Riz aux Épinards

Riz aux Épinards is a delightful French side dish that pairs tender rice with the earthiness of sautéed spinach, creating a flavorful and vibrant addition to any meal. Its simplicity and elegance make it a perfect complement to a variety of main dishes.

Ingredients

• Long-grain rice - 150 grams
• Fresh spinach - 200 grams
• Olive oil - 2 tablespoons
• Onion - 1 small, finely chopped
• Garlic - 1 clove, minced
• Vegetable broth - 300 milliliters
• Salt - 1/2 teaspoon
• Black pepper - 1/4 teaspoon
• Lemon juice - 1 tablespoon
• Parmesan cheese - 30 grams, grated (optional)

Steps

1. Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear, then drain and set aside.
2. In a medium saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add the minced garlic to the saucepan and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
4. Stir in the rinsed rice and cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing it to toast slightly in the oil.
5. Pour in the vegetable broth, add salt and black pepper, and bring to a boil.
6. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes or until the rice is cooked and has absorbed the liquid.
7. While the rice is cooking, rinse the fresh spinach under cold water and remove any tough stems.
8. In a separate skillet, add a little olive oil over medium heat and sauté the spinach until wilted, about 3-4 minutes.
9. Once the rice is done, fluff it with a fork and gently stir in the sautéed spinach, lemon juice, and grated Parmesan cheese if using.
10. Serve warm as a side dish, garnished with additional Parmesan if desired.

Nutrition

• Calories: 300
• Protein: 8 g
• Carbs: 45 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 400 mg
• Cholesterol: 5 mg
• Total Fat: 9 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Water: 0.25 L

Health Benefits

• Spinach is rich in vitamins A, C, and K, which support immune function and bone health.
• The dish is high in fiber, promoting digestive health and aiding in maintaining a healthy weight.

Tags