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Easy Greek Lemon Rice Recipe

Easy Greek Lemon Rice Recipe
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★★★★★

5 from 18 reviews

This Easy Greek Lemon Rice recipe is a zesty and aromatic side dish featuring fluffy long-grain white rice cooked in lemon juice, fresh herbs, and broth. Perfectly balanced with the brightness of lemon and the earthiness of parsley and dill, it pairs beautifully with grilled meats, seafood, and vegetables, making it a flavorful addition to any Mediterranean-inspired meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 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

  1. Sauté the Aromatics: In a medium saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely diced onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Then stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
  2. Toast the Rice: Add the rinsed long-grain rice to the saucepan with the aromatics. Stir well to coat the rice with oil and flavors. Allow it to lightly toast for approximately 2 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
  3. Simmer with Lemon & Broth: Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth along with the fresh lemon juice and lemon zest. Stir everything to combine and bring the mixture to a rolling boil over medium-high heat.
  4. Cook the Rice: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan with a tight-fitting lid, and let it simmer for 18-20 minutes, or until all the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender but not mushy.
  5. Fluff and Garnish: Remove the saucepan from heat and let it sit, still covered, for 5 minutes to steam. Fluff the rice gently with a fork, then stir in the chopped fresh parsley and optional dill. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
  6. Serve and Enjoy: Serve the lemon rice warm as a delicious and fragrant side dish alongside grilled chicken, lamb, fish, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

Notes

  • For extra flavor, add a bay leaf or a dash of ground cumin to the broth while cooking.
  • To make this dish with brown rice, substitute white rice with brown rice, increase broth to 2 ½ cups, and cook for 35-40 minutes until tender.
  • For a vegan version, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
  • Store leftover rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days; reheat on the stovetop with a splash of broth or water to maintain moisture.
  • This lemon rice pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, lamb skewers, baked salmon, or a fresh Greek salad.

Nutrition

Keywords: Greek lemon rice, lemon rice recipe, Mediterranean side dish, easy lemon rice, Greek rice with herbs

Find it online: https://mixitwitjoe.com/easy-greek-lemon-rice-recipe/