LENTEN DISHES

                                                      LENTEN DISHES

 

In the Greek Orthodox Church, the Lenten fast involves abstinence from dishes with meat, fish, milk and by-products but other seafood like shrimps and mussels are allowed

 

                                GREEK SPINACH WITH RICE (SPANAKORIZO)

 

¼ cup olive oil

1 ½ cup large grain rice

Salt and pepper to taste

1 pinch Cayenne pepper

1 bunch of spring onions, thinly sliced

½ cup of chopped dill

¼ cup chopped mint

500 g (1 lb) spinach, trimmed

2 ¾ cups cold water

 

Heat oil in a saucepan, over medium heat. Add the rice and stir until every grain is coated with oil and you can hear it sizzle.  Season with salt, pepper, and Cayenne pepper to taste add the spring onions and cook for 1 minute. 

 

Add the dill, mint, and spinach and 2 ¾ cups of water.  Mix and bring to a simmer.  Cover and cook gently until the rice is tender, about 25 minutes. Uncover and stir well, cover again, and let sit for 5 minutes, taste and adjust seasoning, if necessary.

 

Serve with lemon juice, feta, pickled onions, a drizzle of olive oil, and warm crispy brown bread, and enjoy.