Italian Rice

Name: Italian Rice
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Yield: 4 servings.
Ingredients: 2 garlic cloves, minced; 2 teaspoons olive oil; 8 cups fresh spinach (about 10 ounces), chopped; 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/8 teaspoon pepper; 2 cups hot cooked rice; 1/2 cup chopped roasted sweet red peppers

Bring a bit of Italy to the table without the usual pasta and sauce. This colorful side dish blends fluffy rice, fresh spinach and roasted red peppers." The amount of garlic can be adjust to fit your personal taste," suggests Michelle Armistead of Marlboro, New Jersey. "For me, the more garlic, the better!"

Ingredients

2 garlic cloves, minced
2 teaspoons olive oil
8 cups fresh spinach (about 10 ounces), chopped
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
2 cups hot cooked rice
1/2 cup chopped roasted sweet red peppers

Directions

In a large nonstick skillet, saute garlic in oil for 1 minute. Stir in spinach. Cover and cook for 3-4 minutes or until tender; drain well. Add the vinegar, salt and pepper. Stir in the rice and red peppers until combined. Cook and stir until heated through.

Nutrition Facts

3/4 cup: 151 calories, 3g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 398mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 2g fiber), 4g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 starch, 1 vegetable, 1/2 fat.

Originally published as Italian Rice in Light & Tasty April/May 2002