Easy Greek Lemon Rice Pilaf Recipe

I recently whipped up a Mediterranean Lemon Rice recipe that transformed my dinner routine. The burst of zesty lemon paired with aromatic garlic and perfectly cooked rice creates an unforgettable side dish. I was amazed at how such a simple mix of ingredients could bring so much vibrant flavor and a touch of Mediterranean charm to my meal.

I recently tried my hand at making this Greek Lemon Rice Pilaf and I gotta say, it turned out better than expected. I used 1 cup of long grain white rice with 2 cups of vegetable broth, and a couple of tablespoons of olive oil to start the process.

Then I tossed in a finely chopped onion and 2 minced garlic cloves that instantly filled my kitchen with amazing aromas. The real star though is the lemon – I added the juice and zest of one lemon which brought a bright, tangy kick to the dish.

I seasoned it with salt and a bit of ground black pepper and even sprinkled in some chopped fresh parsley for that extra touch of flavor. I love how this recipe fits right in with easy Mediterranean diet recipes and pairs so well with a variety of Greek dinners like Greek Chicken with Lemon Rice.

Give it a try and let your taste buds decide!

Why I Like this Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s super easy to put together. I don’t have to spend hours in the kitchen and its perfect for a quick dinner when I’m short on time.

I also like how it tastes really fresh and zesty. The lemon juice and zest give it a kick that makes my tastebuds go crazy in a good way.

Another reason is that it’s healthy without being boring. Even though its just rice with veggies and lemon, it’s packed with flavor and feels light enough to eat any day.

Lastly, it’s simple enough that I can easily tweak it to my liking if I feel like experimenting a bit, which keeps it fun to make every time.

Ingredients

• White Rice: A starchy base that absorbs flavors well and delivers energy and satisfaction.
• Vegetable Broth: A nutritious liquid that infuses savory depth and moisture to the rice; rich taste.
• Olive Oil: A heart healthy fat that adds smooth richness and slight fruitiness to the pilaf.
• Onion: Finely chopped onion gives sweetness and depth, softening the overall savory blend.
• Garlic: Minced garlic boosts flavor intensity with its pungent aroma and yummy spice.
• Lemon Juice and Zest: Bright lemon juice and zest deliver tangy freshness and vitamin C, lightening the dish.
• Parsley: Chopped parsley adds a herbal finish and color contrast; optional but refreshing garnish.

Ingredient Quantities

• 1 cup long grain white rice
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 small onion, chopped fine
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• Juice of 1 lemon (roughly 3 tablespoons)
• Zest of 1 lemon
• Salt to taste
• Ground black pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)

How to Make this

1. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for about 3-4 minutes until soft. Then toss in the minced garlic and cook for about another minute.

2. Mix in the 1 cup of long grain white rice and stir well so that every grain gets a bit of the oil and flavor.

3. Pour in the 2 cups of vegetable broth, then add the juice of 1 lemon (about 3 tablespoons) and the zest of 1 lemon to the saucepan.

4. Season with salt and ground black pepper to taste and give everything a good stir.

5. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then lower the heat to a gentle simmer; cover the pan.

6. Allow the rice to cook for around 18-20 minutes or until all the broth is absorbed and the rice is tender.

7. Once the rice is done, remove the pan from the heat and let it sit covered for about 5 minutes.

8. Fluff the rice with a fork to release any trapped steam.

9. If you like, stir in 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley for a bit of extra color and flavor.

10. Taste and adjust any seasonings if needed, then serve warm and enjoy your Easy Greek Lemon Rice Pilaf!

Equipment Needed

1. Medium saucepan with a lid
2. Measuring cups for the rice and broth
3. Measuring spoons for the olive oil, lemon juice, and parsley
4. A sharp knife along with a cutting board for chopping the onion, garlic, and parsley
5. A wooden spoon or a heat resistant spatula for stirring the mixture
6. A citrus zester (or a grater) for zesting the lemon
7. A fork for fluffing the cooked rice

FAQ

Easy Greek Lemon Rice Pilaf Recipe Substitutions and Variations

• Vegetable broth: You can use chicken broth instead, or water mixed with one bouillon cube to spice things up.
• Long grain white rice: Try using basmati or jasmine rice if you’re looking for a different texture and aroma, but adjust the liquid as needed.
• Olive oil: If you ran out of olive oil, you can swap it with canola oil or even a little melted butter for a richer flavor.
• Fresh parsley: You might use fresh cilantro or basil instead, even though they bring a bit of a different vibe to the dish.
• Lemon juice: Lime juice can work as a substitute if lemons arent available, though you might miss out on that classic lemon taste slightly.

Pro Tips

1) Try to toast the rice a little longer when you mix it with the oil and onions before adding the broth. It brings out a nuttier flavor that really makes the dish pop.

2) If possible, use a good, homemade vegetable broth or a brand that you know isn’t too salty. It makes a huge difference in depth and taste.

3) Watch the onions and garlic closely while they’re cooking. Let the onions really soften and almost melt so the flavors blend nicely, instead of just frying them off too quickly.

4) After turning off the heat, let the rice sit covered for around 5 minutes. This extra time lets it steam a bit more, making it even fluffier and more delicious.