Persian Spinach Rice Recipe

Greetings and welcome to Rice Cookers 101! Are you ready to try something new and delicious? Today, we bring you a recipe for the traditional Persian dish, spinach rice. This mouthwatering dish combines fluffy basmati rice with tender spinach and aromatic herbs for a flavorful and nutritious meal that is sure to impress your friends and family. Let’s get started and bring a taste of Persia to your table! We’ve made this persian spinach rice recipe easy to follow 👨‍🍳. If you’re looking for our favorite rice cookers to make this recipe, check out our list of top rice cookers here.

Ingredients

• 1 cup basmati rice
• 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• ½ teaspoon ground cumin
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground cardamom
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups hot water

Instructions

1. Rinse the rice in cold water until the water runs clear, then soak it in cold water for 30 minutes. Next, drain the rice in a strainer and set it aside.2. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onions and minced garlic to the pot and sauté them until the onion is translucent.3. Now, add the chopped spinach, cumin, cinnamon, cardamom, salt, and 1 tablespoon of water to the pot. Sauté until the spinach is wilted, which typically takes around 5 minutes.4. Add the rice to the pot and stir until all of the grains are coated evenly with the spinach mixture.5. Pour in 2 cups of hot water, and turn up the heat to high. Bring the mixture to a boil, and then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot with a lid, and let the mixture simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is tender, and the water is absorbed.6. Once the cooking process is complete, remove the pot from the heat, and let it sit covered for at least 5-10 minutes.7. Finally, fluff the rice with a fork, and your Persian Spinach Rice is ready to be served hot. Enjoy!

How long does persian spinach rice last in the fridge?

Persian spinach rice is a delicious and healthy dish that can be stored in the fridge after cooking for up to four days. To store it properly, transfer the rice to an airtight container and refrigerate it as soon as it has cooled down to room temperature. It is important to keep the rice in the fridge below 40°F (4°C) to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria. When reheating the rice, do so in a covered dish in the microwave or on the stovetop until it is heated through. Discard any leftovers that have been sitting at room temperature for more than two hours to avoid foodborne illness.

Low calorie persian spinach rice recipe substitutions

To make this Persian Spinach Rice recipe lower in calories, a few substitutions can be made. Firstly, the amount of olive oil can be reduced or substituted with a calorie-free cooking spray. Secondly, brown rice can be used instead of basmati rice to add fiber and reduce the glycemic index of the dish, which contributes to stable blood sugar levels. Thirdly, fewer cardamoms can be used and cinnamon can be substituted for sugar to add sweetness without calories. Lastly, the amount of salt can be reduced or substituted with a lower-sodium alternative to help manage blood pressure. These modifications will help to make the dish lower in calories while still retaining flavor and nutrition.

What to serve with a persian spinach rice?

Persian spinach rice is a delicious and flavorful dish that can be served as a side or main dish. To complement its taste, you can serve it with a variety of dishes such as yogurt, grilled or roasted vegetables, kebabs, lamb, chicken or beef stews. A refreshing salad made with cucumber, tomato, and onion also pairs well with this dish. Additionally, you can add some freshly squeezed lemon juice and raita to enhance the flavors and provide a tangy contrast to the savory rice.

Whats the best sauce for a persian spinach rice?

The best sauce for Persian spinach rice is a combination of two sauces: Mast-o-Khiar and Shirazi Salad. Mast-o-Khiar is a yogurt and cucumber sauce that creates a refreshing and cooling contrast to the warm and savory spinach rice. Shirazi Salad is a mix of chopped cucumber, tomato, and red onion with parsley and lemon juice. This salad adds a tangy and slightly sweet flavor that complements the earthy and slightly bitter notes of the spinach. Together, these two sauces elevate the flavors of the rice and create a balanced and satisfying meal.

Persian spinach rice health benefits

Persian spinach rice has several health benefits. Spinach is a nutrient-rich vegetable that is high in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as iron, calcium, and fiber. Rice is a nutritious grain that is a good source of energy and contains essential vitamins and minerals. The combination of spinach and rice in this dish creates a balanced and nutrient-dense meal that can help support a healthy diet. Additionally, herbs and spices such as turmeric used in the recipe also offer anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits. As such, persian spinach rice is a healthy and delicious meal to add to your diet.