Spinach and Rice (Spanakorizo)

Spinach and rice — known in Greece as spanakorizo — is one of the most traditional and beloved everyday dishes of the Greek kitchen.

It belongs to a group of dishes where rice is cooked directly in the pot with vegetables and olive oil, creating a simple, nourishing, and deeply satisfying meal.

In this style of cooking, the vegetable is always the focus, with the rice added to complement it — not the other way around.

Spanakorizo can be made in two classic ways:

• With lemon for a bright, fresh version
• With tomato for a richer, more savory version

Both are authentic and delicious.

The Method

1. Build the flavor base. Generously coat the bottom of a pot with extra virgin olive oil. Add the onion and a pinch of salt and sauté until soft.

2. Add the spinach. Add the spinach directly to the pot and cook until wilted, stirring occasionally. The spinach will release its own liquid — do not drain it. That liquid is essential for cooking the rice and building flavor.

3. Choose your base.

   • For the tomato version: Add the tomato paste and sauté briefly. Add a little water if needed and bring to a gentle simmer.
   • For the lemon version: Add a small amount of water as needed and bring to a gentle simmer. You can also add lemon zest at this stage for deeper flavor.

4. Add the rice. Stir in the rice, salt, and pepper. Cover and simmer gently for about 20 minutes, until the rice is soft.

5. Adjust the texture. Add additional warm water as needed. The dish should remain soft and slightly creamy, not dry.

6. Finish like a Greek. Turn off the heat. Add fresh lemon juice, even if using the tomato version, and drizzle generously with more olive oil.

Tips

The Vegetable Comes First

Spanakorizo should always be more spinach than rice.

The rice complements the greens and absorbs the flavors — it should never dominate the dish.

Choosing the Rice

Medium grain rice creates a creamier, more traditional texture.

You can also use:

• Long grain rice
• Basmati
• Jasmine

These will give a lighter, more separate texture. It comes down to personal preference.

Texture Control

You can make spanakorizo:

• Looser and creamy by adding more water
• More dry and fluffy by using less water

Both are traditional.

Variations

Tomato Version

Richer and more savory, with a light tomato base.

Lemon Version

Brighter and fresher. Adding lemon zest while cooking enhances the flavor.

Add Greens

You can combine spinach with:

• Chard
• Beet greens
• Wild greens

Very traditional and deeply flavorful.

Serving

Serve warm or at room temperature with:

• Crusty bread
• Feta cheese
• Olives
• Or even fried eggs

And always a little extra olive oil on top.

Why This Dish Matters

Spanakorizo is a perfect example of the Mediterranean way of eating:

• Vegetables as the main component
• Olive oil for flavor and nutrient absorption
• Simple ingredients cooked properly

It is a complete, nourishing meal that reflects how Greeks have eaten for generations.