Spinach and Lemon Rice Pilaf

Brighten up your table with this Spinach and Lemon Rice Pilaf, a vibrant side dish that combines tender long-grain white rice, zesty lemon, and nutrient-packed baby spinach for a fresh and flavorful bite. This Mediterranean-inspired pilaf starts with fragrant sautéed onions and garlic, cooked to perfection in a blend of olive oil and butter, before being simmered in a rich vegetable broth. A finishing touch of lemon zest and juice infuses every grain with a refreshing tanginess, while wilted spinach adds a pop of color and wholesome greens. Perfect for pairing with grilled chicken, fish, or as a standalone vegetarian delight, this one-pot wonder is ready in just 35 minutes and makes for a crowd-pleasing addition to any meal.

Nutriscore Rating: 70/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:35 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 3 cups baby spinach, roughly chopped
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 0.25 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Heat the olive oil and unsalted butter in a medium-sized pot over medium heat.

Step 2

Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until it becomes soft and translucent.

Step 3

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

Step 4

Add the long-grain white rice to the pot and stir well, allowing the rice to toast slightly for about 1-2 minutes.

Step 5

Pour in the vegetable broth, then add the lemon zest and lemon juice. Stir to combine.

Step 6

Bring the mixture to a boil, then lower the heat to a simmer. Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid and cook for 15 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed the liquid.

Step 7

Turn off the heat and let the rice sit, covered, for 5 minutes to finish steaming.

Step 8

Gently fluff the rice with a fork and stir in the roughly chopped baby spinach. The heat from the rice will wilt the spinach.

Step 9

Season the pilaf with salt and ground black pepper to taste.

Step 10

Transfer the pilaf to a serving dish, garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired, and serve warm.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(932.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	875.7

Total Fat 45.1g	0%
Saturated Fat 12.4g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 4.1g
Cholesterol 31mg	0%
Sodium 2361.3mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 104.3g	0%
Dietary Fiber 10.7g	0%
Total Sugars 12.9g
Protein 17.9g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 216.9mg	0%
Iron 7.8mg	0%
Potassium 1560.9mg	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: 45.4%

Protein: 8.0%

Carbs: 46.6%