Description
This Greek Lemon Rice recipe is a fragrant and flavorful side dish made with basmati rice, oregano, dillweed, fresh lemon juice, and parsley, cooked in low-sodium chicken broth for a light and refreshing complement to any meal. It’s perfect as a standalone dish or paired with your favorite Mediterranean entrees.
Ingredients
Scale
Rice and Herbs
- 2 cups raw golden sella basmati rice
- 1 Tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried dillweed
- Fresh parsley, chopped (to taste)
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 2 Tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
Aromatics and Liquids
- ⅓ cup olive oil (adjustable to taste)
- ½ cup brown onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, finely chopped
- 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
Instructions
- Prepare the Rice: Rinse the raw rice under cold running water until the water runs clear. Drain the rice well in a colander and set aside to remove excess moisture.
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat until hot. Add chopped onions and garlic and cook them until soft, translucent, and fragrant. Stir in dried oregano and dillweed and cook for about 30 seconds to release the herbs’ flavors.
- Toast the Rice: Add the rinsed rice to the sautéed aromatics and stir to combine. Cook for 1 minute, stirring occasionally to prevent burning and lightly toast the rice.
- Add Broth and Simmer: Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth and stir to combine. Season with salt to taste. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover with a lid, and let it simmer gently for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the broth is fully absorbed and the rice is tender.
- Add Lemon and Parsley: Remove the saucepan from heat. Stir in the lemon zest, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and chopped fresh parsley. Fluff the rice gently with a fork to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Rest the Rice: Cover the saucepan again and let the rice steam off the heat for an additional 5 minutes. This allows the rice to fully absorb flavors and fluff up beautifully.
- Serve: Serve the Greek lemon rice warm as a flavorful side dish, perfect alongside grilled meats or vegetables. Optionally, garnish with crumbled feta cheese for an authentic touch.
Notes
- Golden sella basmati rice is recommended for its firm texture; however, regular basmati rice can be used as a substitute.
- Adjust olive oil quantity based on your preference for richness and flavor intensity.
- Low-sodium chicken broth helps control salt levels; alternatively, vegetable broth can be used for a vegetarian option.
- The lemon zest and juice are key for the signature bright Mediterranean flavor.
- For vegan adaptation, replace chicken broth with vegetable broth and omit feta cheese garnish.
- Make sure to rinse rice thoroughly to remove excess starch and prevent stickiness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Greek
Keywords: Greek lemon rice, lemon rice recipe, Mediterranean rice side dish, basmati rice, oregano, dillweed, lemon juice rice
