Greek Spinach Lemon Herb Rice Dish

Ingredients

Estimated total cost: €5.23 · €1.31/serving

• 1 whole lemon, washed and dried (zest before juicing for extra flavor)Est. price €0.35–€0.70
• 3 tablespoons of premium extra-virgin olive oil, divided (use half for cooking and half for finishing)Est. price €0.45–€1.20
• 8 scallions, thinly sliced on a bias (include some of the green parts for visual appeal)Est. price €0.80–€1.60
• 1 cup of high-quality basmati rice, thoroughly rinsed and drained (let it air dry for a few minutes before cooking)Est. price €1.50–€3.50
• 1 teaspoon of either Diamond Crystal or Morton kosher salt (adjust amount based on personal preference)Est. price €0.02–€0.05
• 1 bunch of dill, with tough stems removed and finely chopped, divided (reserve some for garnish)Est. price €0.90–€1.80
• 1 10-ounce package of frozen chopped spinach (thaw and squeeze out excess moisture before using)Est. price €1.20–€2.50
• Freshly ground black pepper to taste (add at the end to preserve its aroma)Est. price €0.01–€0.03

Steps

1. 1

   Using a vegetable peeler or paring knife, peel wide strips of zest from 1 lemon. Cut the lemon in half and keep it aside for later use.

2. 2

   Begin by heating 2 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil in a medium-sized heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat. Add lemon zest and thinly sliced 8 scallions, sautéing and stirring occasionally until the scallions are vibrant green and starting to soften, which should take approximately 2 minutes. Introduce 1 cup of rinsed and well-drained basmati rice into the pan, along with either 1½ teaspoons of Diamond Crystal salt or 1 teaspoon of Morton kosher salt, as well as half of a bunch of dill that has been finely chopped after trimming tough stems. Cook this mixture while continuously stirring until the rice grains are evenly coated with oil for about half a minute. Proceed by adding 1¼ cups plus 2 tablespoons of water into the pan and bringing it to a boil. Once boiling, lower the heat to its lowest setting, cover the saucepan with a lid, and allow the rice to simmer until it is almost cooked through and all the liquid is absorbed. This process usually takes around 13 to 15 minutes.

3. 3

   Begin by placing a 10-ounce package of frozen spinach in a fine-mesh sieve set over a medium bowl. Pour boiling water over the spinach until it is fully covered. Allow the spinach to sit and thaw for about 5 to 10 minutes. Once thawed, drain the spinach thoroughly and then transfer it onto a clean kitchen towel. Squeeze the spinach tightly in order to remove any excess moisture. Next, move the drained spinach onto a cutting board and finely chop it using a chef's knife, making sure to run the knife through it several times for a fine texture.

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• Cultural note

  This dish reflects traditional Greek flavors with the use of olive oil, lemon, and herbs like dill. Spinach and rice are staples in Mediterranean cuisine, known for their versatility and health benefits. The combination of these ingredients showcases the influence of Greek culinary heritage.

• Seasonal note

  This Greek spinach lemon herb rice dish is best enjoyed in the spring and early summer when fresh herbs like dill are abundant. Spinach is also in season during the cooler months of fall and winter.

• Health note

  This dish is a nutritious option, providing a good dose of vitamins A, C, and K from ingredients like spinach and lemon. It is relatively low in calories and saturated fat, making it a healthy choice for those watching their intake. The fiber content from spinach and rice promotes digestive health.