Greek Spinach Rice Balls Recipes

GREEK SPINACH RICE BALLS

Steps:

• In a large pot, steam spinach. Chop and set aside. Preheat oven to 350. Sauté the scallions in oil until just softened.
• In a large mixing bowl, combine spinach, scallions, rice, dill and lemon juice. Add salt and pepper to taste. Stir well, mashing the rice against the sides of the bowl until the mixture holds together.
• Spray a baking sheet with cooking spray. With Dampened hands, pack a heaping ¼ cup of the rice mixture into a ball. Roll the ball in the bread crumbs and place on the baking sheet. Repeat the process until all of the rice mixture is used up.
• Bake for 20-25 minutes until the balls are heated through and crisp on the outside.

SPINACH RICE BALLS

Steps:

• Prepare the rice according to package directions. Meanwhile, heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat and sauté the garlic until lightly browned. Add the onion and sauté until clear. Stir in the spinach, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese and Tabasco. Remove from the heat.
• Add the rice to the spinach mixture and mix well. Season with salt and pepper. Beat 2 of the eggs in a small bowl and add to the spinach mixture. Mix well and set aside to cool.
• Form the mixture into 24 balls. Beat the remaining egg with 1/4 cup water. Dip each ball into the egg wash and then into the bread crumbs.
• Pour oil into a saucepan to a depth of 2 inches and heat to about 365 degrees. Fry the spinach balls in batches until golden brown. Drain on paper towels and keep warm in a low oven until all the balls are fried. Serve with Cumin Tomato Sauce.

GREEK STYLE SPINACH AND RICE

Steps:

• Heat oil in a heavy skillet or wok.
• Add onion and garlic and cook on medium-high until onion is softened and transparent.
• Add spinach, lemon juice and rice; cook stirring frequently until spinach is limp and rice is throughly heated.
• Toss in basil.
• Add salt and pepper to taste.
• Place in serving bowl and sprinkle with feta cheese.

SPINACH ARANCINI (RICE BALLS)

Steps:

• In large, deep saucepan over medium-high heat, add the olive oil. Add the onions and saute for about 1 minute. Add the garlic stir. After another 5 minutes, add the rice and white wine and a pinch of salt stir and allow to cook down for about 5 to 10 minutes.
• Add 2 (8-ounce) ladles of broth. Allow to absorb into rice for about 10 minutes, stirring, then add another 2 (8-ounce ladles) of broth and allow that to absorb for about 10 minutes.
• Season with freshly ground black pepper, to taste. Add spinach to broth and rice and stir in with sweet butter. Add 1 cup of the Parmigiano.
• When all ingredients are hot and mixed, pour and spread onto a parchment lined cookie sheet to cool. Once cool, cover with a layer of plastic wrap to avoid skin forming and refrigerate until completely cooled and firm. Refrigerate overnight if necessary.
• When completely cooled, cover rice and spinach with remaining 1/2 cup Parmigiano. With hands, roll into 1 1/2-inch balls. With fingers, make a small hole in the rice ball's center and insert 1 small cube of mozzarella, and cover with more rice.
• Place flour, beaten eggs, and seasoned bread crumbs in separate bowls. Coat each ball with flour, then with whisked egg, then with seasoned breadcrumbs. Repeat with all rice balls and lay the coated balls on a cookie tray and refrigerate until ready to fry.
• In a heavy large pan, heat vegetable oil to 350 degrees F.
• Fry the balls, in batches, until golden brown. Remove each ball with a slotted spoon and place on parchment paper or paper towel lined cookie sheet to dry. Serve hot.

GREEK SPINACH RICE (SPANAKORIZO)

Steps:

• Heat oil in a saucepan over medium-high heat. Add rice and stir until every grain is coated in oil and you hear it start to sizzle. Stir in 2 teaspoons salt, pepper, cayenne, and green onions and cook for about 1 minute.
• Add dill, mint, spinach, and 2 3/4 cups water. Mix until thoroughly combined and bring to a simmer.
• Cover, reduce heat to medium-low, and cook until rice is tender, about 25 minutes. If rice is not quite ready at 25 minutes, add a splash of water, cover, and continue to cook until it is ready.
• Uncover and stir well. Cover again and let sit for 5 minutes. Taste and adjust salt if necessary.
• Divide rice mixture evenly into six bowls. Squeeze ½ lemon over each serving, then top with feta cheese, pickled onions, chili flakes, and a drizzle of olive oil.