Spinach and Artichoke Dip is a delicious classic. Imagine what it would be like as a rice side dish. Wait, don’t imagine. Here’s the recipe :)

Ingredients

• 1 cup rice

• 2 cups water (cutting some of this with chicken stock is a great flavor booster!)

• 1 package frozen spinach, thawed and water squeezed out

• 1 14oz can artichokes, Chopped

• 1 shallot

• 2 garlic gloves (at least)

• 1 Block mozzarella or pepperjack cheese

• 1 tbsp mustard

• 1 8oz package cream cheese, softened

• Red pepper flakes, black pepper to taste

• 1/2 cup cream

• 2 tbsp olive oil

  Topping: sleeve ritz crackers, 1/2 stick butter, melted, and 1/4 cup grated cotija or grated parm
  

Directions

1. In a pot or Dutch oven, heat oil on medium high heat. Add rice, allowing it to toast until it's a nice nutty brown, and add shallot and garlic.

2. Pour water or stock over the top, allow to come to a boil, then lower heat to simmering. Cover with a lid and leave it alone for at least 15 minutes.

3. Stir in cream, cream cheese, spinach, artichokes and seasonings until combined and allow to cook on the stovetop while setting up your crumb topping. Combine cotija, ritz cracker crumbs, and melted butter.

4. Sprinkle over the top of your rice, and broil for 2 minutes or until the top is crunchy.

5. Enjoy!