Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup pine nuts
  • 4 cups water
  • salt
  • 1/2 cup long-grain rice
  • 1 1/2 lbs fresh spinach, leaves only, rinsed
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • salt & pepper
  • 4 large garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 egg
  • 1 pinch freshly grated nutmeg

Method

  • Preheat ovent to 400°F.
  • Put pine nuts in baking dish and toast in oven, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned, about 4 minutes. Transfer to a large bowl.
  • In medium saucepan, bring water to a boil and add a pinch of salt.
  • Add rice, stir once and boil, uncovered, until tender, about 14 minutes; check by tasting.
  • Drain, rinse with cold water and leave to drain in strainer 5 minutes.
  • In large saucepan, boil enough lightly salted water to cover spinach generously.
  • Add spinach and cook, uncovered, over high heat, pushing leaves down into water often, until very tender, about 3 minutes.
  • Rinse with cold water in colander and squeeze by hand until spinach leaves feel dry.
  • Chop finely with a knife.
  • In skillet, heat oil over medium heat.
  • Add onion and pinch of salt and pepper.
  • Cook, stirring often, until onion is softened and begins to brown, about 7 minutes.
  • Reduce heat to low, add garlic and cook a few seconds. Transfer to a bowl and let cool.
  • Into bowl, place rice, spinach, onion mixture, egg, nutmeg and pine nuts. Mix well.
  • Taste; add more salt, pepper and nutmeg, if needed.