Description
Tantalizing Greek lemon rice showcases Mediterranean flavors with zesty brightness. Fragrant herbs and tender grains create a simple yet elegant side dish perfect for home cooks seeking authentic Greek cuisine.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups (480 ml / 16 fl oz) chicken broth or vegetable broth
- 1 cup (200 g / 7 oz) long-grain white rice
- 2 tbsps olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- ¼ cup (60 ml / 2 fl oz) fresh lemon juice
- Zest of 1 lemon
- ¼ tsp ground turmeric
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsps fresh parsley or dill, chopped
Instructions
- Rinse and Prepare: Thoroughly cleanse rice under cool running water until liquid turns transparent, eliminating excess starch for a light, fluffy texture.
- Aromatic Foundation: Heat olive oil in a large pot, sauté finely diced onions and minced garlic until translucent and fragrant, creating a flavor-rich base for the rice.
- Toasting Technique: Add rice to the pan, stirring to coat grains with oil and toast until achieving a delicate golden hue, intensifying the overall flavor profile.
- Liquid Integration: Pour chicken broth, lemon juice, lemon zest, oregano, salt, and pepper into the pot. Mix thoroughly, bringing the mixture to a vigorous boil before reducing to a gentle simmer.
- Cooking and Resting: Cover the pot, allowing rice to absorb liquid and develop tenderness for 15-18 minutes. Remove from heat and let sit, covered, for an additional 5 minutes to complete the steaming process.
- Finishing Touch: Fluff rice with a fork to separate grains and create a light texture. Garnish with freshly chopped dill or parsley for a burst of herbal brightness and visual appeal.
Notes
- Rinse Rice Thoroughly: Remove excess starch by washing rice until water runs clear, ensuring a light, fluffy texture without clumping.
- Toast Rice Carefully: Gently sauté rice in olive oil until golden, developing deeper flavor and preventing mushiness during cooking.
- Liquid Ratio Matters: Use precise chicken broth and lemon juice measurements to achieve perfect moisture and tangy flavor balance.
- Rest Rice Properly: Allow rice to sit covered after cooking for 5 minutes, letting steam distribute evenly and create perfect tenderness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Side Dish
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Greek
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 36 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg