Greek Lemon Rice

Greek Lemon Rice is a flavorful and aromatic side dish that pairs perfectly with a wide range of Mediterranean dishes. Made with simple ingredients like rice, chicken broth, fresh herbs, and lemon, this rice dish is easy to prepare and bursting with bright, zesty flavors.

Why Make This Recipe

This Greek Lemon Rice is a fantastic way to elevate your meal with minimal effort. The combination of tangy lemon, fragrant herbs, and fluffy rice makes it a versatile and delicious side dish that complements a variety of main courses.

How to Make Greek Lemon Rice

Ingredients:

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1.5 cups uncooked white rice
3 cups chicken broth
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
1 tablespoon fresh dill
Juice and zest of 1 lemon

Instructions:

Prepare the Ingredients:
- Dice the onion, finely chop the garlic, chop the parsley and dill, and zest and juice the lemon. Set aside.
Cook Onion and Garlic:
- In a medium saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the diced onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 3-5 minutes.
- Add the finely chopped garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
Add Rice:
- Stir in the uncooked white rice, ensuring it’s well-coated in the olive oil, onion, and garlic mixture.
- Cook for about 2 minutes, stirring constantly, to lightly toast the rice.
Add Liquids and Season:
- Pour in the chicken broth.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low.
- Cover the saucepan and simmer until the rice is tender and the liquid has been absorbed, about 18-20 minutes.
Finish with Herbs and Lemon:
- Once the rice is cooked, remove the saucepan from the heat.
- Stir in the chopped parsley, dill, and the lemon juice and zest.
- Adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
Serve:
- Fluff the rice with a fork and serve warm.

Tips to Make Greek Lemon Rice

Be sure to use fresh lemon juice and zest for the best flavor.
You can customize this recipe by adding other herbs such as mint or oregano.
For extra richness, you can stir in a tablespoon of butter at the end.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, you can substitute brown rice for white rice, but keep in mind that brown rice will require a longer cooking time and may need additional liquid.