Description
This Greek Rice Recipe Lemon Herb Pilaf is a vibrant and hearty side dish filled with bright lemon, fresh herbs, and savory broth. It’s an easy-to-make, family-friendly meal that elevates simple dinners with its Mediterranean flavors.
Ingredients
- 1.5 cups long-grain rice (300 g), basmati
- 3 Tbsp (45 ml) fresh lemon juice
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 0.25 cup (10 g) chopped fresh dill
- 0.25 cup (10 g) chopped fresh parsley
- 2 Tbsp (5 g) chopped fresh mint
- 2 Tbsp (30 ml) extra virgin olive oil, cold-pressed
- 3 cups (720 ml) vegetable broth
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Pinch of salt
- Pinch of pepper
Instructions
- Rinse Rice: Place 1.5 cups of long-grain rice in a fine-mesh sieve and rinse under cold running water until the water runs completely clear, typically 1-2 minutes. This removes excess starch and prevents the rice from becoming sticky.
- Sauté Aromatics: In a medium saucepan or a 10-inch heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat, warm 2 Tbsp of olive oil until shimmering. Add the diced onion and sauté, stirring occasionally, until it softens and becomes translucent, about 3-5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant; watch carefully to prevent burning.
- Toast Rice: Add the rinsed, drained rice to the pot with the aromatics. Stir continuously for 1-2 minutes until the rice grains appear slightly translucent around the edges and emit a subtle nutty aroma. This toasting step enhances its flavor and texture.
- Simmer Pilaf: Pour in 3 cups of vegetable broth, the juice of one lemon, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot tightly with a lid, and let it simmer undisturbed for 15-20 minutes. If it looks dry but is still firm, add 1-2 tablespoons more hot broth and recover for another 2-3 minutes.
- Fluff and Finish: Remove the pot from the heat and let it rest, covered, for 5 minutes. After resting, gently fluff the rice with a fork, separating the grains. Stir in the fresh dill, parsley, mint, and lemon zest.
Notes
For the best texture and even cooking, resist lifting the lid during simmering. Avoid over-stirring cooked rice to prevent breaking grains. Consider adding crumbled feta or toasted pine nuts for extra texture, or diced bell peppers or spinach for more veggies.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Greek
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 0.75 cup (150 g)
- Calories: 220 calories
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 250 mg
- Fat: 5 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg