Recipe: Greek Spinach and Rice (Spanakorizo)

SPINACH AND RICE (SPANAKORIZO)

2 tbsp clarified butter or oil
1 small onion, chopped
1/2 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
1/2 cup tomato sauce
1/4 cup water (or more)
2 lb fresh spinach, washed, trimmed
1/4 cup chopped parsley
2 sprigs fresh mint, chopped
Salt and freshly ground pepper
Grated nutmeg
4 hard-cooked eggs, sliced
lemon wedges (for garnish)

Heat the butter or oil in an enameled pan, then add the onions and cook until soft and transparent.

Add the rice and saute for a few minutes, stirring constantly.

Add the tomato sauce (or same amount of canned chopped tomatoes, drained) and water, cover the pan and simmer until the rice is almost tender (approximately 10 minutes).

Uncover and stir in the spinach, parsley, mint; season with salt and pepper. Partially cover the pan and continue cooking, stirring with a wooden spoon until the spinach has wilted. Grate a little nutmeg over the top and continue cooking until all the liquid has been absorbed and the spanakorizo is tender, not mushy. Remove from the heat and drape with a dry towel until ready to use.

Transfer to a warm serving dish, and garnish with the sliced eggs and lemon wedges. Serve warm.

VARIATION:

TO MAKE PRASSORIZO (LEEK RICE):
Substitute 1 1/2 pounds sliced leeks for the spinach and add with the liquid. Leeks need longer cooking time.

Makes 6 servings
Source: The Food of Greece by Vilma Liacouras Chantiles