Pirinçli Ispanak (Turkish Rice & Spinach)

Pirinçli Ispanak (Turkish Rice & Spinach) Ingredients

1 kg or 8-10 cups spinach (chopped, washed & dried thoroughly)5 tbsp olive oil1 cup onion (finely diced)2 cloves garlic (minced)1 tsp red pepper or chilli flakes1 tsp salt1 tsp ground black pepper1 tbsp tomato paste1/2 cup short or medium grain rice (washed thoroughly & soaked for 30 mins)2 cups hot water

Steps

In a large pot, heat olive oil on medium high.When hot, add onion & garlic, sauté till onion turns translucent.Add chilli flakes, salt & pepper, cook for 1 min.Add tomato paste, stir well & cook for 1 min.Add rice & stir to coat grains with tomato onion mixture.Add 1 cup of hot water followed by the spinach.Place the lid & cook for 1 min or until spinach starts to wilt.Stir & add remaining hot water, cover with lid & continue cooking for 10 mins.Remove lid, stir well, lower heat to medium & cook for another 5-10 mins or until rice has fully cooked.Taste to adjust seasoning, garnish & serve as is or with warm bread.