Imagine a dish that transports you to the sun-drenched shores of Greece with every single bite - our Spinach Feta Brown Rice is exactly that culinary adventure! This incredibly simple yet sophisticated recipe combines the earthy richness of brown rice, the vibrant nutrition of fresh spinach, and the tangy, creamy punch of feta cheese. Whether you're a health-conscious foodie or just craving something deliciously different, this recipe promises to elevate your home cooking game and impress even the most discerning palates.
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Greek
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup brown rice
- 2 cups water
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by rinsing the brown rice under cold water in a fine mesh strainer. This helps to remove excess starch and prevents the rice from becoming gummy during cooking.
- In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed brown rice and 2 cups of water. Add a pinch of salt to taste. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan with a lid, and let it simmer for about 20 minutes or until the rice is tender and the water has been absorbed. Avoid lifting the lid during cooking to ensure even cooking.
- While the rice is cooking, wash the fresh spinach thoroughly under cold water to remove any dirt or grit. Shake off excess water or use a salad spinner to dry the spinach.
- In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the fresh spinach to the skillet. Sauté the spinach for about 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until it is wilted and tender.
- Once the spinach is cooked, remove the skillet from the heat. Add the cooked brown rice to the skillet and gently stir to combine with the sautéed spinach.
- Next, add the crumbled feta cheese to the rice and spinach mixture. Stir gently to incorporate the cheese evenly throughout the dish.
- Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste. Be cautious with the salt, as feta cheese is already salty.
- Serve the Spinach Feta Brown Rice warm, garnished with additional crumbled feta if desired. Enjoy your delicious and nutritious Greek-inspired dish!
Tips
- Rice Perfection: Always rinse your brown rice thoroughly to remove excess starch and prevent a gummy texture. Use a fine-mesh strainer for best results.
- Liquid Ratio Matters: Stick to the 1:2 rice to water ratio for perfectly cooked brown rice. Too much water can make it mushy, too little can leave it undercooked.
- Low and Slow Cooking: Keep the heat low and resist the temptation to lift the lid while cooking rice. This ensures even heat distribution and perfectly steamed grains.
- Fresh Spinach is Key: Choose crisp, bright green spinach leaves and dry them completely after washing to prevent excess water in your dish.
- Feta Finesse: Add feta cheese off the heat to prevent it from becoming too melty. You want creamy crumbles, not a complete cheese sauce.
- Season Strategically: Since feta is naturally salty, go easy on additional salt. Taste and adjust seasoning gradually.
- Optional Enhancements: Consider adding toasted pine nuts or a squeeze of lemon juice for extra flavor complexity.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 8g
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 20mg
