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Greek Lemon Rice Recipe

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4.9 from 328 reviews

Greek Lemon Rice is an authentic Mediterranean side dish characterized by its bright lemon flavor, aromatic herbs, and fluffy, perfectly cooked rice. This easy-to-make recipe combines long-grain rice with olive oil, garlic, onion, oregano, and fresh lemon juice and zest, delivering a fresh and vibrant complement to a variety of main dishes. Ready in just 25 minutes, it’s ideal for weeknight dinners or whenever you want a light, flavorful side.

Ingredients

Rice and Broth

  • 1 cup long-grain white rice (or basmati)
  • 2¼ cups chicken or vegetable broth

Aromatics and Flavorings

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano

Lemon and Herbs

  • Juice and zest of 1 lemon
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
  • Optional: fresh dill, crumbled feta

Instructions

  1. Sauté Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
  2. Toast Rice: Add the long-grain rice to the saucepan and stir well, cooking for 2 minutes to lightly toast the rice and infuse it with the aromatic flavors.
  3. Add Broth and Seasonings: Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth, then stir in the dried oregano, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine everything evenly.
  4. Cook Rice: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover the saucepan, and let the rice simmer gently for about 15 minutes or until all the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender.
  5. Finish with Lemon and Herbs: Remove the saucepan from heat. Stir in the fresh lemon juice and chopped parsley, fluff the rice with a fork to combine thoroughly. Optionally, add fresh dill and a sprinkle of crumbled feta cheese for extra flavor and garnish.
  6. Serve: Transfer the Greek lemon rice to a serving dish and enjoy warm as a vibrant side complement to your meal.

Notes

  • Using basmati rice can add a fragrant aroma but any long-grain white rice works well.
  • Adjust lemon juice to taste for more or less tanginess.
  • Vegetarian version uses vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
  • For Gluten Free, ensure broth used is gluten free certified.
  • Adding crumbled feta and dill enhances the traditional Greek flavors but is optional.

Find it online: https://mealoria.com/greek-lemon-rice-recipe/