Greek Lemon Rice Recipe
User Reviews
5
-
Prep Time
5 mins
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Cook Time
25 mins
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Total Time
30 mins
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Servings
4
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Calories
345 kcal
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Course
Side Dish
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Cuisine
Mediterranean, Greek
Greek Lemon Rice Recipe
Description
This recipe begins by rinsing basmati rice to remove excess starch, helping the grains stay separate and fluffy. Onions are sautéed in olive oil until translucent, then garlic is added briefly. The rice is introduced and cooked with lemon juice, water, and salt until tender. After simmering and resting with the lid on, the rice is fluffed to achieve a light texture. Chopped parsley provides a fresh finish.
The lemon juice lends a fresh and tangy character that permeates the rice without overpowering it. The sautéed onion and garlic add depth and a mild sweetness to balance the citrus notes. The cooking method ensures each grain is tender with a slight firmness, typical of well-made pilaf-style rice.
This lemon rice pairs well with Greek and Mediterranean dishes such as grilled chicken, lamb kofta, or seafood preparations, enhancing meals with its bright flavor. It works well as a lighter, fragrant side dish for a range of proteins.
Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat gently in a pan or thaw overnight in the fridge.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cup basmati rice
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 2 lemon juice of, plural
- 1 1/2 cup water
- 1/4 cup parsley chopped
Instructions
- Rinse the rice a few times to get rid of the excess starch. Set aside.
- In a large saucepan, heat some olive oil. Sauté the onion until translucent. Add in the garlic ad cook for a minute.
- Add the rice and sauté for a minute. Season with salt and add the lemon juice and water.
- Bring to a simmer, cover and cook for 20 minutes until the water is absorbed and the rice is tender. Turn the heat off and keep the lid on. Let the rice sit for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork and serve.
- Fluff with a fork and serve. Garnish with parsley if desired.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freeze cooked rice up to 3 months; thaw overnight or reheat in a pan over medium heat.
- Pairs nicely with various Mediterranean dishes such as Greek grilled chicken, lamb kofta, or seafood.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 345 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 345kcal | 17% |
| Carbohydrates | 64g | 21% |
| Protein | 6g | 12% |
| Fat | 8g | 12% |
| Saturated Fat | 1g | 5% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1g | 6% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 5g | 25% |
| Sodium | 301mg | 13% |
| Potassium | 204mg | 4% |
| Fiber | 3g | 12% |
| Sugar | 3g | 6% |
| Vitamin A | 13IU | 0% |
| Vitamin C | 31mg | 34% |
| Calcium | 47mg | 5% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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