Spinach rice is wholesome recipe made with cooking basmati rice with spinach puree and aromatic spices. This earthy vegetarian rice recipe is easy to prepare and brimming with comforting flavors. It's a versatile dish that can be enjoyed on its own or as a side to complement a variety of main courses.
This one pot Spinach Pulao recipe is Vegan and Gluten Free. I am including instructions to make it on stove top as well in Instant Pot. Similar to Aloo Palak, Palak Paneer and Dal Palak , this is our favorite spinach recipes.
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Spinach Rice recipe boasts impressive "good for you" benefits. Spinach is a nutritional powerhouse, rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as essential minerals like iron and folate. This superfood quality leafy green brings antioxidant properties and supports immune system.
The combination of spinach with whole grains in the rice provides a fiber boost, promoting digestion and contributing to a satisfying meal. Additionally, the dish is a great way to incorporate plant-based nutrients into your diet.
Ingredients
Rice : I prefer to use long grain basmati rice to make this recipe. It helps make fluffy texture with rich earthy flavors. You can use other type of white rice or brown rice too.
Spinach : Baby spinach leaves work well. You can also use frozen spinach. I make fresh spinach puree by blending the spinach in food processor with water or broth. Pureed spinach helps bring out vibrant green color and it coats the rice evenly.
Other ingredients : I use olive oil for cooking. Cumin seeds, turmeric powder, dash of red chilli powder and cinnamon stick boost the flavors. Minced garlic and spinach is match made in heaven. I add a tomato for tangy taste. You can also add onion.
💡💡Different kind of rice require different cooking time and water ratio. Typically short grain rice and medium grain rice cook quicker and need less water than long grain rice. Read and follow cooking time and water amount per package directions.
How to Make Spinach Rice on Stove Top
Put the rice in colander and rinse it under cold water until the water runs clear. This helps remove excess starch. Set it aside. Put the baby spinach in blender jar. Add little water or broth. Make it a smooth puree.
In a large skillet or saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add cumin seeds, cinnamon stick, bay leaf, turmeric powder and minced garlic. Let it sizzle. Add the tomatoes and rinsed rice to the pan and stir for a couple of minutes until the rice is lightly toasted.
Pour the blended spinach and continue stirring until everything mixes. Now mix vegetable broth or water. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer. Cook according to the rice package instructions or until the rice is tender and has absorbed the liquid.
Once the rice is cooked, fluff it with a fork to separate the grains and mix in the spinach evenly. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve and enjoy !
How to Make Instant Pot Spinach Rice
Preparation : Put the rice in colander and rinse it under cold water until the water runs clear. This helps remove excess starch. Set it aside. Put the baby spinach in blender jar. Add little water or broth. Make it a smooth puree.
Sauté spices and Garlic: Set the Instant Pot to "Sauté" mode. Add olive oil. Add cumin seeds, cinnamon stick, bay leaf, turmeric powder and minced garlic. Let it sizzle.
Add Rice and Spinach: Add the rinsed rice to the Instant Pot and stir for a couple of minutes until the rice is lightly toasted. Pour the blended spinach and continue stirring until everything mixes.
Add Broth and Seasoning: Pour in the vegetable broth or water. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
Pressure Cook: Close the Instant Pot lid, set the valve to the sealing position, and select the "Manual" or "Pressure Cook" mode. Cook on high pressure for 6 minutes.
Pressure Release: Allow the Instant Pot to naturally release pressure for about 10 minutes. Then, carefully perform a quick release to release any remaining pressure.
Fluff and Serve: Open the Instant Pot lid and fluff the spinach rice with a fork to separate the grains and distribute the seasoning evenly.
Optional Garnishes: Garnish with fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley. You can also squeeze a bit of lemon juice over the rice for added freshness.
Serve: Serve the spinach rice as a side dish alongside your favorite main course. Enjoy !
Storage and Re-heating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To Freeze, consider storing individual portions in the freezer ensuring they are well-sealed to preserve flavor and texture. When reheating, add a splash of water to restore moisture. Reheat in microwave until heated through.
Serving Suggestions
Grilled Entrees: Serve spinach rice alongside grilled or roasted vegetables, tofu, or plant-based protein alternatives. I love it with Paneer Tikka.
Curries: Spinach rice is a great accompaniment to various curry recipes, such as vegetable curry, or lentil curry. The mild flavor of the rice complements the bold and savory flavors of the curries.
Stir-Fries: Pair spinach rice with a colorful vegetable stir-fry or tofu stir-fry. The rice provides a neutral base that allows the flavors of the stir-fried ingredients to shine. Try it with Bok choy stir fry or Indian Cabbage Stir Fry.
Salads: Use spinach rice as a base for a hearty salad. Combine it with fresh vegetables, herbs, and your choice of protein for a satisfying and nutritious salad bowl. For added protein , add Air Fryer Chickpeas to this rice.
Sauces and Condiments: Drizzle your favorite sauces or condiments over the spinach rice. Consider options like tzatziki, sour cream and chives dip, or a flavorful salsa to add extra taste.
Other One Pot Rice Recipes
- Vegan Enchilada Rice
- Turmeric Lemon Rice
- Mexican Rice
- Instant Pot Risotto
- Cilantro Lime Brown Rice
- Jeera Rice
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📖 Recipe
Spinach Rice ( Instant Pot Option )
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 cup Long grain Basmati Rice or other rice
- 2 cups fresh spinach washed and chopped
- 1 small tomato roughly chopped
- 2-3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil
- 1½ cups low sodium vegetable broth or water
- Salt and pepper to taste
Seasoning
- ½ teaspoon cumin seeds
- ½ teaspoon Turmeric Powder
- ¼ teaspoon red chili powder
- 1 cinnamon stick
- ½ teaspoon garam masala optional
Optional Garnishes
- Lemon juice and lemon wedges
- chopped cilantro, parsley or dill leaves
Instructions
- Put the rice in colander and rinse it under cold water until the water runs clear. This helps remove excess starch. Set it aside. Put the baby spinach in blender jar. Add little water or broth. Make it a smooth puree.
- In a large skillet or saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add cumin seeds, cinnamon stick, bay leaf, turmeric powder and minced garlic. Let it sizzle. Add the tomatoes and rinsed rice to the pan and stir for a couple of minutes until the rice is lightly toasted.
- Add the blended spinach and continue stirring until everything mixes. Pour in t he vegetable broth or water. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer. Cook according to the rice package instructions or until the rice is tender and has absorbed the liquid.
- Once the rice is cooked, fluff it with a fork to separate the grains and mix in the spinach evenly. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve and enjoy !
How to Make Instant Pot Spinach Rice
- Put the rice in colander and rinse it under cold water until the water runs clear. This helps remove excess starch. Set it aside. Put the baby spinach in blender jar. Add little water or broth. Make it a smooth puree.
- Set the Instant Pot to “Sauté” mode. Add olive oil. Add cumin seeds, cinnamon stick, bay leaf, turmeric powder and minced garlic. Let it sizzle.
- Add the tomatoes and rinsed rice to the Instant Pot and stir for a couple of minutes until the rice is lightly toasted. Add the blended spinach and continue stirring until everything mixes.
- Pour in the vegetable broth or water. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
- Close the Instant Pot lid, set the valve to the sealing position, and select the “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” mode. Cook on high pressure for 6 minutes.
- Allow the Instant Pot to naturally release pressure for about 10 minutes. Then, carefully perform a quick release to release any remaining pressure.
- Open the Instant Pot lid and fluff the spinach rice with a fork to separate the grains and distribute the seasoning evenly. Garnish with fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley. You can also squeeze a bit of lemon juice over the rice for added freshness.
- Serve the spinach rice as a side dish alongside your favorite main course. Enjoy !
Notes
Nutrition
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Alice Blair
And the tomato??? when to add?
Prajakta Sukhatme
Add along with rinsed rice.