How to Make Spinach Stew? Spinach with Rice Recipe

Summary

Spinach stew with rice is a simple home-cooked dish made with fresh spinach, onion, tomato paste and rice. As spinach releases its own moisture during cooking, the dish can be prepared with only a small amount of hot water. Served with yoghurt, it makes a balanced meal.

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 20–25 minutes

Ingredients for Spinach Stew

• 500 g fresh spinach

• 1 onion

• 3 tablespoons rice

• 1 tablespoon tomato paste

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• ½ cup hot water

• Salt, black pepper and chilli flakes

How to Make Spinach Stew

1. Remove the roots from the spinach and wash the leaves thoroughly several times. Drain well, then roughly chop them.

2. Heat the olive oil in a casserole and sauté the finely chopped onion.

3. Add the tomato paste and stir until fragrant.

4. Gradually add the spinach to the casserole. As the leaves wilt and reduce in volume, add the remaining spinach.

5. Add the rinsed rice, salt and spices.

6. Pour in the hot water, cover with a lid and cook over a low heat for approximately 20–25 minutes.

7. Once the rice is tender, remove the casserole from the heat. Leave to rest for a few minutes before serving.

Tips for Making Spinach Stew

• Clean the spinach thoroughly before chopping, making sure there is no soil left between the leaves.

• Add the water gradually, as the spinach will release its own moisture during cooking.

• Check the liquid occasionally to ensure there is enough for the rice to cook until tender.

Frequently Asked Questions About Spinach Stew

How long does spinach stew take to cook?

It takes approximately 20–25 minutes, depending on how quickly the spinach wilts and the rice becomes tender.

Can you use bulgur instead of rice in spinach stew?

Yes. You can replace the rice with bulgur. Adjust the cooking time and amount of water according to the type of bulgur you use.

What goes well with spinach stew?

Garlic yoghurt, cucumber yoghurt dip (cacık) and bulgur pilaf can all be served alongside spinach stew.

Other recipes made with seasonal vegetables include Turkish leek stew with olive oil and cauliflower casserole. For more vegetable dishes, explore LAVA recipes.