Greek Lemon Rice is a zesty and flavorful side dish that pairs perfectly with grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or Greek-inspired meals. Bursting with fresh lemon flavor, herbs, and the subtle nuttiness of perfectly cooked rice, this dish is easy to prepare and adds a vibrant touch to any table. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or looking for a quick, delicious accompaniment, this recipe will not disappoint.
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- 1 cup (185g) long-grain rice
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 3 cups (720ml) chicken broth
- Juice and zest of 1 large lemon
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (plus extra for garnish)
- 1 tsp dried oregano
Directions
- Prepare the Rice:
Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch. Drain well. - Sauté Aromatics:
Heat the olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. - Cook the Rice:
Add the rice to the saucepan, stirring to coat it in the oil. Pour in the chicken broth, lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Stir well and bring to a boil. - Simmer to Perfection:
Reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan, and let the rice simmer for 15-18 minutes, or until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender. - Fluff and Serve:
Remove the saucepan from heat and let the rice sit for 5 minutes. Stir in the parsley and oregano, fluffing the rice with a fork. Serve warm, garnished with additional parsley if desired.
Notes
- Rice Options: Substitute long-grain rice with basmati or jasmine rice for a slightly different texture and flavor.
- Vegetarian Alternative: Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a vegetarian version.
- Extra Zest: For an even brighter flavor, add a few lemon slices during cooking and remove them before serving.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of broth or water to prevent drying out.
Greek Lemon Rice is a fresh, versatile side that’s simple to make yet delivers incredible flavor. Its citrusy kick and herbaceous notes are sure to become a favorite addition to your meal rotation!
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Greek Lemon Rice
This Greek Lemon Rice is a light and flavorful side dish that pairs perfectly with grilled meats and vegetables.
Prep
: 10
Total
: 25 minutes
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 cups long-grain rice preferably basmati or jasmine
- 3 cups chicken broth or vegetable broth for vegetarian option
- 1 medium lemon zested and juiced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper freshly ground
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill chopped, optional
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear.
- In a large saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the rice and sauté for a few minutes.
- Add chicken broth, lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil.
- Reduce to a simmer, cover, and cook for 18-20 minutes until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
- Fluff the rice with a fork, stir in fresh dill if using, and serve warm.
Notes
This dish can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.