You know that feeling when someone tells you about this amazing dish from their culture and you just can’t wait to try it? That’s exactly how I felt when Joanna from Sydney shared her Greek family’s recipe for Spanakorizo with me. It’s basically spinach and rice. Joanna’s recipe is made with a rich, tomato sauce that’s bursting with flavor. As she says, “It’s an easy, quick and cheap dish to make that uses very little ingredients. The whole family can enjoy it.”

This dish holds such special meaning for her family. She shared how making Spanakorizo brings back happy memories of big family gatherings at her grandparents’ home, with tables overflowing with Greek specialties like fresh baked bread and feta drizzled with olive oil. Her late grandparents’ recipe is a treasured piece of their Greek heritage.

This rice dish was a total breeze to make, yet the flavors were anything but basic. You get that earthy spinach mixed with bright tomato, plus a salty punch from the feta I threw on top – such an awesome combo. Spinach is wild though, it cooks down to practically nothing so I started with tons and ended up with just a quarter pot once wilted.

If you want to make it more meal-worthy, tossing in a smoky sausage link would be great. Texture-wise, the rice itself was perfect – nice and saucy but not gloppy at all. I used those fire-roasted tomatoes with jalapeño so you get an underlying little kick that plays so nicely with everything. Just a totally tasty, easy dish overall. You’ve got to give it a try.