Spinach Rice ~
Fluffy white rice mixed with fresh spinach and cilantro for an easy and flavorful side dish.
Serve with Mexican Grilled Tofu and Black Beans.
Easy Spinach Rice Dish
I like this recipe because it’s a simple dish that pairs wonderfully with bolder main courses, like spicy curries, grilled vegetables, or savory stews. Its light, fresh flavor complements rich, hearty dishes without overpowering them, making it a great way to put a versatile yet distinctive side on your plate.
Beyond being a side dish, Spinach Rice also works well as a base for a tasty rice bowl meal. Top it with roasted veggies or Crispy Baked Tofu for an easy, balanced meal. Its vibrant color and herbaceous spinach-cilantro mix add a refreshing twist and a pretty alternative to plain rice.
Ingredients for Spinach Rice
You will need the following:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/4 cup yellow onion
- 1 cup long grain white rice
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 cups water
- 6-ounce bag baby spinach leaves, by weight
- 1/2 cup cilantro
Ingredient Notes
- Butter – Adds richness and helps the rice toast beautifully.
- Yellow Onion – For a simple and savory base that adds a mild, sweet flavor to the dish.
- White Rice – White long grain rice or basmati rice works best, but you can also use wild or brown rice (just note the longer cooking time).
- Salt and Black Pepper – Simple seasonings that enhance the overall flavor.
- Water – Keeps the dish light, though vegetable broth can be used to add extra depth.
- Spinach – Fresh spinach is ideal for vibrant color and flavor. Frozen spinach isn’t recommended as it can make the dish watery.
- Cilantro – Adds a fresh, herbaceous note that complements the spinach beautifully.
How to Make Spinach Rice
STEP ONE: Set a medium saucepan over medium-high heat and melt the butter. Add the onion and cook for about 2 minutes, until softened. Stir in the uncooked cup of rice and cook for another 2 minutes, lightly toasting the rice until fragrant.
STEP TWO: Pour in the water, bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for about 20 minutes, until the rice is fully cooked. Remove from heat and let it rest, covered, for 10 minutes to absorb any remaining liquid.
STEP THREE: While the rice cooks, pulse the spinach and cilantro in a food processor until finely chopped into a chunky paste.
STEP FOUR: Once the rice is ready, fluff it with a fork and gently stir in the spinach and cilantro mixture. Adjust seasoning to taste, and serve warm.
Optional Add-Ins
Customize your spinach dish with one or more of these optional add-ins:
- Parmesan Cheese – Stir in with the chopped spinach for a creamy texture.
- Fresh Herbs – Fresh oregano or parsley adds extra earthiness.
- Lemon Juice – A light squeeze of fresh lemon juice before serving adds a tough of bright citrus flavor.
Storage
- Store leftover rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
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Spinach Rice
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/4 cup yellow onion
- 1 cup long grain white rice
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 cups water
- 6- ounce bag baby spinach leaves by weight
- 1/2 cup cilantro
Instructions
- Set a medium saucepan over medium-high heat and melt the butter. Add the onion and cook for about 2 minutes, until softened. Stir in the uncooked cup of rice and cook for another 2 minutes, lightly toasting the rice until fragrant.
- Pour in the water, bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for about 20 minutes, until the rice is fully cooked. Remove from heat and let it rest, covered, for 10 minutes to absorb any remaining liquid.
- While the rice cooks, pulse the spinach and cilantro in a food processor until finely chopped into a chunky paste.
- Once the rice is ready, fluff it with a fork and gently stir in the spinach and cilantro mixture. Adjust seasoning to taste, and serve warm.
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