Turkish Spinach

Delight in the wholesome, earthy flavors of Turkish Spinach, a comforting and nutrient-rich dish that transforms simple ingredients into a vibrant, flavorful meal. This one-pot recipe features tender spinach leaves sautéed with garlic, onions, and tomatoes, then simmered with a touch of rice for added texture and heartiness. Infused with olive oil and a subtle hint of spice from optional red pepper flakes, this dish is both healthy and satisfying. Ready in just 35 minutes, Turkish Spinach makes for a quick and easy vegetarian main or side dish, perfectly paired with crusty bread and a dollop of creamy yogurt. With its vibrant colors and Mediterranean aroma, this traditional recipe is a true celebration of Turkish cuisine.

Nutriscore Rating: 73/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:35 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 500 grams fresh spinach leaves
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion
• 2 large garlic cloves
• 2 medium tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons rice
• 1 cup water
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.25 teaspoons black pepper
• 0.25 teaspoons red pepper flakes (optional)

Directions

Step 1

Wash the spinach thoroughly and roughly chop it into bite-sized pieces. Set aside to drain.

Step 2

Dice the onion and tomatoes into small pieces. Mince the garlic cloves.

Step 3

Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.

Step 4

Add the diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes, until soft and translucent.

Step 5

Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.

Step 6

Stir in the chopped tomatoes and cook for another 3-4 minutes, until the tomatoes begin to soften.

Step 7

Add the roughly chopped spinach to the pot in batches, stirring gently to wilt it down.

Step 8

Once all the spinach is wilted, stir in the rice, water, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).

Step 9

Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, cover, and cook for 15 minutes, or until the rice is tender.

Step 10

Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve warm, optionally garnished with a dollop of plain yogurt and crusty bread on the side.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1176.4 grams (1176.4g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	633

Total Fat 44.60g	57%
Saturated Fat 6.60g	33%
Polyunsaturated Fat 4.20g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 2833mg	123%
Total Carbohydrate 48.70g	18%
Dietary Fiber 17.20g	61%
Total Sugars 12.90g
Protein 19.60g	39%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 587mg	45%
Iron 15mg	83%
Potassium 3564mg	76%

*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: 59.5%

Protein: 11.6%

Carbs: 28.9%