Why Make This Recipe
Greek Lemon Rice is a delicious side dish that brings a burst of flavor to any meal. It pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or seafood. The bright notes of lemon combined with the comforting texture of rice make it a perfect accompaniment to your favorite Mediterranean dishes. Plus, it’s easy to make, using basic ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen.
How to Make Greek Lemon Rice
Ingredients:
- 1 cup long-grain rice (such as basmati or jasmine)
- 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Directions:
- Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until soft and translucent (about 2-3 minutes). Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the rice to the pan and stir for 1-2 minutes until slightly toasted and coated with oil.
- Pour in the broth, lemon zest, lemon juice, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Stir well, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and let simmer for 15-18 minutes or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
- Remove from heat and let the rice sit, covered, for 5 minutes. This helps ensure a fluffy texture.
- Fluff the rice with a fork and sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving. Enjoy!
How to Serve Greek Lemon Rice
Greek Lemon Rice can be served warm as a delightful side dish. It complements grilled chicken, lamb, or fish beautifully. You can also serve it alongside a fresh salad for a light and refreshing meal. For a complete dinner, consider pairing it with tzatziki sauce and pita bread.
How to Store Greek Lemon Rice
To store leftover Greek Lemon Rice, let it cool completely. Transfer it to an airtight container and place it in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3-4 days. When reheating, you can add a splash of water or broth to restore moisture and warmth.
Tips to Make Greek Lemon Rice
- Use fresh lemon juice for the best flavor.
- If you like it even zesty, add more lemon zest or juice according to your taste.
- Rinsing the rice before cooking can help remove excess starch, leading to fluffier rice.
- For added richness, consider using homemade chicken broth instead of store-bought.
Variation
You can customize Greek Lemon Rice by adding cooked vegetables like peas, spinach, or bell peppers. For a protein boost, consider stirring in some chickpeas or cooked chicken.
FAQs
1. Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, but be aware that brown rice will require a longer cooking time and more liquid. Adjust the cooking time and add an extra cup of broth.
2. Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, if you use vegetable broth, it is completely vegetarian.
3. Can I make this rice dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare it a day in advance and reheat it when you’re ready to serve. Just add a little broth when reheating to bring back the moisture.
Greek Lemon Rice
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup long-grain rice (such as basmati or jasmine)
- 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 zest of 1 lemon
- 1 tablespoon juice of 1 lemon
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Preparation and Cooking
- Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until soft and translucent (about 2-3 minutes). Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the rice to the pan and stir for 1-2 minutes until slightly toasted and coated with oil.
- Pour in the broth, lemon zest, lemon juice, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Stir well, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low.
- Cover and let simmer for 15-18 minutes or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
- Remove from heat and let the rice sit, covered, for 5 minutes. This helps ensure a fluffy texture.
- Fluff the rice with a fork and sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving. Enjoy!