You know guys, my relationship with mushrooms is kinda like loadshedding — it’s on and off.
I don’t really know how I feel about them. I don’t love them… but I eat them. Oh Lord, am I even making sense?
Anyway, before I lose the plot completely, let’s talk about my One-Pan Creamy Spinach & Mushroom Rice — because wow, it changed the game for me.
It’s one of those dishes that looks fancy but is secretly lazy (which, let’s be honest, is my favourite kind of meal). Everything happens in one pan — no juggling pots or scrubbing a mountain of dishes later. The mushrooms go all golden and cosy, the rice soaks up this creamy, garlicky sauce, and the spinach swoops in at the end like, “Surprise! I’m healthy!”
It’s comfort food with just the right amount of drama — perfect for a random Tuesday when you want to feel like you tried, but not too hard.
How to make One-Pan Creamy Spinach & Mushroom Rice
Serves: 2–3
Prep time: 10 mins
Cook time: 25 mins
Ingredients:
- 1 cup uncooked rice
- 1½ cups water or chicken stock
- 1 tbsp oil or butter
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 1 cup spinach, roughly chopped
- ½ cup fresh cream (or evaporated milk for lighter option)
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Grated cheese (optional for topping)
Method:
- Cook the rice: In a pot, cook rice with water or stock and a pinch of salt until soft and fluffy. Set aside.
- Sauté the vegetables: In a large pan, heat oil or butter. Add onions and mushrooms. Sauté until the mushrooms are golden and fragrant.
- Add the spinach: Stir in spinach and cook for 2–3 minutes until wilted.
- Make it creamy: Pour in cream, add garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 3 minutes.
- Combine: Add cooked rice to the pan and stir gently until everything is coated in the creamy sauce. Let it sit on low heat for 2–3 minutes so flavors blend beautifully.
- Optional: Sprinkle with grated cheese before serving for a creamy, comforting finish.
Asanda’s tip:
*For a quick protein boost, toss in shredded cooked chicken or a boiled egg on top — it transforms this into a full meal.
HAVE YOU TRIED THIS: Today’s Tasty Pick: Creamy pap & chakalaka chicken bowl