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Bowl of easy Greek lemon rice garnished with lemon slices and parsley

Greek Lemon Rice

A bright and flavorful side dish made with rice, lemon juice, olive oil, and herbs, perfect for pairing with Mediterranean meals.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: Greek, Mediterranean
Calories: 200
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 cup long grain rice or basmati rice Works best as it stays fluffy and does not become sticky.
  • 2 cups chicken broth or vegetable broth
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil Adds richness and carries the lemon flavor.
  • ¼ cup fresh lemon juice Fresh juice is highly recommended.
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced Adds depth and balance.
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Optional Ingredients
  • ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley For added freshness.
  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano Enhances the Mediterranean flavor.
  • 2 tablespoons chopped dill
  • ¼ cup diced onion Optional for added flavor.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Rinse the rice under cold water until it runs clear to remove excess starch.
  2. In a medium pot, heat olive oil over medium heat.
  3. Add minced garlic and optional diced onion, cooking for 2 to 3 minutes until soft and fragrant.
  4. Add the rinsed rice to the pot and stir gently to coat with olive oil and garlic.
  5. Pour in chicken or vegetable broth, add salt and pepper, stir once, and bring to a gentle boil.
  6. Reduce heat to low, cover, and let the rice simmer for 15 to 18 minutes.
  7. After cooking, remove from heat but keep covered for 5 to 10 minutes to fluff.
  8. Fluff the rice with a fork, then mix in lemon juice, zest, olive oil, and fresh herbs if using.

Notes

Use fresh lemon juice for the best flavor. Avoid overcooking the rice for optimal texture. You can customize with various herbs or add vegetables for different flavors.