Spinach with cheese

Easy Baked Spinach and Rice with Yogurt and Feta Topping

Written by on in Balkan, Recipes, Main

This Baked Spinach and Rice with Yogurt and Feta Topping is a comforting vegetarian dish, made with fresh spinach, sautéed onions, and rice, all baked under a creamy yogurt-egg mixture. Perfect for a weekday lunch or light dinner, it’s easy to prepare and full of rich Balkan flavors.

Easy Baked Spinach and Rice with Yogurt and Feta Topping
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Easy Baked Spinach and Rice with Yogurt and Feta Topping

Recipe by PolyaCourse: MainCuisine: BalkanDifficulty: Easy
Servings

6

servings
Prep time

20

minutes
Cooking time

30

minutes
Calories per serving

320

kcal
Total time

50

minutes

This comforting vegetarian recipe for baked spinach and rice is made using a few simple kitchen tools: a deep frying pan, a wooden spoon for stirring, a large mixing bowl, a deep oven-safe baking dish, and a whisk. It’s a great choice for a quick weeknight meal or a satisfying lunch. With its blend of vegetables, dairy, and spices, it delivers a taste of home-style Balkan cooking in every bite.

Ingredients

  • 50 ml sunflower oil

  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped

  • 300 g fresh spinach, rinsed and roughly chopped

  • 200 g white rice (approx. 1 cup)

  • 2 pinches ground black pepper

  • ½ tsp dried mint

  • Salt to taste

  • 1 vegetable bouillon cube

  • 2 cups hot water

  • 1 ½ cups plain yogurt

  • 1 tbsp all-purpose flour

  • 1 egg

  • 200 g crumbled feta cheese

Directions

  • Preparing

    Begin by heating the oil in a deep frying pan over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté it for about 2 minutes until it becomes translucent. While the onion is cooking, soak the spinach in cold water for about 10 minutes. Drain and dry it thoroughly, then chop it coarsely. Add the spinach to the pan and continue to sauté until it softens. Next, stir in the rice and let it toast briefly, mixing well. Sprinkle in the black pepper and dried mint, and season with salt to your taste.Spinach with cheese
  • Cooking

    Dissolve the vegetable bouillon cube in two cups of hot water. Gradually add this broth to the rice mixture while stirring. Once combined, transfer the mixture into a deep baking dish and place it on the stovetop over low heat, stirring gently to prevent sticking. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Once the liquid begins to absorb, transfer the dish to the oven. Bake uncovered for about 20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and most of the liquid has evaporated.Spinach with cheese
  • Finishing

    While the rice bakes, prepare the topping. In a small bowl, mix the flour with a few spoonfuls of yogurt until smooth. In a separate large bowl, beat the egg, add the remaining yogurt, and then incorporate the flour mixture. Stir until fully combined and smooth. Fold in the crumbled feta cheese. Remove the rice from the oven and evenly pour the topping over it. Spread it out with a spoon to cover the surface completely. Return the dish to the oven and bake for another 10 minutes, or until the topping sets and turns golden brown.Spinach with cheese
  • Serving

    Let the casserole cool slightly before serving. Cut into portions and serve warm with a side of fresh salad or a dollop of extra yogurt. This dish keeps well in the fridge and is just as tasty when reheated. It’s a hearty, nutritious option for vegetarians and a great way to use seasonal spinach.
    It is also a good serving option with my recipe for lamb cutlets.

Recipe Video