Aromatic Spinach Infused Rice

1. Wash and soak the rice

Begin by washing the rice thoroughly in a colander until the water runs clear, ensuring any excess starch is removed. Once washed, soak the rice in a large bowl of cold water with 1 teaspoon of salt for about 2 hours to let it absorb the water and soften.

2. Prepare the spinach

While the rice is soaking, prepare the spinach. If you're using fresh spinach, trim and wash it, then bring a 4–6 quart pot of water to a boil. Add the spinach to the boiling water and cook until it wilts, which should only take a few minutes. If you're using frozen spinach, simply defrost it. Once the spinach is ready, rinse it with cold water to stop the cooking process, squeeze out any excess moisture, and chop it finely.

3. Sauté onions and spinach

Next, heat the vegetable oil in a 3–4 quart flameproof and ovenproof casserole over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onions and sauté them for about 5 minutes until they turn golden brown. The golden color indicates that the onions have caramelized, which enhances their natural sweetness and adds depth to the dish.

4. Cook spinach and garam masala

Add the chopped spinach and 1 teaspoon of garam masala to the casserole with the onions. Continue to sauté this mixture for about 30 minutes. This step is crucial as it allows the flavors to meld together, creating an aromatic base for the rice.

5. Preheat oven and add rice

While the spinach and onion mixture is cooking, preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). After the sautéing is done, drain the soaked rice and add it to the casserole along with 2¼ cups of water and 1 teaspoon of salt. Bring this mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.

6. Simmer and bake the rice

Once it reaches a boil, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 15 minutes. This will ensure the rice cooks evenly and absorbs all the flavors. You should see the water being absorbed by the rice. Cover the casserole with aluminum foil, making a small hole (about ½ inch) in the center to allow steam to escape. Place the covered casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes. Baking the rice ensures even heat distribution, resulting in tender and fluffy grains.

7. Final steps

After 30 minutes, check the rice to see if it is fully cooked. If it needs a bit more time, leave it in the oven for an additional 5 minutes. Once done, turn off the oven and let the rice sit inside for another 10 minutes to keep it warm. Finally, remove the foil, fluff the rice with a fork, and serve. For an extra touch, you can garnish with fried onion rings if desired.