Greek Spinach Rice Balls Recipes

GREEK SPINACH AND RICE RECIPE (SPANAKORIZO)

Steps:

• To prepare this spanakorizo recipe (Greek spinach and rice), heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium high heat. Add the onions, spring onions and leek and sauté for 3-4 minutes, until translucent.
• Add the spinach and cook stirring for a few minutes, until wilted. Stir in the tomatoes, the tomato paste, two cups of hot water, the vegetable stock, the rice and season. Reduce heat to low and simmer, covered, for about 20-25 minutes, until the rice is tender.
• While the Spanakorizo is simmering away, stir it every so often and check if the pan appears to be getting dry. If it is, add some more hot water and stir.
• To know when its ready, take a grain of rice out of the skillet and pinch it with your fingernails. If its white on the inside it needs a little bit longer. When it's close to ready, season with salt and pepper to taste. Finally, finish the spanakorizo with fresh chopped dill and cook for a a couple more minutes.
• Serve this traditional Greek spinach and rice (spanakorizo) with a squeeze of a lemon and top with crumbled feta. Enjoy!

SPANAKORIZO - GREEK SPINACH RICE

Steps:

• Rinse the rice well a few times until the water runs clear. Put the rice in a bowl and add water to cover it by 1 inch. Let is sit to soak for 20 minutes or until you are easily able to break one grain of rice between your fingers.
• Heat ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil in a braising pan. Add the onions and cook for 5 minutes, stirring regularly, until soft and golden brown. Add the spinach, lemon juice, garlic, tomato paste, and a big pinch of kosher salt and black pepper. Sautee the spinach until just wilted. Stir in the mint and dill weed.
• Drain the rice well and add it to the pan. Add 1 ½ cups of warm water. Bring to a boil for 3 minutes until the water reduces a bit. Turn the heat to low and cover.
• Let the rice cook undisturbed for 20 minutes or until the rice is tender and fully cooked through and all the liquid has been absorbed.
• Once cooked, let the rice sit covered for 5 to 10 minutes before serving.
• When ready, fluff the rice with a fork and garnish for feta and parsley, if you like.

GREEK SPINACH RICE (SPANAKORIZO)

Steps:

• Heat oil in a saucepan over medium-high heat. Add rice and stir until every grain is coated in oil and you hear it start to sizzle. Stir in 2 teaspoons salt, pepper, cayenne, and green onions and cook for about 1 minute.
• Add dill, mint, spinach, and 2 3/4 cups water. Mix until thoroughly combined and bring to a simmer.
• Cover, reduce heat to medium-low, and cook until rice is tender, about 25 minutes. If rice is not quite ready at 25 minutes, add a splash of water, cover, and continue to cook until it is ready.
• Uncover and stir well. Cover again and let sit for 5 minutes. Taste and adjust salt if necessary.
• Divide rice mixture evenly into six bowls. Squeeze ½ lemon over each serving, then top with feta cheese, pickled onions, chili flakes, and a drizzle of olive oil.

GREEK SPINACH RICE BALLS

Steps:

• In a large pot, steam spinach. Chop and set aside. Preheat oven to 350. Sauté the scallions in oil until just softened.
• In a large mixing bowl, combine spinach, scallions, rice, dill and lemon juice. Add salt and pepper to taste. Stir well, mashing the rice against the sides of the bowl until the mixture holds together.
• Spray a baking sheet with cooking spray. With Dampened hands, pack a heaping ¼ cup of the rice mixture into a ball. Roll the ball in the bread crumbs and place on the baking sheet. Repeat the process until all of the rice mixture is used up.
• Bake for 20-25 minutes until the balls are heated through and crisp on the outside.