Name: Easy Greek Lemon Rice Recipe
Prep time: 7 min
Cook time: 23 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Greek
Ingredients: 1 cup long-grain white rice, rinsed; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 small onion, finely diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegan option); Juice and zest of 1 large lemon; 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped; 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped (optional); Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Description

This Easy Greek Lemon Rice is a fragrant and flavorful side dish that combines tender long-grain rice with fresh lemon juice, zest, and herbs. Lightly sautéed onion and garlic add depth, while chicken broth infuses the rice with savory notes. Perfect as a vibrant accompaniment to grilled meats, fish, or roasted vegetables, this recipe offers a simple yet authentic taste of Greek cuisine that can be easily adapted for vegan diets by using vegetable broth.

Ingredients

Scale

Rice and Aromatics

1 cup long-grain white rice, rinsed
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 small onion, finely diced
2 cloves garlic, minced

Liquids and Flavorings

2 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegan option)
Juice and zest of 1 large lemon

Herbs and Seasoning

2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped (optional)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

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Instructions

Sauté the Aromatics: In a medium saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Toast the Rice: Add the rinsed rice to the saucepan and stir well, allowing it to absorb the flavors and lightly toast for about 2 minutes.
Simmer with Lemon & Broth: Pour in the chicken broth, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a boil.
Cook the Rice: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and let the rice simmer for 18-20 minutes, or until the liquid is fully absorbed and the rice is tender.
Fluff and Garnish: Remove from heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork and gently mix in the fresh parsley and dill. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Serve and Enjoy: Serve warm as a side dish with grilled chicken, lamb, fish, or roasted vegetables.

Notes

For a vegan version, substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth.
If fresh dill is unavailable, substitute with more parsley or omit entirely.
Be sure to rinse the rice thoroughly to remove excess starch and prevent clumping.
Let the rice rest covered after cooking to achieve fluffy texture.
Add more lemon zest or juice if a stronger lemon flavor is desired.