Easy Greek Lemon Rice Recipe
This Easy Greek Lemon Rice recipe combines fragrant basmati rice with zesty lemon, garlic, and oregano for a vibrant and flavorful side dish inspired by Mediterranean cuisine. It is quick and simple to prepare on the stovetop, making it a perfect accompaniment to grilled meats, seafood, or roasted vegetables.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Greek
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Scale
Rice and Broth
- 1 cup basmati rice
- 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
Aromatics and Flavorings
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Rinse the Rice: Begin by rinsing the basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This removes excess starch to prevent gummy rice.
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a medium pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing for 2-3 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.
- Add the Rice: Stir in the rinsed rice and toast it slightly for 2 minutes, which enhances the rice’s nutty flavor.
- Incorporate Broth and Lemon: Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth along with lemon zest and juice. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
- Season: Add dried oregano, and season with salt and pepper to taste, stirring to combine all flavors well.
- Simmer: Reduce heat to low, cover the pot, and let the rice simmer for about 15 minutes or until the liquid is fully absorbed and the rice is tender.
- Fluff the Rice: Remove the pot from heat and let the rice sit, covered, for an additional 5 minutes. Then fluff gently with a fork to separate the grains.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley to add color and freshness before serving.
Notes
- Rinsing the rice is crucial to avoid sticky texture.
- Use chicken broth for richer flavor, or vegetable broth to keep it vegetarian.
- Lemon zest and juice add brightness; adjust amounts to taste.
- Letting the rice rest after cooking finishes the steaming process, ensuring perfect texture.
- Optional toppings like toasted pine nuts or slivered almonds add delightful crunch.
- This rice works well as a side or base for proteins like grilled chicken or shrimp.
Keywords: Greek lemon rice, basmati rice recipe, easy side dish, Mediterranean rice, lemon rice pilaf
Find it online: https://bakedbylisa.com/easy-greek-lemon-rice-recipe/
