Description
Discover the perfect Greek Lemon Rice Recipe for a flavorful side dish. Try it today!
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups long-grain white rice, rinsed and drained
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth (for vegetarian option)
- 3 tablespoons (45ml) extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced (about 1 cup)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (about 2 teaspoons)
- Zest of 2 lemons (about 2 tablespoons)
- 1/4 cup (60ml) fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried dill (optional)
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped, plus more for garnish
- 2 tablespoons fresh mint, chopped (optional)
- 1/3 cup pine nuts or slivered almonds (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients Measure all ingredients before starting. Rinse the rice in cold water until the water runs clear, then drain well. This removes excess starch and prevents stickiness. Zest your lemons before juicing them, then chop your herbs and dice the onion.
- Step 2: Sauté Aromatics Heat the olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and half of the lemon zest, cooking for another 30 seconds until fragrant. Your kitchen should begin to fill with an irresistible aroma!
- Step 3: Toast the Rice Add the drained rice to the pot and stir continuously for 2-3 minutes. You’ll notice the rice grains becoming slightly translucent around the edges while remaining white in the center. This brief toasting step adds remarkable depth to your **Greek Lemon Rice**.
- Step 4: Add Liquid and Seasonings Pour in the broth, 2 tablespoons of lemon juice, dried oregano, and dried dill (if using). Season with salt and pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-18 minutes, or until the rice has absorbed almost all the liquid.
- Step 5: Rest and Finish Remove the pot from heat while a small amount of liquid remains. Keep covered and let rest for 10 minutes – this allows the rice to absorb remaining moisture and steam through. Meanwhile, if using pine nuts, lightly toast them in a dry skillet until golden brown.
- Step 6: Final Touches Fluff the rice gently with a fork. Stir in the remaining lemon juice, lemon zest, fresh parsley, and mint if using. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Transfer to a serving dish, garnish with toasted pine nuts and additional fresh herbs, and serve your perfect **Greek Lemon Rice** with lemon wedges on the side.
Notes
Fresh ingredients will always yield the best flavor results.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 50mg