Popeye Rice

Popeye Rice is a big time favorite with my son, Jack. He could absolutely LIVE on rice of any kind, but this recipe takes the cake! Rice can be a great(and easy) way to get your children to eat truly whole grains without the struggle. For this recipe, I mix brown and wild rice to give a mix of nutrients and textures that are truly palate pleasing! Wild rice(actually an aquatic seed grass)is super high in folic acid and is a great source of fiber, B vitamins, niacin and zinc. The addition of spinach and onions adds loads of flavor and increases the nutritional profile with tons of vitamins(A, C, E and K), minerals(chromium and manganese) and antioxidants. My son loves that we call it "Popeye" rice and shows me how BIG his muscles are after eating it! My husband loves that it tastes like a particular brand of boxed rice without all the preservatives.


1/2 C. brown rice
1/2 C. wild rice
1 14.5 Oz. can fat-free, low sodium chicken stock + enough water to make 2 1/4 Cups liquid
1 low sodium chicken boullion cube
1/2 large yellow onion, chopped
2 C. chopped baby spinach
1 Tbs. olive oil
2 Tbs. freshly grated parmegianno reggiano cheese
salt and pepper to taste

Bring stock, water and boullion to boil and add rice. Cover and reduce to a simmer for 45-1 hr until liquid is absorbed and rice is tender. Meanwhile, heat olive oil and add in onions. Saute until golden and add in the chopped spinach. Continue to saute until spinach is wilted. When rice is complete, combine with veggie mixture, parm cheese and salt and pepper. Serves 4-6.