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Mediterranean Lemon Rice with Chickpeas, Spinach, Tomatoes, and Feta Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 57 reviews

This vibrant Mediterranean Lemon Rice recipe blends fluffy jasmine rice with juicy grape tomatoes, fresh spinach, tangy lemon juice, and creamy feta cheese. Chickpeas add heartiness while oregano and garlic infuse aromatic flavors, creating a light yet satisfying one-pan meal perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Rice & Broth

  • 1 cup uncooked jasmine rice
  • 1.5 cups chicken broth

Vegetables & Aromatics

  • 8 oz grape tomatoes, sliced in half
  • 5 cloves garlic, minced
  • 5 oz fresh spinach, chopped

Seasonings & Oils

  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh oregano (optional)

Additional Flavorings & Protein

  • 3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 15 oz canned chickpeas, drained
  • 6 oz feta cheese, diced into small cubes

Instructions

  1. Rinse Rice: Place uncooked jasmine rice in a fine mesh strainer over a bowl and rinse under cold water, moving the rice with your hands until the water runs clear to remove excess starch.
  2. Cook Rice: Combine the rinsed rice and chicken broth in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to a simmer, cover, and cook for about 20 minutes until the liquid is absorbed and rice is tender. Remove from heat and let it rest covered.
  3. Prepare Tomato & Spinach Mixture: In a large, high-sided skillet over medium heat, add half of the halved grape tomatoes, minced garlic, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1 tablespoon olive oil. Cook for about 2 minutes until tomatoes soften and release juice.
  4. Wilt Spinach: Stir chopped fresh spinach into the tomato mixture and cook until wilted.
  5. Add Rice and Chickpeas: Incorporate cooked rice and drained chickpeas into the skillet, stirring to combine.
  6. Add Lemon Juice and Remaining Tomatoes: Mix in 3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice plus the remaining halved grape tomatoes. Reheat gently while stirring. Optionally, add an extra tablespoon of olive oil for richness.
  7. Make Feta Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine diced feta cheese, 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil, 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice, 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano, and 2 tablespoons chopped fresh oregano if available. Stir until cheese is evenly coated.
  8. Combine Feta with Rice: Mix half of the feta mixture into the skillet with the lemon rice. Warm gently to soften cheese and blend flavors, then remove from heat. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
  9. Serve and Garnish: Serve the Mediterranean lemon rice topped with the remaining feta mixture and a sprinkle of fresh oregano for garnish.

Notes

  • Rinsing the rice removes excess starch, preventing clumping and ensuring fluffy texture.
  • Use fresh lemon juice for the brightest flavor; bottled lemon juice may dull the taste.
  • You can substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth to make this dish vegetarian.
  • Adding fresh oregano is optional but adds an aromatic freshness to the dish.
  • This dish can be served warm or at room temperature, making it suitable for meal prep or picnics.

Keywords: Mediterranean rice, lemon rice, chickpeas, spinach, feta cheese, one-pan meal, healthy rice recipe, vegetarian-friendly, easy dinner

Find it online: https://victoriablair.com/mediterranean-lemon-rice-with-chickpeas-spinach-tomatoes-and-feta-recipe/