Greek Rice
Greek food is full of delightful flavors many of which are unique to the Mediterranean cuisine, including lemon, dill, and mint. Due to these seasonings, it creates a flavor that is light, refreshing and tastes delicious! The Greek Rice recipe is HEALTHY and EASY to make. It is the perfect side dish to any Greek meal.
In addition to being easy to make, it is vegetarian and a great recipe for the Mediterranean diet.
If you are looking for a recipe to serve with Greek Rice, check out our Greek Meatballs recipe.
It goes perfect with Greek Rice and can be made in about 15 minutes!
What is the Mediterranean Diet?
First the Mediterranean Diet, it is not a diet in the context of trying to lose weight. It is a focus on the kinds of food a community or region typically eat, in this case Italy and Greece. Therefore, the Mediterranean diet is a healthier way of eating.
According to Healthline, researchers noted that people from Italy and Greece were exceptionally healthier compared to Americans. Based on numerous studies that show Mediterranean diet can cause weight loss and help prevent heart attacks, strokes, and type 2 diabetes.
What food do you eat with the Mediterranean Diet?
Think FRESH! The Mediterranean Diet is full of vegetables like Spinach, tomatoes, cucumbers, lots of whole grains, herbs, and spices, extra virgin olive oil. As the diet is full of fresh foods, most of the meals in this region do not include added sugar, refined grains (white bread), refined oils, or processed meats.
Greek Rice is PACKED with Nutrients!
There are two main ingredients in Greek Rice, Brown Rice and Spinach. Both of which are packed with nutrients.
Brown Rice is a whole grain and is packed with fiber, minerals, and vitamins, including folate, riboflavin, potassium, and calcium.
Whereas, spinach is a superfood and loaded with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties, this dish is super healthy. It contains vitamin K, fiber, iron, calcium, and magnesium!
Let's Get Cooking: Greek Rice!
First, using a large saucepan put the brown rice, olive oil, mint, dill, and lemon juice. Next, add the quantity of water following the instructions on the package.
Next, after rice is about half way cooked (based on package instructions) remove the lid. The water will be just above the rice, add the chopped spinach. You can use whole leaves as well depending on preference.
If you are using frozen spinach, thaw before adding.
When adding the spinach, you can just put it onto of the rice and cover. You do not want to the stir it into the rice at this time as it can make the rice sticky.
Once the spinach is added re-cover the rice.
Lastly, when the rice is done cooking top with feta and serve warm. Enjoy!
Greek Rice
Ingredients
- 5 oz chopped spinach fresh or frozen
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon mint
- 2 tablespoons dill
- 1 1/2 cup brown rice uncooked
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3-4 cups water
- 1/2 cup feta
Instructions
- Follow the instructions to prepare the brown rice, typcially it requires rinsihing the brown rice and then adding UP TO 4 cups of water and about 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
- Add the dill, mint, chopped spinach, and lemon juice to the rice and mix.
- Bring the water to boil, reduce heat to low (so the rice is still simmering), and cover. Cook based on directions for brown rice (usually 20 to 45 minutes depending on the rice).
- Top with Feta cheese and enjoy!
Really enjoyed this blog post. Thanks Again. Really Cool. Laney Isadore Roots