This Classic Greek Spinach Rice (Spanakorizo) Is Comfort Food at its Best.
Simple, healthy, comforting, and full of fresh Mediterranean flavor, this traditional Greek Spanakorizo is one of the most beloved everyday dishes in Greek homes.
Made with fresh spinach, rice, olive oil, dill, and lemon, this version stays:
โ creamy and rich
โ perfectly lemony
โ light yet satisfying
The secret is allowing the rice to slowly absorb the flavorful broth while keeping enough moisture so the dish stays silky and comforting.
Perfect for:
โ healthy Mediterranean meals
โ vegetarian lunches
โ fasting periods
โ easy family dinners
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Greek Spinach Rice (Spanakorizo)
6
servings20
minutes30
minutes320
kcal50
minutesTraditional Greek spinach rice with lemon, dill, and olive oil. A healthy Mediterranean comfort food recipe that stays creamy and flavorful.
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Ingredients
800 g 800 Fresh Spinach
1 cup 1 Carolina Rice
1/2 bunch 1/2 Fresh Dill, finely choped
1/2 cup 1/2 Olive Oil
1 1 Vegetable Stock Cube
Juice of 1 1/2 Lemons
200 g 200 Tomato Puree
1 tbsp 1 Tomato Paste
1 1 Large Onion, finely chopped
4-5 cups 4-5 Water
Salt
Pepper
Oregano
How to make Spanakorizo
- Clean the spinach thoroughly, removing tough stems, and wash well 1โ2 times.
- Drain and roughly chop.
- In a large pot, heat half of the olive oil and sautรฉ the onion until softened.
- Gradually add the spinach and stir until wilted.
- Add about half of the water and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Rinse the rice and add it to the pot along with the dill, vegetable cube, tomato purรฉe, and tomato paste.
- Stir well until it comes to a boil, then reduce heat.
- Simmer for about 20 minutes, stirring often so it doesnโt stick.
- Gradually add the remaining water and olive oil as needed.
- Shortly before finishing, add the lemon juice.
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This Traditional Spanakorizo Is Creamy, Lemony & So Comforting
Soft rice, silky spinach, fresh dill, and bright lemon flavor.
This classic Greek spinach rice is one of those recipes that feels simpleโbut when cooked properly, it becomes incredibly satisfying and comforting.
And the lemon at the end completely transforms the dish.
Why Greek Spanakorizo Is Different
Unlike dry rice dishes, authentic Greek spanakorizo should stay:
- creamy
- slightly loose
- rich with olive oil
The rice slowly absorbs the cooking liquid while the spinach melts into the sauce.
The Secret to Perfect Texture
The key is not overcooking the rice.
For perfect spanakorizo:
- add liquids gradually
- stir frequently
- keep some moisture before resting
As it sits, the rice naturally thickens and becomes velvety.
Why Lemon Makes Such a Big Difference
The fresh lemon juice added at the end gives:
- brightness
- freshness
- balance to the olive oil
This final step is what gives spanakorizo its signature Greek flavor.
What to Serve with Spanakorizo
Perfect with:
- feta cheese
- olives
- crusty bread
- grilled fish or seafood
A simple Mediterranean meal packed with flavor.