Spanakorizo (Greek Spinach Rice)

A Word for the Season

Spanakorizo — the Greek "spinach rice" — is a humble, deeply nourishing dish that turns two simple ingredients into something greater than themselves. It is food for the ordinary day, food that doesn't shout but sustains.

The Scriptural Foundation

"He who is faithful in what is least is faithful also in much." — Luke 16:10

The Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• 1 large leek, white and light green parts, sliced
• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 10 oz fresh spinach, roughly chopped
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• Sea salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pan. Sauté onion and leek until soft, about 6 minutes.
2. Add garlic and cook 1 minute.
3. Add rice and stir to coat. Toast 2 minutes.
4. Pour in broth, bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cover and cook 18 minutes.
5. In the last 3 minutes, fold in the chopped spinach, dill, and parsley.
6. Remove from heat, fluff with a fork, and stir in lemon juice. Season to taste.

Nutritional Note

Spinach is rich in iron, folate, and vitamins A and K. Combined with rice, this dish provides a gentle balance of carbohydrates and micronutrients. The lemon juice not only brightens the flavor but also enhances iron absorption from the spinach.

A Prayer for the Journey

Lord, thank You for the quiet, sustaining gifts of daily life. Help me to be faithful in small things, and to find Your presence in the ordinary. Amen.