Greek Lemon Spinach Rice or Spanakorizo

Greek Lemon Spinach Rice or Spanakorizo

2 shallots chopped fine
3 garlic cloves minced
olive oil for sauteing
1 cup medium or long grain rice
2 cups water or vegetable stock
2 lemons, zest and juice
1-10 to 12 ounce package of baby spinach
1 large bunch of fresh parsley
1 teaspoon dried dill
salt and pepper to taste
feta cheese for garnish if desired (optional)

This is a very common Greek rice pilaf dish served as a side dish or a meal. Sauté shallots, then add garlic. Add rice and stock or water and lemon zest and juice, along with dill, salt and pepper. Last add spinach and parsley on top of rice mixture and cook for approximately 20 minutes till rice is cooked. Stir gently to spread the spinach and parsley throughout rice. Serve hot as a meal or side dish. Garnish with feta cheese crumbles if desired.