Description
This Greek Lemon Rice recipe is a vibrant and fragrant side dish made with fluffy basmati rice, fresh lemon juice, and aromatic herbs like parsley and dill. Perfectly sautéed onions and garlic enhance the flavor, while vegetable or chicken broth adds depth. It’s a quick and easy dish ready in 30 minutes, making it a wonderful accompaniment to Mediterranean and Greek-inspired meals.
Ingredients
Scale
Rice and Broth
- 1 cup basmati rice (or long grain white rice)
- 1 ½ cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth)
- ¾-1 tsp. salt (to taste)
Vegetables and Herbs
- ½ sweet onion (finely diced)
- 3 cloves garlic (finely minced)
- ¼ cup chopped parsley (fresh, curly leaf)
- 1 Tbsp. chopped dill (fresh)
Liquids and Oil
- 2 Tbsp. oil (avocado or olive, divided)
- 1 small lemon (juice, freshly squeezed)
Instructions
- Rinse Rice: Place the rice in a fine mesh strainer and rinse under cool running water for 1-2 minutes, or until the water runs clear. This step removes excess starch to ensure fluffy rice. Allow the rice to drain completely.
- Sauté Onion: Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a medium-sized pot over medium heat. Add the finely diced onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until translucent. Add the minced garlic and continue sautéing for another minute until fragrant.
- Boil and Simmer Rice: Pour in the vegetable or chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pot to loosen any browned bits. Add the rinsed rice and salt, stirring well to combine. Increase the heat to bring the broth to a boil. Once boiling, cover the pot with a lid, lower the heat to a gentle simmer, and cook for 20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and all the liquid is absorbed.
- Mix in Herbs and Lemon Juice: Turn off the heat and add the remaining tablespoon of oil to the cooked rice. Pour in the freshly squeezed lemon juice, then fold in the chopped parsley and dill carefully to combine. Serve immediately, optionally garnished with extra parsley and a sprinkle of black pepper for added flavor. Enjoy your fresh Greek Lemon Rice!
Notes
- Rinsing the rice thoroughly helps prevent clumping and ensures fluffiness.
- You can substitute vegetable broth with chicken broth for a richer taste.
- Adjust salt according to your dietary needs and broth saltiness.
- Use fresh herbs for the best flavor impact; dried herbs will not provide the same freshness.
- Serve this rice alongside grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or as part of a Mediterranean bowl.
