Spanakorizo (A Greek Spinach Risotto) - cooking recipe

Ingredients

1 1/2 lbs spinach, cleaned, stemmed, torn or 1 1/2 lbs cut into smaller pieces and washed in several changes water
1/2 cup olive oil
1 cup chopped spring onion (white and green)
1 small onion, chopped
1 leek, chopped (optional)
1 1/4 cups rice, short-grain is best (or use Arborio, but at a pinch, you can use converted. I often make it with brown rice for more fibe)
1/4 cup lemon juice
2 tablespoons minced fresh dill
3 cups water
salt
fresh ground black pepper
1 tablespoon tomato paste (optional)
Serve with
feta cheese
kalamata olive
crusty bread

Preparation

In a deep pan heat oil and gently fry onion and leek (if used) until soft.
Wash (or soak if necessary depending on what kind of rice you use) rice, drain and add to onion.
Cook for 5 minutes, stirring frequently.
Add remaining ingredients, except spinach, and bring to the boil. Cook for 10 more minutes (longer, if using brown rice).
Add the spinach, stir well and cover. Reduce heat and simmer on low heat for 5-6 minutes.
Remove from heat.
Leave tightly covered and allow to stand at least 1/2 an hour before serving.
Serve with feta cheese, kalamata olives, crusty, peasant-style bread, a glass of wine and you'll think you're in Greece!