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Recipes Sides

Cheesy Spinach Rice Pilaf

Serves 4

Try serving alongside your favorite chicken recipe, such as Lemon Pepper Chicken.

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (EVOO)
  • 1/3 cup orzo
  • 1 clove garlic, finely chopped or grated
  • 1 cup brown or white rice, such as Texmati brand
  • 1 3/4 cups chicken stock or broth, regular or low sodium
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 bunches fresh spinach, chopped (about 4 cups) or 1 box frozen chopped spinach (10 ounces), defrosted
  • 3/4-1 cup grated Parmigiano Reggiano cheese

Directions

  1. Place a medium size pot over medium-high heat with two turns of the pan of EVOO, about 2 tablespoons. Add the orzo to the pan and toast until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes.
  2. Add the garlic to the pan and continue cooking for another 30 seconds. Add the rice, stock, salt and pepper to the pan and bring up to a bubble. Cover the pot, reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer until all of the liquid has been absorbed, about 15 minutes.
  3. Fluff the finished rice with a fork and fold in the spinach and cheese.

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