Authentic Greek Lemon Rice-Rizi Lemonato
User Reviews
5
-
Prep Time
5 mins
-
Cook Time
20 mins
-
Total Time
25 mins
-
Servings
4
-
Course
Side Dish
-
Cuisine
Mediterranean, Greek
Authentic Greek Lemon Rice-Rizi Lemonato
Description
This Greek Lemon Rice recipe starts by softening finely chopped white onion in extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Uncooked plain white long grain rice is added and toasted briefly until translucent and slightly golden. Then, water or vegetable broth is added, and the rice simmers covered until tender and most liquid absorbed, usually 10 to 15 minutes depending on the rice variety.
Once cooked, the rice rests covered off heat for 10 minutes, allowing steam to finish the cooking and enhance texture. Fresh lemon juice and freshly ground black pepper are stirred in to give a bright, slightly tangy note. Optionally, lemon zest and chopped parsley can be added for extra aroma and color.
This side dish has a light, fluffy texture with a mild tartness from the lemon that balances the savory base. It pairs well with grilled meats, seafood, or vegetable dishes, bringing a citrus freshness to meals. Using plain long grain rice is key to avoiding sticky or clumpy results, as recommended in the notes.
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 onion small white; finely chopped
- 1 cup white long grain rice uncooked; plain
- 2 cups (500 ml) water or vegetable broth
- 3 tbsp lemon juice fresh
- lemon optional, zest from half a lemon
- 1 ½ tbsp. parsley optional, chopped
- black pepper fresh ground; for serving
- salt to taste
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil over over medium heat. Sauté the onion until soft and translucent for about 5 minutes.
- Add the rice and continue heating stirring the rice until it begins to turn golden about 1 minute.
- Add the broth, cover and lower the heat until you have a simmer. Cook for 10-15 minutes (this depends on what kind of rice you used), rice should be cooked, and most of the liquid absorbed.
- Turn off the heat and keep the rice covered for 10 minutes.
- Add lemon juice and fresh ground pepper and fluff up with a fork.
- Add salt to taste.
- Optionally add chopped parsley and lemon zest.
- Serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- Use plain long grain rice rather than basmati or jasmine to maintain proper texture and flavor balance.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
You'll Also Love
