Easy Rice with Spinach and Parmesan Cheese (Company Rice)

I love "green rice," but it's complicated and takes time. You have to cook the rice first. Saute onions. Assemble it and then bake it. And I love rice. So, years ago, I began experimenting with all the basic ingredients of green rice but in one pan. It's now a standard recipe for me. When served to guests, it's always a hit, hence my real name for this recipe, "Company Rice." It's just too easy not to make!

Use chopped frozen spinach in a bag--not the box!
Fresh Parmesan works best for this recipe.

• 1 cup raw, white rice (I prefer Uncle Ben's Par-Boiled)
• 1/2 cup frozen spinach (maybe a tad more)
• 1 tablespoon dried, minced onion flakes (I use McCormick)
• 1/4-1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 2 scant teaspoons Kosher salt
• Pepper to taste
• 2 cups water less 2 tablespoons
• 2-3 tablespoons butter
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (the real stuff, not canned)

Add all ingredients except for butter and cheese in a 1 1/2 quart pan. Stir. Bring to a slow boil. Reduce heat to simmer. Cover until water is absorbed and rice is done, stirring once or twice during the process, about 15-20 minutes or so.

Remove from heat. Stir in the butter until melted. Taste for seasonings adding more salt and/or pepper if necessary and/or butter. Mix in the cheese using a fork. Re-cover and allow to sit about ten minutes. Re-fluff and serve.

Notes: I've also used half water and half chicken stock to cook the rice. If serving with a beef dish, use half beef broth and half water. This dish is easily made ahead and re-heated in the oven or microwave.