Description
This Easy Greek Lemon Rice Recipe is a flavorful and vibrant side dish featuring tender long-grain rice cooked with fresh lemon juice, zest, and aromatic herbs. Enhanced with olive oil and garlic, it embodies the bright, fresh flavors of Mediterranean cuisine while being quick and simple to prepare.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup long-grain white rice, rinsed well
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth or vegetable broth
- 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 1-2 lemons)
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- Optional: lemon slices for garnish
Instructions
- Sauté Onions: Heat the olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent browning.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to let it burn.
- Toast Rice: Add the rinsed long-grain rice to the pan and cook for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring frequently, to lightly toast the grains which enhances the flavor.
- Add Liquids and Seasoning: Pour in the low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth, freshly squeezed lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, and ground black pepper. Stir well to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Simmer the Rice: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the saucepan with a tight-fitting lid and simmer for 18 to 20 minutes until the rice is tender and the liquid is fully absorbed.
- Rest the Rice: Remove the saucepan from heat and let the covered rice sit undisturbed for 5 minutes to steam and fluff.
- Finish and Serve: Fluff the rice gently with a fork, stir in the chopped fresh parsley for color and freshness, and garnish with optional lemon slices. Serve warm as a delicious side dish.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of dried oregano or dill during cooking to boost the Mediterranean essence.
- You can substitute brown rice for a healthier whole grain option; increase cooking time and liquid accordingly since brown rice takes longer to cook.
- Use vegetable broth to make this recipe vegan-friendly.
- Adjust salt according to taste, especially if using regular broth instead of low-sodium varieties.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Greek
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
