Brown Rice Florentine

Elevate your weeknight dinner game with this hearty and wholesome Brown Rice Florentine recipe—a perfect blend of nutty brown rice, tender garlic-sautéed spinach, and zesty lemon, all crowned with a touch of grated Parmesan. This nutrient-packed dish combines the earthy flavors of whole-grain rice and fresh greens with the subtle heat of optional red pepper flakes for a delightful balance of comfort and sophistication. Ready in under an hour, this one-pan wonder boasts a simple yet flavorful cooking method, making it both healthy and easy to prepare. Serve it as a standalone vegetarian meal or pair it with your favorite protein for a complete, satisfying dinner that’s sure to please. Perfect for busy nights, this Brown Rice Florentine will quickly become a go-to recipe in your kitchen repertoire.

Nutriscore Rating: 70/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:40 mins

Total Time:50 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 cup brown rice
• 2 cups water
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 large, minced garlic cloves
• 6 cups fresh spinach
• 0.5 teaspoons salt
• 0.25 teaspoons ground black pepper
• 0.25 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 0.25 teaspoons red pepper flakes (optional)

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the brown rice under cold water to remove excess starch. Combine the rice and water in a medium-sized saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 35-40 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the water is absorbed.

Step 2

While the rice cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Step 3

Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant but not browned.

Step 4

Add the fresh spinach to the skillet, one handful at a time, stirring frequently. Cook until the spinach is wilted, about 3-4 minutes.

Step 5

Season the spinach mixture with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).

Step 6

Once the rice is finished cooking, fluff it with a fork, and add it to the skillet with the spinach mixture. Stir to combine.

Step 7

Turn off the heat and stir in the Parmesan cheese and lemon juice. Adjust seasoning to taste.

Step 8

Serve the Brown Rice Florentine warm, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	944.7 grams (944.7g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	630

Total Fat 35.90g	46%
Saturated Fat 8.80g	44%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.70g
Cholesterol 20mg	7%
Sodium 1685mg	73%
Total Carbohydrate 59.90g	22%
Dietary Fiber 8.80g	31%
Total Sugars 1.20g
Protein 18.80g	38%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 472mg	36%
Iron 7mg	40%
Potassium 182mg	4%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 50.7%

Protein: 11.8%

Carbs: 37.6%