Imagine a side dish so vibrant and flavorful that it instantly whisks you away to the sun-drenched shores of the Mediterranean. Our Authentic Greek Lemon Rice is not just a recipe—it's a culinary journey that transforms simple ingredients into a symphony of bright, citrusy flavors. With just a few easy steps, you'll create a dish that's simultaneously comforting and exciting, perfect for elevating any meal from ordinary to extraordinary.
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Greek
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup rice
- 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Rinse the rice thoroughly under cold water until the water runs clear, which helps remove excess starch and prevents the rice from becoming sticky.
- In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed rice with chicken or vegetable broth. Use a pan with a tight-fitting lid to ensure even cooking.
- Add the lemon zest directly to the broth, which will infuse the rice with a bright, citrusy flavor during cooking.
- Season the mixture with salt and pepper, being careful not to over-salt since the broth already contains sodium.
- Bring the rice and broth to a full boil over high heat, then immediately reduce the heat to the lowest setting and cover the pan with the lid.
- Simmer the rice for approximately 18-20 minutes, or until all liquid is absorbed and rice is tender. Avoid lifting the lid during cooking to maintain consistent steam.
- Once cooked, remove the pan from heat and let it sit covered for an additional 5 minutes to allow the rice to steam and become fluffy.
- Gently fluff the rice with a fork, then drizzle fresh lemon juice over the top.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for added color and a fresh herbal note.
- Serve hot as a side dish, ensuring each portion gets a sprinkle of parsley and a hint of lemon.
Tips
- Always rinse your rice thoroughly to remove excess starch, ensuring a light and fluffy texture.
- Use a tight-fitting lid during cooking to trap steam and create perfectly cooked rice.
- Choose a high-quality broth for deeper flavor complexity.
- Be precise with your liquid-to-rice ratio to avoid mushy or dry rice.
- Let the rice rest after cooking to allow it to absorb remaining moisture and become extra fluffy.
- Fresh lemon zest and juice are key—avoid bottled substitutes for the most authentic taste.
- Chop parsley just before serving to maintain its bright green color and fresh flavor.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 200kcal
Carbohydrates: 40g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 1g
Saturated Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg
