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+ servings
Benjamin

Simple & Delicious Greek Lemon Rice

This Greek Lemon Rice is a light, fluffy, and aromatic dish packed with the freshness of lemon, the depth of garlic, and the warmth of Mediterranean herbs. Cooked in a savory broth and finished with zesty citrus and fresh herbs, this rice is the perfect companion to grilled meats, seafood, or vegetarian dishes. Simple yet bursting with flavor, it’s a must-try for any Mediterranean-inspired meal!
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: Mediterranean

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup long-grain white rice such as basmati
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 small onion finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 cups chicken broth or vegetable broth for a vegetarian version
  • 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or dill chopped (for garnish)

Method
 

Sauté the Aromatics:
  1. Heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat.
  2. Add the chopped onion and cook until soft and translucent.
  3. Stir in the garlic and sauté for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
Toast the Rice:
  1. Add the rice to the pan, stirring to coat it with the aromatic oil.
  2. Toast for 1-2 minutes to enhance its flavor.
Cook the Rice:
  1. Pour in the chicken broth, lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, pepper, and oregano.
  2. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-18 minutes until the liquid is absorbed.
Fluff and Finish:
  1. Remove from heat and let sit, covered, for 5 minutes.
  2. Fluff with a fork and stir in fresh parsley or dill for added brightness.
Serve and Enjoy:
  1. Pair with grilled meats, seafood, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

Notes

  • For extra richness, stir in a tablespoon of butter before serving.
  • To make it vegan, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
  • For added depth, replace some of the broth with white wine.
  • Storage: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of broth to maintain moisture.

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