Spinach-Rice Pie Delight

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Spinach-Rice Pie Delight is a hearty and comforting dish that combines the savory flavors of sautéed spinach, rice, and cheddar cheese in a perfectly baked pie. This easy-to-make recipe is a great way to incorporate more vegetables into your meals while enjoying a satisfying, cheesy filling. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a wholesome pie that’s ideal for busy nights, delicious leftovers, or even as a meatless main dish. Whether you serve it warm or cold, this pie is a comforting crowd-pleaser that will have everyone coming back for seconds.

Ingredients
1 tablespoon olive oil

1 onion, finely chopped

2 garlic cloves, minced

250g frozen spinach, thawed & well-drained

2 cups cooked rice

3 eggs

1 cup grated cheddar cheese

Salt & pepper, to taste

(Optional) Pinch of nutmeg

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions
1. Sauté Onion & Garlic
Warm olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until it becomes soft and translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.

2. Stir in Spinach
Add the thawed, well-drained spinach to the skillet. Cook for 2–3 minutes to allow any remaining moisture to evaporate. Remove from heat and let the mixture cool slightly.

3. Mix the Pie Filling
In a large mixing bowl, whisk the eggs until smooth. Add the cooked rice, spinach-onion mixture, grated cheddar cheese, salt, pepper, and nutmeg (if using). Stir everything together until well combined.

4. Fill and Bake
Grease a 9-inch pie dish with olive oil or non-stick spray. Pour the pie filling into the dish and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake at 180°C (350°F) for 30–35 minutes or until the pie is golden on top and firm to the touch.

5. Cool and Slice
Once baked, let the pie rest for 5–10 minutes to set. Cut into wedges and serve either warm or cold. This pie is fantastic on its own or served alongside a crisp green salad.

Servings and Timing
Servings: 6

Prep time: 15 minutes

Bake time: 35 minutes

Total time: 50 minutes

Variations
Add More Veggies: You can incorporate other vegetables such as mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini to the spinach mixture for added flavor and nutrition.

Cheese Swap: If you prefer a different cheese, you can use mozzarella, feta, or parmesan for a unique twist.

Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a diced chili for some heat.

Herbs: Fresh or dried herbs like oregano, thyme, or basil can be added to the filling for extra flavor.

Storage/Reheating
Storage: Leftover spinach-rice pie can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Reheating: Reheat the pie in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 10 minutes, or microwave individual slices for 1-2 minutes until warmed through.

Freezing: This pie can be frozen before baking. Assemble the pie, wrap it tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw it in the fridge overnight and bake as directed.

FAQs
1. Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?
Yes, you can use fresh spinach. Just sauté it in a pan until wilted, then ensure it is well-drained before using it in the pie filling.

2. Can I add meat to this pie?
Absolutely! You can add cooked ground meat, such as chicken, turkey, or sausage, to the filling for a non-vegetarian version.

3. Can I make this pie without cheese?
Yes, you can omit the cheese if you prefer a dairy-free version, or substitute it with a dairy-free cheese alternative.

4. Can I use leftover rice for this recipe?
Yes, leftover rice works perfectly for this pie. Just make sure it’s cooled before mixing with the other ingredients.

5. Can I make this pie ahead of time?
Yes, you can make this pie a day ahead and refrigerate it. It will reheat nicely in the oven when ready to serve.

6. Can I use a different kind of cheese?
Yes, any cheese that melts well, like mozzarella or feta, can be substituted for the cheddar.

7. Can I bake this pie in a different-sized dish?
Yes, if you don’t have a 9-inch pie dish, you can bake the pie in a different size. Just adjust the baking time based on the depth of the dish, and check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center.

8. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free since it uses rice and no flour. Just ensure all your ingredients (such as cheese) are gluten-free if you have sensitivities.

9. Can I make this pie spicier?
Yes, for extra spice, you can add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the filling mixture.

10. How can I make this pie more crispy on top?
If you want a crispier top, try broiling the pie for the last 2–3 minutes of baking, but keep an eye on it to prevent burning.

Conclusion
Spinach-Rice Pie Delight is an easy, comforting, and versatile dish that combines the goodness of spinach, rice, and cheese in a savory pie. It’s a great way to enjoy a filling and flavorful meal without much fuss, making it perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep. The pie is not only delicious but also customizable to fit your tastes, whether you prefer adding more veggies or experimenting with different cheeses. Simple yet satisfying, this pie is sure to become a family favorite!

[tasty-recipe id=”15697″]