Description
This Easy Greek Lemon Rice is a bright and flavorful side dish that complements any meal. Featuring fragrant lemon juice, zest, and aromatic herbs, this rice recipe is simple to prepare and perfect for adding a fresh Mediterranean touch to your dinner table.
Ingredients
Scale
Rice and Broth
- 1 cup long-grain white rice (Brown rice can be used with adjusted cooking time.)
- 2 cups vegetable broth (Low-sodium options are great for controlling saltiness.)
Flavorings
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (Use extra virgin for optimal flavor.)
- 1 medium onion (Substitute with shallots for a milder taste.)
- 2 cloves garlic (Avoid browning to prevent bitterness.)
- 1 medium lemon (Juice and zest for a bright kick.)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano (Fresh oregano can enhance vibrancy.)
- to taste salt (Adjust according to taste.)
- to taste pepper (Adjust according to taste.)
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley (Dill or mint can also be alternatives.)
Instructions
- Heat the Oil: Warm the olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat for about 1-2 minutes until it shimmers, providing a flavorful base for sautéing the aromatics.
- Sauté Onion: Add the chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until it becomes translucent and releases its fragrance, which builds the dish’s flavor foundation.
- Cook Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for an additional 30 seconds, being careful not to brown it as that can cause bitterness.
- Toast Rice: Add the rice to the onion and garlic mixture and toast for 1-2 minutes. This step enhances the nuttiness of the rice and helps keep the grains separate.
- Add Broth and Seasoning: Pour in the vegetable broth, then stir in dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil to start the cooking process.
- Simmer Rice: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan, and let the rice simmer gently for 15-18 minutes until all the broth is absorbed and the rice is tender.
- Finish with Lemon and Herbs: Remove the pot from heat, stir in fresh lemon juice and zest along with chopped parsley, then fluff the rice gently with a fork to mix the flavors evenly.
- Serve: Serve the lemon rice warm as a vibrant side dish. Optionally, garnish with crumbled feta cheese or fresh dill for extra flavor and presentation.
Notes
- Brown rice may be substituted for white rice; increase cooking time and broth quantity accordingly.
- Use low-sodium vegetable broth to better control the salt level in the dish.
- Fresh oregano can be used instead of dried for a more vibrant herb flavor.
- Avoid browning the garlic to prevent a bitter taste.
- Garnish ideas include crumbled feta cheese or fresh herbs like dill to enhance taste and presentation.
- This recipe pairs beautifully with grilled or roasted meats and vegetable dishes.
