Description
Mediterranean comfort shines through this Greek Lemon Rice, delivering zesty sunshine on a plate. Fragrant herbs and tender grains combine to transport palates directly to a charming Greek taverna where you’ll savor each delightful, citrus-infused bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 cup (200 g) long-grain white rice
- 2 cups (480 ml) chicken broth or vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Flavoring Ingredients:
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Zest of 1 lemon
- ¼ cup (60 ml) fresh lemon juice
- ¼ teaspoon ground turmeric
Seasoning and Garnish:
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or dill, chopped
Instructions
- Thoroughly cleanse the rice under cool running water until the liquid becomes transparent, eliminating excess starch to ensure a light, airy texture.
- Warm olive oil in a spacious pot over moderate temperature, introducing finely diced onions and minced garlic. Sauté until the aromatics soften and release their fragrant essence, transforming the kitchen with their inviting aroma.
- Introduce the pristine rice to the pan, gently stirring and tumbling the grains to achieve a delicate golden toast, which will enhance the overall depth of flavor.
- Cascade chicken broth into the pan, followed by zesty lemon juice, vibrant lemon zest, earthy oregano, and a balanced sprinkle of salt and pepper. Blend the ingredients thoroughly, allowing the mixture to surge to a robust boil before reducing the heat to a gentle simmer.
- Cover the pot and let the rice absorb the liquid and develop its tender character, approximately 15-18 minutes, ensuring the grains are perfectly cooked and the broth has been completely integrated.
- After cooking, remove from heat and allow the rice to rest, sealed, for an additional 5 minutes to complete its steaming process.
- Delicately separate the rice grains with a fork, creating a light, fluffy consistency, and crown the dish with a scattering of freshly chopped dill or parsley for a burst of herbal brightness.
Notes
- Rinsing rice thoroughly prevents clumping and ensures each grain stays separate during cooking.
- Toasting rice before adding liquid enhances its nutty flavor and creates a more complex taste profile.
- Letting the rice rest after cooking allows steam to redistribute, resulting in perfectly fluffy and tender grains.
- For a lighter version, substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth to make the dish vegetarian-friendly.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Side Dish
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Greek
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 265
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 39 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg