Greek Lemon Rice Pilaf Recipe

Introduction

Greek Lemon Rice Pilaf is a bright and flavorful side dish that perfectly complements a variety of meals. Its tender rice infused with garlic, lemon, and fresh herbs makes it a refreshing and aromatic accompaniment for your favorite proteins or vegetables.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil (or butter)
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1/2 onion, finely chopped (white, brown, or yellow)
• 1 1/2 cups long grain white rice, uncooked
• 1 1/4 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup water
• 1 large lemon (1 tsp zest + 3-4 tbsp lemon juice)
• 3 tbsp finely chopped parsley
• 3 tbsp finely chopped dill (or substitute with parsley, oregano, basil, chives, or mint)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat the oil over medium heat in a large saucepan or small pot.
2. Step 2: Add the minced garlic and chopped onion. Cook for about 5 minutes or until the onion becomes translucent and sweet.
3. Step 3: Stir in the rice and cook, stirring frequently, until the rice turns mostly translucent.
4. Step 4: Pour in the chicken broth and water. Cover with a lid, bring to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low.
5. Step 5: Cook for 12 minutes or until the liquid is fully absorbed.
6. Step 6: Remove the pot from heat and let the rice rest with the lid on for 10 minutes.
7. Step 7: Remove the lid and gently stir in the lemon zest, lemon juice, chopped herbs, salt, and pepper.
8. Step 8: Serve warm or at room temperature and enjoy your flavorful lemon rice pilaf.

Tips & Variations

• For a vegetarian version, substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth or water.
• Try adding toasted pine nuts or slivered almonds for extra texture and flavor.
• If you prefer a zestier flavor, add a bit more lemon juice or zest according to your taste.
• Fresh dill truly enhances the Mediterranean flavor, but feel free to experiment with your favorite herbs.

Storage

Store any leftover rice pilaf in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a covered dish in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water to retain moisture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Brown rice can be used, but cooking time and liquid amounts will need adjustment, as brown rice requires more water and a longer cook time.

Is this recipe suitable for vegans?

Yes, simply replace the chicken broth with vegetable broth or water and use olive oil instead of butter to make this dish vegan-friendly.

Greek Lemon Rice Pilaf Recipe

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4.8 from 54 reviews

A bright and flavorful Greek Lemon Rice Pilaf made with aromatic herbs, fresh lemon juice, and tender long grain rice cooked in savory chicken broth. This easy stovetop recipe highlights classic Mediterranean flavors and pairs perfectly with grilled meats, seafood, or as a side to your favorite Greek dishes.

• Author: Clara
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 17 minutes
• Total Time: 27 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Greek

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients

• 1 1/2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil (or butter)
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1/2 onion, finely chopped (white, brown, or yellow)
• 1 1/2 cups long grain white rice, uncooked
• 1 1/4 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup water
• 1 large lemon (1 tsp zest + 3–4 tbsp lemon juice)
• 3 tbsp finely chopped parsley
• 3 tbsp finely chopped dill (or substitute with parsley, oregano, basil, chives, or mint)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Heat Oil: Heat extra virgin olive oil or butter over medium heat in a large saucepan or small pot until shimmering.
2. Sauté Aromatics: Add minced garlic and finely chopped onion to the pan and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions become translucent and sweet.
3. Toast Rice: Add the uncooked rice to the pan and stir continuously until the rice turns mostly translucent, which enhances the nutty flavor.
4. Add Liquids and Simmer: Pour in the chicken broth and water, then cover the pot with a lid. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
5. Cook Rice: Reduce the heat to low and let the rice cook gently for 12 minutes or until the liquid has fully evaporated and the rice is tender.
6. Rest Rice: Remove the pot from heat but keep it covered. Let the rice rest for 10 minutes to allow the steam to finish cooking and fluff the grains.
7. Finish with Lemon and Herbs: Remove the lid and stir in the lemon zest, fresh lemon juice, chopped parsley, chopped dill, and salt and pepper to taste, mixing gently to combine flavors evenly.
8. Serve: Serve the Greek Lemon Rice Pilaf warm or at room temperature as a delightful side to Mediterranean dishes.

Notes

• For a vegetarian version, substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth.
• If you prefer a stronger lemon flavor, add additional lemon zest or juice according to taste.
• Fresh herbs can be swapped with dried herbs; use about 1 tablespoon dried herbs instead of 3 tablespoons fresh.
• Long grain rice is preferred for a fluffy texture; do not use quick-cooking rice as cooking time and liquid requirements differ.
• Resting the rice after cooking is key for perfect texture and allows flavors to meld.

Keywords: Greek lemon rice, rice pilaf, Mediterranean side dish, lemon rice, easy rice recipe, stovetop rice