Spinach and Rice (Spanakorizo)

Serves: 8-12

Country: Macedonia

2 cups short grain white or brown rice

1 - 16 ounce package of fresh spinach

1 can diced tomato

1 small onion (diced)

3 tablespoons olive oil

juice of 1 lemon

1 1/2 teaspoons dried oregano

1 teaspoon dried mint

1 teaspoon dried thyme

1/2 teaspoon dried basil

1/2 teaspoon dried marjoram

1/2 teaspoon dried minced onion

1/4 teaspoon dried minced garlic

salt (to taste)

Rinse rice and spinach. Place spinach in the bottom of a 9 x 11 glass baking dish.

In a frying pan slightly brown the onion. Add diced rice, tomato, oil, lemon, herbs and spices; stir.

Remove from heat, add to the spinach in the glass baking dish, cover with water.

Bake uncovered in a 350 degree oven until water is absorbed into rice (about 45 minutes). Serve with Tzatziki Ssauce. 

Tzatziki Ssauce

1 pint greek yogurt

1/2 english cucumber, unpeeled, grated

4 tablespoons salt

2 cloves garlic, peeled and crushed

juice of 1/2 lemon

1 teaspoon dried mint, crushed

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon ground white pepper

pinch of cayenne pepper

Spoon yogurt into sieve lined with cheesecloth or coffee filter set over bowl; cover and refrigerate overnight. Transfer drained yogurt to medium bowl and discard liquid.

Sprinkle grated cucumber with salt and let drain for 1 hour. Rinse cucumbers and squeeze out extra moisture. Add all other ingredients together and store in the refrigerator until ready to serve.