Spinach rice is a wonderful side dish, yet can easily be the main course just by adding legumes, chicken, scallops, or in this dish: chicken sausage.  Popeye wasn’t foolish for eating spinach…there are so many nutritional benefits.  I’m looking for an adrenal boost for myself, and an immune protection for the whole family, so spinach will be the theme the next couple weeks. 

The designer, kiddos, and I are all huge Indian cuisine fans, and this dish features the Indian spice mix: garam masala.  The recipe calls for using cumin seeds (not the powder).  I just happen to have some that my mother had given me as I was learning to cook.  I really think the cumin seeds make this dish.   And for a kiddo taste test: yes, our toddlers ate everything we gave them!

Ingredients

2 1/2 c brown rice (cooked, I began with 1 cup dry rice)
2 tbs olive oil
2 chicken sausages, chopped
5 c fresh spinach, chopped
3 garlic cloves, pressed
2 tsp cumin seeds
1 tsp garam masala (I’m used Sukhi’s Garam Masala: a blend of Coriander, Cinnamon, Cardamom, Cumin, Black Pepper, Bay Leaf, and Clove)
1/2 tsp salt

1. In a large pan, warm olive oil on medium heat and cook sausages.  Add cumin, garlic, and saute for a minute or two.

2. Add spinach and saute until spinach has barely softened.  Turn off heat and stir in garam masala and salt. 

3.  Carefully stir in the rice and cover for a few minutes. 

Serves 4-6

Another Indian Spinach dish you might enjoy: Chicken Saag.