The spinach, feta & rice casserole is a true culinary gem that promises to delight your taste buds while keeping your healthy eating goals on track. Perfect for vegetarian enthusiasts and home cooks alike, this casserole combines the earthiness of spinach, the creaminess of feta, and the hearty goodness of rice into one delicious meal.
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Spinach, Feta & Rice Casserole
🎥Video Recipe:
📖Printable Recipe:
Spinach, Feta & Rice Casserole
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium white onion chopped
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 300 g 10 oz frozen spinach, thawed, dried
- 3 cups cooked long-grain rice
- ⅔ cup feta cheese cut into cubes
- 4 eggs
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ cup cream cheese
- zest of 1 lemon
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 200C/400F.
- Heat olive oil in a cast iron skillet. Saute onions for 5 minutes. Add spinach and stir well, season with salt and pepper, stir in garlic and lemon zest.3 tablespoon olive oil, 1 medium white onion, 3 garlic cloves, 300 g 10 oz frozen spinach, thawed, dried, zest of 1 lemon
- Mix spinach with long-grain rice.3 cups cooked long-grain rice
- Whisk eggs with sour cream, cream cheese, salt and pepper.½ cup sour cream, ½ cup cream cheese
- Combine egg mixture with rice and feta cubes, transfer into a baking pan.4 eggs, ⅔ cup feta cheese
- Bake for 35-40 minutes.
Video
Nutrition
📋Ingredients
- 3 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium white onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 300 g (10 oz) frozen spinach, thawed, dried
- 3 cups cooked long-grain rice
- ⅔ cup feta cheese, cut into cubes
- 4 eggs
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ cup cream cheese
- zest of 1 lemon
- chopped parsley
🔪How Do I Make It?
Preheat the oven to 200C/400F.
Heat olive oil in a cast iron skillet. Saute onions for 5 minutes. Add spinach and stir well, season with salt and pepper, stir in garlic and lemon zest.
Mix spinach with long-grain rice.
Whisk eggs with sour cream, cream cheese, salt and pepper.
Combine egg mixture with rice and feta cubes, transfer into a baking pan.
Bake for 35-40 minutes.
🍽What Do I Serve With This Casserole Dish?
A Side of Freshness
Pairing your spinach, feta & rice casserole with a fresh salad can elevate your meal to new heights. Consider a simple arugula and cherry tomato salad, dressed with a light vinaigrette. The peppery arugula and juicy tomatoes complement the creamy and savory flavors of the casserole, creating a balanced and refreshing contrast.
Complementary Vegetables
Roasted vegetables are another excellent side dish to serve with your casserole. Think along the lines of roasted carrots, bell peppers, and zucchini. Their natural sweetness and slight caramelization add a delightful dimension to your meal and ensure you're getting a diverse array of nutrients.
Light and Crisp Bread
A slice of crunchy French bread or a whole-grain roll can be the perfect accompaniment to soak up any delicious leftovers from your plate. These bread options add a satisfying crunch that contrasts beautifully with the creamy texture of the casserole.
⏲️Chef's Tip
Perfecting Your Spinach
To get the best flavor and texture out of your spinach, make sure it's thoroughly thawed and dried before adding it to your skillet. Excess moisture can make your casserole watery, so take the time to press out as much water as possible using a clean kitchen towel or paper towels.
Balancing Flavors
The key to a standout spinach, feta & rice casserole lies in balancing the flavors. The feta cheese brings a tangy, salty kick to the dish, so be mindful when seasoning your casserole with additional salt. Taste as you go, and adjust the seasoning gradually to avoid overpowering the other ingredients.
Adding a Zesty Punch
Don't underestimate the power of lemon zest in this recipe. It adds a bright, zesty punch that cuts through the richness of the cream cheese and sour cream, bringing a refreshing note to the dish. Make sure to use fresh lemon zest for the best results.
💭Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Fresh Spinach Instead of Frozen?
Absolutely! Fresh spinach can be a great substitute for frozen spinach in this casserole. Simply sauté the fresh spinach until it's wilted, then follow the rest of the recipe as directed. Keep in mind that fresh spinach will reduce significantly in volume when cooked, so you'll need a larger quantity to match the 300 grams of frozen spinach.
Can I Make This Casserole Ahead of Time?
Yes, this casserole is perfect for meal prep! You can assemble the casserole ahead of time, cover it, and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. When you're ready to enjoy it, simply bake it as instructed, adding a few extra minutes if necessary to ensure it's heated through.
Is There a Gluten-Free Version of This Recipe?
Good news! This spinach, feta & rice casserole is naturally gluten-free, as it uses rice instead of any gluten-containing grains. Just make sure all your ingredients, especially the feta cheese and cream cheese, are certified gluten-free if you're cooking for someone with celiac disease or a gluten sensitivity.
Can I Add Meat to This Casserole?
Certainly! If you're not following a vegetarian diet, you can easily incorporate meat into the spinach, feta & rice casserole for added protein and flavor. Cooked chicken, ground turkey, or bacon can all be delicious additions. Simply cook the meat separately and mix it in when combining the other ingredients in the casserole. Be sure to adjust the seasoning accordingly, as the meat will bring additional flavors to the dish.
What's the Best Way to Reheat Leftover Casserole?
To reheat leftover casserole, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the casserole in an oven-safe dish. Cover it with aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out, and heat for about 20-25 minutes, or until it's warmed through. Alternatively, you can reheat individual portions in the microwave. Place the serving in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, and heat for 1-2 minutes or until hot, stirring halfway through for even heating.
Can I Freeze This Casserole for Later?
Yes, you can freeze this casserole for later enjoyment. To do so, let the casserole cool completely after baking, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, or transfer it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the freezer for up to three months. When you're ready to eat, defrost it in the refrigerator overnight and bake at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. Note that the texture may change slightly after freezing, but the flavors will remain delicious.
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