The most delicious Arabic food

Egyptian spinach with rice (Sabaneekh bel Roz – سبانخ بالرز) is a delicious, hearty dish made with finely chopped spinach cooked in a flavorful tomato and garlic sauce, often served with rice. Here’s how to make it:

Ingredients:

For the Spinach:

• 500g (1 lb) fresh spinach, washed and chopped (or 1 package frozen spinach)
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp coriander (fresh or ground)
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 2 cups tomato puree (or blended fresh tomatoes)
• 2 cups beef or chicken broth (or water)
• 1 tbsp butter or oil
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp allspice (optional)

For the Rice:

• 1 cup Egyptian rice (or any short-grain rice)
• ¼ cup vermicelli noodles (optional)
• 1 ½ cups water or broth
• 1 tbsp butter or oil
• ½ tsp salt

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Spinach:

• In a pot, heat the butter or oil over medium heat and sauté the chopped onion until soft.
• Add the minced garlic and coriander, and stir for about a minute until fragrant.
• Stir in the tomato paste and tomato puree, then pour in the broth or water. Bring to a simmer.
• Add the chopped spinach, stir well, and let it cook for about 15-20 minutes until tender.
• Season with salt, black pepper, and allspice (if using). Simmer for another 5 minutes.

2. Prepare the Rice:

• Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Drain.
• In a separate pot, heat the butter or oil over medium heat. If using vermicelli, add it first and toast until golden brown.
• Add the rice and stir for a minute.
• Pour in the water or broth, add salt, and bring to a boil.
• Reduce heat to low, cover, and let it cook for 15 minutes until the liquid is absorbed.
• Turn off the heat and let the rice sit for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork.

Serving Egyptian spinach with rice:

• Serve the spinach hot, either mixed with rice or with rice on the side.
• It pairs well with Egyptian bread and pickles.

Variations Egyptian spinach with rice:

• With Meat: Brown some small beef cubes or ground meat and add them to the spinach before simmering.
• With Lemon: Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the spinach before serving for extra flavor.