Pirinçli Ispanak (Turkish Rice & Spinach)

Ingredients

• 1 kg or 8-10 cups spinach (chopped, washed & dried thoroughly)
• 5 tbsp olive oil
• 1 cup onion (finely diced)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 tsp red pepper or chilli flakes
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp ground black pepper
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 1/2 cup short or medium grain rice (washed thoroughly & soaked for 30 mins)
• 2 cups hot water

Instructions

1. 1

   --- Steps ---

2. 2

   In a large pot, heat olive oil on medium high.

3. 3

   When hot, add onion & garlic, sauté till onion turns translucent.

4. 4

   Add chilli flakes, salt & pepper, cook for 1 min.

5. 5

   Add tomato paste, stir well & cook for 1 min.

6. 6

   Add rice & stir to coat grains with tomato onion mixture.

7. 7

   Add 1 cup of hot water followed by the spinach.

8. 8

   Place the lid & cook for 1 min or until spinach starts to wilt.

9. 9

   Stir & add remaining hot water, cover with lid & continue cooking for 10 mins.

10. 10

    Remove lid, stir well, lower heat to medium & cook for another 5-10 mins or until rice has fully cooked.

11. 11

    Taste to adjust seasoning, garnish & serve as is or with warm bread.