Description
A flavorful and easy-to-make Greek lemon rice that is perfect for impressing guests with its vibrant flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup long-grain white rice, rinsed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegan option)
- Juice and zest of 1 large lemon
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Sauté the Aromatics – In a medium saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Toast the Rice – Add the rinsed rice to the saucepan and stir well, allowing it to absorb the flavors and lightly toast for about 2 minutes.
- Simmer with Lemon & Broth – Pour in the chicken broth, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Cook the Rice – Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and let the rice simmer for 18-20 minutes, or until the liquid is fully absorbed and the rice is tender.
- Fluff and Garnish – Remove from heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork and gently mix in the fresh parsley and dill. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Serve and Enjoy – Serve warm as a side dish with grilled chicken, lamb, fish, or roasted vegetables.
Notes
- For Extra Flavor: Add a bay leaf or a dash of cumin while cooking for an extra depth of flavor.
- Brown Rice Option: Swap white rice for brown rice, but increase the broth to 2 ½ cups and cook for about 35-40 minutes.
- Make it Vegan: Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a completely plant-based dish.
- Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat on the stovetop with a splash of broth or water to restore moisture.
- Perfect Pairings: This rice is excellent alongside grilled chicken, lamb skewers, baked salmon, or a fresh Greek salad.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Greek
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg