Traditional Greek recipes: Spanakorizo (spinach rice pilaf)

·

Niki Louca from My Greek Kitchen shares her favourite recipe for spanakorizo (spinach rice pilaf) with The Greek Herald. You can follow her on Instagram @mygreekkitchen for more!

Spanakorizo is a quick and versatile dish which can be eaten as a meal on its own or as an accompaniment with lamb, chicken or pork.  It is a quick and easy mid-week meal that can be done in about 35-40 minutes. This recipe serves 4 – 6 people.

Ingredients:

  • 11/2 cups of white rice
  • 500 gm fresh or frozen spinach or silverbeet
  • 1 medium onion finely diced
  • Salt to taste
  • 2 cups chicken or vegetable stock
  • 500ml passata
  • ¼ cup olive oil
  • Water as needed

Method:

  1. Saute the onion in the olive oil in a heavy based saucepan.
  2. Add your rice and stir making sure the rice is covered with the oil.  Keep stirring the rice for a couple of minutes.
  3. Add you stock, passata sauce and cook till it starts to absorb the liquid.  Add water a little at a time till it absorbs it again.  Important to note – do not leave it to dry out.  Add water whilst still “wet”.  Treat it as you would risotto.
  4. When it is ¾ of the way cooked, add your salt, and spinach or silverbeet and stir through.  If you are using frozen spinach, stir every couple of minutes to make sure the spinach has thawed and fully mixed through.  Check if it needs any further water and if not, put the lid on and turn heat off.  Leave it to absorb any extra liquid and to finish cooking (approx. 10-15 minutes).
  5. Serve and enjoy whilst hot and with a dallop of Greek yoghurt and Greek salad.
Spanakorizo

Niki Louca runs cooking classes in Melbourne. For more or to book classes visit My Greek Kitchen at www.mygreekkitchen.com.au or Instagram @mygreekkitchen. You can email Niki at: niki@mygreekkitchen.com.au.

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Latest News

Melbourne announces ‘100 Years Mimis Plessas’ tribute concert with Dimitris Basis

‘100 Years Mimis Plessas’ tribute concert comes to Melbourne with Dimitris Basis, celebrating a legendary Greek composer.

Two brothers, one century: The remarkable lives of Paul and Michael Tsolakis

Paul and Michael Tsolakis reflect on a life shaped by migration, war, resilience and the enduring values that carried them to 100 and beyond.

From street finds to collectors’ gold: Con Skordilis and the rise of vintage IKEA

Northcote health worker Con Skordilis, 55, has spent the past decade building a collection of vintage IKEA furniture.

Student literary competition returns to promote Greek language in Australia

A national student literary competition aimed at promoting the Greek language and cultural identity has been announced for 2026.

Dr Adrianos Golemis becomes first Greek selected for ESA astronaut training

Dr Adrianos Golemis has made history as the first Greek to take part in an astronaut training programme at the European Space Agency (ESA).

You May Also Like

Sydney Olympic FC comes from behind to defeat Blacktown City in Australia Cup

Sydney Olympic advanced to the 5th round of the Australian Cup in the group of N.N.O., defeating Blacktown City (3-1).

Niki Louca shares her recipe for Ma’amoul (Date Filled Cookies)

Niki Louca from My Greek Kitchen shares her favourite recipe for Ma’amoul (Date Filled Cookies) with The Greek Herald. 

In search of an Aussie meat pie in Greece

Australian pies are still a big deal to me, even after living in Greece for over 20 years. More so than fish 'n' chips in fact.