rice and top with spinach and parsley and serve.

If you like this, be sure to try my gluten free rice pilaf!