Greek Lemon Rice

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Greek lemon rice is a tasty side dish that’s quick and easy to make. You can whip it up in just 30 minutes, with only 10 minutes of prep time. This zesty rice pilaf is packed with bright flavors from lemon juice, garlic, onion, and fresh herbs.

You’ll love how the rice soaks up the flavors of chicken broth and lemon as it cooks. The result is a fluffy, fragrant rice that’s perfect on its own or paired with your favorite Greek-inspired meals. With simple ingredients and clear steps, you can bring a taste of the Mediterranean to your dinner table tonight.

Exact Ingredients List

Here’s what you’ll need to make Greek lemon rice:

• 1 1/2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil or butter
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1/2 onion, finely chopped
• 1 1/2 cups long grain white rice, uncooked
• 1 1/4 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup water

For the lemon and herb flavoring:

• 1 large lemon (you’ll use 1 teaspoon zest and 3-4 tablespoons juice)
• 3 tablespoons finely chopped parsley
• 3 tablespoons finely chopped dill (or other herbs like oregano or basil)
• Salt and pepper to taste

You can adjust the amount of lemon juice to your liking. Start with 3 tablespoons and add more if you want a stronger lemon flavor.

Feel free to swap the dill for other herbs you enjoy. Parsley, oregano, basil, chives, or mint all work well in this dish.

Instructions

Here’s how to make Greek lemon rice:

1. 
   

   Heat oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.

   
   
2. 
   

   Add garlic and onion. Cook for 5 minutes until they’re soft and sweet-smelling.

   
   
3. 
   

   Put in the rice and stir until it looks mostly clear.

   
   
4. 
   

   Pour in the broth and water. Cover the pot and bring to a simmer.

   
   
5. 
   

   Turn the heat to low and cook for 12 minutes or until the water is gone.

   
   
6. 
   

   Take the pot off the stove. Let it sit with the lid on for 10 minutes.

   
   
7. 
   

   Take off the lid and mix in lemon zest, lemon juice, herbs, salt, and pepper.

   
   

Your Greek lemon rice is ready! You can serve it warm or at room temperature. It’s tasty on its own or as a side dish. The bright lemon flavor and herbs make it a perfect match for many meals.

Remember to taste and adjust the seasonings if needed. You can add more lemon juice or herbs if you want a stronger flavor.

Possible Substitutes List & Recipe Variations

You can easily change up this Greek lemon rice recipe to suit your tastes or what you have on hand. Here are some tasty options:

Rice:

• Brown rice (will need longer cooking time)
• Basmati rice
• Wild rice blend

Herbs:

• Oregano
• Basil
• Mint
• Chives

You can swap chicken broth for vegetable broth to make the dish vegetarian. For extra flavor, try adding some crumbled feta cheese or toasted pine nuts when serving.

Want more veggies? Toss in some diced bell peppers or peas during the last few minutes of cooking. You can also stir in some cooked spinach at the end.

For a heartier meal, add cooked chickpeas or diced grilled chicken. This turns the side dish into a full meal.

If you don’t have fresh lemon, use 2-3 tablespoons of bottled lemon juice instead. You can also experiment with other citrus flavors like lime or orange for a twist.

Tips, Tricks & Storing

For perfect Greek lemon rice, rinse the rice before cooking. This removes excess starch and helps prevent clumping.

Use a heavy-bottomed pot to cook your rice. It will distribute heat evenly and reduce the chance of burning.

Don’t peek! Keep the lid on while cooking. This traps the steam and ensures even cooking.

Let the rice rest after cooking. This allows the flavors to meld and the rice to absorb any remaining liquid.

Adjust the lemon to your taste. Start with less and add more if needed. You can always add, but you can’t take away!

Store leftover lemon rice in an airtight container in the fridge. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days.

To reheat, sprinkle a little water over the rice and microwave it in short bursts. This helps restore moisture.

Try adding different herbs like oregano or mint for variety. You can also toss in some toasted pine nuts for crunch.

For a richer flavor, use all chicken broth instead of part water. Just watch the salt content if using store-bought broth.