Spinach Pesto Rice Bowl
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The Spruce / Laurel Randolph
Nutritional Guidelines (per serving) | |
---|---|
913 | Calories |
53g | Fat |
93g | Carbs |
27g | Protein |
Nutrition Facts | |
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Servings: 2 | |
Amount per serving | |
Calories | 913 |
% Daily Value* | |
Total Fat 53g | 68% |
Saturated Fat 9g | 47% |
Cholesterol 217mg | 72% |
Sodium 425mg | 18% |
Total Carbohydrate 93g | 34% |
Dietary Fiber 16g | 59% |
Protein 27g | |
Calcium 430mg | 33% |
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice. |
The popular Los Angeles restaurant Sqirl is known for (among other things) its Sorrel Pesto Rice Bowl. Fresh spinach comes together with toasted walnuts, lemon and garlic to make a super fresh-tasting pesto before combining forces with tender brown rice. The flavorful mixture is topped with crunchy and bitter radicchio, salty feta, creamy avocado, and a soft boiled egg.
The combination is healthy and hearty with plenty of bright flavors and makes a picture-perfect lunch. Since this recipe is served at room temperature, it makes a nice picnic or meal on the go.
Ingredients
- For the Rice:
- 1 cup long-grain brown rice
- 2 cups water
- 1 teaspoon oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- For the Pesto and Toppings:
- 2 cups packed baby spinach
- 1/3 cup toasted walnuts
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (with 1 teaspoon reserved for radicchio)
- 1 large garlic clove (grated)
- Kosher salt to taste
- 1 to 2 tablespoons water
- 2 eggs
- 1 1/2 cups packed radicchio (chopped)
- 1 avocado
- 2 tablespoons crumbled feta
Steps to Make It
-
Combine the rice, water, oil, and salt in a pot over high heat. Once boiling, cover and reduce heat to a low simmer.
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Cook for 45 minutes or until tender but chewy and almost all of the water is absorbed. Let sit for 10 minutes and fluff with a fork, then let cool.
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Add the spinach, walnuts, olive oil, lemon juice (reserve 1 teaspoon), garlic and a pinch of salt to your food processor. Pulse, scraping down the sides a few times, until well mixed. Add up to 2 tablespoons of water as needed to keep the mixture moving. Taste and add salt if needed. Toss with cooled rice.
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Bring a small pot of water to a boil and then reduce to a rapid simmer. Carefully lower your two eggs into the water and set a timer for 6 minutes. Once the time is up, run the eggs under cold water for 30 seconds before peeling.
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While the eggs cook, toss the radicchio in the reserved teaspoon of lemon juice and a hefty pinch of salt. Slice the avocado.
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Divide pesto rice into two bowls. Equally divide the radicchio, avocado, and feta between the bowls. Top each with an egg sliced in two. Serve immediately.
Raw Egg Warning
Consuming raw and lightly-cooked eggs poses a risk of food-borne illness.
Variations:
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If you can't find radicchio, use shredded red cabbage instead. You won't have that bitter bite, but you'll still get a nice crunch and bright color.
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Any kind of rice will work in this recipe. Simply cook 1 cup of rice according to package directions and proceed with the recipe as written.