Prepare to embark on a culinary journey that will tantalize your taste buds and revolutionize your weeknight dinner routine! This Italian-inspired Rice with Spinach, Herbs, and Cheese is not just a recipe – it's a flavor explosion that combines the creamy richness of cheese, the earthy freshness of herbs, and the nutritious goodness of spinach in one incredible dish. Whether you're a busy home cook or a culinary enthusiast, this simple yet sophisticated recipe promises to deliver maximum flavor with minimal effort.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup rice
- 2 cups spinach, chopped
- 1/2 cup herbs (basil, parsley, etc.)
- 1 cup cheese (feta or parmesan)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Rinse the rice thoroughly under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch.
- In a medium saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the rinsed rice and toast it gently for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
- Pour 2 cups of water into the pan with the rice. Add a pinch of salt, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover with a tight-fitting lid.
- Simmer the rice for approximately 15-18 minutes, or until all water is absorbed and rice is tender. Do not remove the lid during cooking.
- While rice is cooking, wash and finely chop the spinach and fresh herbs (basil and parsley).
- Once rice is cooked, remove from heat and let it rest, covered, for 5 minutes to allow steam to finish cooking.
- Gently fluff the rice with a fork, then fold in the chopped spinach, herbs, and crumbled or grated cheese.
- Season with additional salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Serve hot, garnishing with extra herbs if desired. The residual heat will slightly wilt the spinach and melt the cheese.
Tips
- Rinsing rice is crucial: Always rinse your rice thoroughly to remove excess starch, which helps prevent clumping and ensures fluffy, separate grains.
- Toasting technique: Gently toasting the rice in olive oil before adding water enhances its nutty flavor and helps prevent mushiness.
- No peeking rule: Resist the temptation to lift the lid while cooking rice. The trapped steam is essential for perfect cooking.
- Let it rest: The 5-minute resting period after cooking is key to achieving perfectly textured rice.
- Cheese selection matters: Use freshly grated Parmesan or crumbled feta for the best flavor and melting properties.
- Herb freshness: Use fresh herbs if possible, and add them at the end to preserve their vibrant flavor and color.
- Customize to taste: Feel free to experiment with different herb combinations or add a touch of garlic for extra depth of flavor.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 863kcal
Carbohydrates: 54g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 85mg
