Description
This Easy Greek Lemon Rice is a flavorful and aromatic side dish that’s perfect for pairing with grilled meats or roasted vegetables. Made with long-grain rice cooked in lemon-infused broth with sautéed onions, garlic, and fresh herbs, it’s a bright, zesty complement to Mediterranean meals.
Ingredients
Scale
Rice and Flavor Base
- 1 cup long-grain white rice, rinsed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Liquids and Seasoning
- 2 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegan option)
- Juice and zest of 1 large lemon
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Herbs
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Sauté the Aromatics: In a medium saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely diced onion and sauté until softened and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Toast the Rice: Add the rinsed rice to the saucepan with the aromatics. Stir well to coat the rice in oil and flavors, allowing it to lightly toast for about 2 minutes. This enhances the rice’s nutty flavor.
- Simmer with Lemon & Broth: Pour in the chicken broth (or vegetable broth), lemon juice, and lemon zest. Stir everything together to combine, then bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Cook the Rice: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the saucepan with a tight-fitting lid. Let the rice simmer gently for 18-20 minutes, or until all the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender but not mushy.
- Fluff and Garnish: Remove the saucepan from heat and allow it to sit, covered, for 5 minutes to steam. Fluff the rice gently with a fork, then mix in the chopped fresh parsley and dill. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve the Greek lemon rice warm as a bright, flavorful side dish alongside grilled chicken, lamb, fish, or roasted vegetables for a delightful Mediterranean meal.
Notes
- For a vegan version, substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth.
- Rinsing the rice before cooking helps remove excess starch and prevents it from becoming sticky.
- Fresh herbs like parsley and dill add freshness; feel free to adjust the quantities or omit the dill if preferred.
- Lemon zest enhances the lemon flavor without adding acidity—don’t skip it!
- Keep the heat low while simmering to avoid burning the rice on the bottom.
- This rice is best served fresh but can be refrigerated and reheated gently.
