Flavorful Greek Lemon Rice: A Simple 7-Step Recipe

Introduction

Greek Lemon Rice is a bright and zesty side dish that brings a fresh twist to your meal. This simple recipe combines fragrant lemon, garlic, and oregano with fluffy long-grain rice for a delicious Mediterranean-inspired flavor.

Ingredients

• 1 cup long-grain rice
• 2 cups vegetable or chicken broth
• 1 medium lemon (juiced and zested)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Rinse the rice under cold water in a fine mesh strainer until the water runs clear to remove excess starch.
2. Step 2: In a saucepan, heat the vegetable or chicken broth until it reaches a gentle simmer.
3. Step 3: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, avoiding browning.
4. Step 4: Add the rinsed rice to the pot with garlic and sauté for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly to coat the rice in oil.
5. Step 5: Pour in the simmering broth, then add lemon juice, lemon zest, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine.
6. Step 6: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 15-18 minutes, or until the rice absorbs the liquid.
7. Step 7: Remove from heat and let the rice sit covered for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Tips & Variations

• Use homemade broth for a richer flavor, or substitute lemon zest with fresh dill for a different herbaceous note.
• For a nuttier texture, lightly toast the rice in olive oil before adding the broth.
• Add chopped toasted pine nuts or slivered almonds on top for extra crunch.
• To keep it vegan, be sure to use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

Storage

Store leftover lemon rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, sprinkle a little water over the rice and warm it gently in a microwave or on the stovetop to restore moisture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use jasmine or basmati rice instead of long-grain rice?

Yes, both jasmine and basmati rice work well, but they may change the texture slightly. Adjust cooking time as needed based on the rice variety.

Is it necessary to rinse the rice before cooking?

Rinsing removes excess starch, which prevents the rice from becoming too sticky and helps achieve a fluffier texture.

Flavorful Greek Lemon Rice: A Simple 7-Step Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 112 reviews

A bright and zesty Greek Lemon Rice recipe featuring fluffy long-grain rice simmered in flavorful vegetable or chicken broth with fresh lemon juice, garlic, and oregano. This simple and vibrant side dish is perfect for Mediterranean-inspired meals, garnished with fresh parsley for an added burst of color and flavor.

• Author: Hannah
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Greek
• Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients

• 1 cup long-grain rice
• 2 cups vegetable or chicken broth
• 1 medium lemon (juiced and zested)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)

Instructions

1. Rinse the Rice: Place the long-grain rice in a fine mesh strainer and rinse it under cold water until the water runs clear. This process helps remove excess starch, resulting in fluffier rice.
2. Prepare the Broth: In a saucepan, heat the vegetable or chicken broth until it reaches a gentle simmer to ensure it’s hot when added to the rice.
3. Sauté the Garlic: Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently, until fragrant and lightly golden but not browned to avoid bitterness.
4. Add the Rice: Stir the rinsed rice into the pot with the garlic. Sauté the rice for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly to coat each grain thoroughly with the garlic-infused oil.
5. Combine Ingredients: Pour the simmering broth into the pot, followed by the fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to evenly distribute all flavors throughout the rice mixture.
6. Cook the Rice: Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover the pot with a lid, and let it simmer for 15-18 minutes or until the rice has absorbed all the liquid.
7. Fluff and Garnish: Remove the pot from heat and keep it covered for an additional 5 minutes to allow the rice to steam. Then, use a fork to fluff the rice gently, and garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.

Notes

• Rinsing the rice is key to preventing clumping and achieving a light texture.
• You can substitute vegetable broth with chicken broth depending on your dietary preference.
• Adjust salt and lemon to taste for a more or less tangy flavor.
• For a vegan version, ensure the broth used is vegetable-based.
• Fresh parsley adds a fresh herbaceous note; feel free to add more as garnish.

Keywords: Greek Lemon Rice, Lemon Rice, Mediterranean Side Dish, Flavored Rice, Garlic Rice, Oregano Rice, Easy Rice Recipe