Spanaki Pilafi

Discover the comforting flavors of Greece with Spanaki Pilafi, a vibrant spinach rice pilaf that’s both hearty and healthy. This one-pot dish combines tender long-grain white rice with nutrient-packed fresh spinach, aromatic garlic, and onions, creating a symphony of earthy and zesty flavors. Infused with fresh dill, parsley, and a bright squeeze of lemon juice, this vegetarian recipe is not only easy to prepare but also bursting with Mediterranean freshness. Perfect as a satisfying side dish or a light main course, Spanaki Pilafi is a versatile, gluten-free option that’s ready in just 35 minutes. Whether you’re planning a quick weeknight meal or a Mediterranean-inspired feast, this classic Greek rice dish will elevate your table effortlessly!

Nutriscore Rating: 71/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:35 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 500 grams fresh spinach, roughly chopped
• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• 2 cups vegetable broth or water
• 3 tablespoons fresh dill, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons parsley, finely chopped
• 1 lemon, juiced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoons black pepper

Directions

Step 1

Heat the olive oil in a large pot or deep skillet over medium heat.

Step 2

Add the chopped onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened and translucent.

Step 3

Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 4

Stir in the chopped spinach and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it wilts down significantly.

Step 5

Add the rice to the pot and stir for 1-2 minutes to coat it in the oil and vegetable mixture.

Step 6

Pour in the vegetable broth or water, and stir in the salt and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil.

Step 7

Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer gently for 15 minutes or until the rice is cooked and has absorbed all the liquid.

Step 8

Remove the pot from heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes to allow the steam to finish cooking the rice.

Step 9

Stir in the fresh dill, parsley, and lemon juice. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Step 10

Serve warm as a side dish or main course. Optionally, garnish with extra fresh herbs or a lemon wedge.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1402.5g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	850.1

Total Fat 45.1g	0%
Saturated Fat 6.7g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 4.0g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 4655.9mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 97.1g	0%
Dietary Fiber 16.4g	0%
Total Sugars 10.5g
Protein 23.7g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 622.2mg	0%
Iron 18.1mg	0%
Potassium 3582.4mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 45.7%

Protein: 10.7%

Carbs: 43.7%