Description
This Greek Lemon Rice recipe is a fragrant and flavorful side dish featuring basmati rice cooked with fresh lemon juice, herbs, garlic, and low-sodium chicken broth. It’s a perfect accompaniment to Mediterranean dishes or can be enjoyed on its own with feta cheese for a light, zesty meal.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups raw rice (golden sella basmati rice recommended)
- 1 tablespoon oregano (dried)
- 1 teaspoon dried dillweed
- ⅓ cup olive oil (adjust to taste)
- ½ cup brown onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish and mixing)
- Salt, to taste
- Zest of one lemon
Instructions
- Prepare the rice: Wash the raw rice thoroughly under cold water until the rinse water runs clear to remove excess starch. Drain using a colander and set aside to dry.
- Sauté aromatics: Heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the chopped brown onions and finely chopped garlic cloves. Cook until the onions become soft, translucent, and fragrant, about 3-5 minutes. Stir in dried oregano and dillweed and cook for another 30 seconds to release the herbs' flavors.
- Toast the rice: Add the drained rice to the saucepan with the aromatics. Stir well to combine and cook for about 1 minute, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking or burning. This step helps to slightly toast the rice and enhance its flavor.
- Add liquid and simmer: Pour in 3 cups of low-sodium chicken broth. Stir to combine. Add salt to taste. Bring the mixture to a boil, then immediately reduce the heat to low. Cover with a lid and let it simmer gently for 15-18 minutes, or until the rice has absorbed all the liquid and is tender.
- Flavour and fluff: Remove the saucepan from heat. Add the zest and juice of one lemon, along with the chopped fresh parsley. Stir gently or fluff the rice with a fork to mix everything evenly.
- Steam and finish: Cover the pan again and let the rice rest off the heat for another 5 minutes. This allows the rice to steam fully and results in a light, fluffy texture.
- Serve: Serve the Greek lemon rice warm as a side dish alongside your favorite main meals or enjoy it solo topped with crumbled feta cheese for a delicious Mediterranean-inspired dish.
Notes
- Use golden sella basmati rice for best texture and flavor, but regular basmati works as well.
- Adjust olive oil amount to taste for either a lighter or richer rice dish.
- Low-sodium chicken broth helps control the saltiness and is healthier; you can substitute with vegetable broth for a vegetarian option.
- Fresh lemon juice and zest are critical for the bright, authentic lemon flavor.
- Allowing the rice to rest covered after cooking improves texture and prevents clumping.
- Add crumbled feta as a topping for a classic Greek touch.
