Zesty Spinach and Feta Rice Bake
Transform ordinary brown rice into a vibrant side dish or satisfying vegetarian main course with this Zesty Spinach and Feta Rice Bake. Packed with sautéed onions, fresh mushrooms, and nutrient-rich spinach, this dish is elevated by the brightness of lemon juice and the savory richness of feta cheese. It's a delightful medley of flavors and textures that pairs wonderfully with grilled fish or chicken, and it’s also hearty enough to be enjoyed on its own. Perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests, this recipe showcases how easy it is to make wholesome ingredients taste fabulous!
6
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
onion
1 small (chopped)
fresh mushrooms
1 cup (sliced)
garlic cloves
2 (minced)
olive oil
1 tablespoon (for sautéing)
cooked brown rice
2 cups (cooked and cooled)
frozen chopped spinach
10 ounces (thawed and squeezed dry)
lemon juice
3 tablespoons (freshly squeezed)
salt
1/2 teaspoon
dill weed
1/4 teaspoon
fresh ground black pepper
1/8 teaspoon
feta cheese
1/3 cup (crumbled, divided)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, sliced mushrooms, and minced garlic. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, or until the onion is translucent and the mushrooms are tender.
3
In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked brown rice, thawed and drained spinach, lemon juice, salt, dill weed, and freshly ground black pepper. Stir until well combined.
4
Once the vegetable mixture has cooked, add it to the rice mixture. Sprinkle in 1/3 cup of the crumbled feta cheese (reserve 1 tablespoon for topping) and mix everything thoroughly.
5
Transfer the rice mixture to an 8-inch square baking dish that has been sprayed with non-stick cooking spray. Spread it evenly in the dish and sprinkle the reserved tablespoon of feta on top.
6
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. After 25 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the dish is heated through.
7
Removed from the oven, allow it to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy this flavorful and nutritious dish warm!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Zesty Spinach and Feta Rice Bake?
It is a vibrant side dish or vegetarian main course featuring brown rice, sautéed mushrooms, onions, spinach, lemon juice, and feta cheese.
What kind of rice is used in this recipe?
This recipe specifically uses 2 cups of cooked and cooled brown rice.
Can I use white rice instead of brown rice?
Yes, you can substitute white rice, though brown rice is used in the original recipe for its texture and nutritional profile.
How do I prepare the spinach for this bake?
Use 10 ounces of frozen chopped spinach that has been thawed and squeezed very dry to prevent the dish from becoming watery.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this dish is entirely vegetarian as it contains only grains, vegetables, and dairy.
What temperature should I preheat the oven to?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C).
What vegetables are included in the rice bake?
The recipe includes a small onion, one cup of fresh sliced mushrooms, and frozen chopped spinach.
How much garlic is required?
The recipe calls for 2 minced garlic cloves.
What provides the zesty flavor in the dish?
The zesty flavor comes from the addition of 3 tablespoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice.
Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?
Yes, you can use fresh spinach, but you should sauté it first until wilted and squeeze out the excess moisture.
How long should I sauté the onions and mushrooms?
Sauté the onion, mushrooms, and garlic for about 5 to 7 minutes or until the onion is translucent.
What size baking dish should I use?
An 8-inch square baking dish is recommended for this recipe.
How much feta cheese is needed?
The recipe uses 1/3 cup of crumbled feta cheese, with one tablespoon reserved for the topping.
Should the rice be warm or cold when mixing?
The recipe suggests using brown rice that has been cooked and cooled.
What seasonings are used for the rice bake?
The dish is seasoned with 1/2 teaspoon of salt, 1/4 teaspoon of dill weed, and 1/8 teaspoon of fresh ground black pepper.
How long does the dish need to bake?
Bake for 25 minutes covered with foil, then an additional 5 to 10 minutes uncovered.
Why do I need to cover the dish with foil?
Covering the dish with aluminum foil helps retain moisture and prevents the rice from drying out during the initial baking phase.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe yields approximately 6 servings.
Can I add extra protein to this dish?
Yes, you can easily add chickpeas for a vegetarian protein boost or serve it alongside grilled chicken or fish.
What are some suggested pairings for this bake?
It pairs wonderfully with grilled fish, roasted chicken, or a fresh green salad.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, it is described as a healthy and nutrient-rich dish due to the brown rice, spinach, and mushrooms.
How should I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.
Can this rice bake be frozen?
Yes, you can freeze this rice bake; ensure it is tightly wrapped or stored in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
How do I prevent the bake from being soggy?
The key is to ensure the thawed spinach is squeezed completely dry before adding it to the rice mixture.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
While feta provides a specific salty tang, you could substitute it with goat cheese or even a mild white cheddar.
What type of oil is used for sautéing the vegetables?
The recipe uses 1 tablespoon of olive oil for sautéing.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, all the listed ingredients—rice, vegetables, lemon juice, and feta—are naturally gluten-free.
Do I need to grease the baking dish?
Yes, spray the 8-inch square baking dish with non-stick cooking spray before transferring the rice mixture.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the mixture and place it in the baking dish, then bake it when you are ready to serve.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely, it is tagged for meal prep and is a great option for healthy lunches throughout the week.