Description
A bright, zesty side dish that elevates plain rice with lemon, herbs, and a touch of olive oil, perfect for pairing with any protein.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup Long-grain white rice (such as basmati or jasmine) (Rinsed until water runs clear)
- 1.75 cups Chicken broth or vegetable broth (Low-sodium recommended for better salt control)
- 1 large Fresh lemon (Zest and juice required)
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil (For cooking the rice)
- 2 tablespoons Butter (Optional, for richness)
Aromatics
- 1 medium Onion, finely chopped (For savory depth)
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced (For flavor enhancement)
Herbs and Seasoning
- 1/4 cup Fresh parsley, chopped (For garnish)
- 2 tablespoons Fresh dill, chopped (For garnish)
- 1 teaspoon Salt (To taste)
- 1 teaspoon Pepper (To taste)
- 1 pinch Turmeric (Optional, for color)
Optional Add-Ins
- 1 piece Bay leaf (For flavor while simmering)
- 1 small piece Lemon peel (For additional brightness)
Instructions
Preparation
- Rinse the rice under cool water until the water runs mostly clear to remove excess starch.
- Warm olive oil in a medium pot over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion with a pinch of salt and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds.
- Add the rinsed rice to the pot and stir to coat each grain in oil. Let it gently toast for 1-2 minutes until you hear a soft sizzle.
Cooking
- Add the broth, lemon zest, and a small squeeze of lemon juice (about 1 tablespoon). If desired, add a bay leaf.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Cover the pot, reduce the heat to low, and let it cook for about 12 minutes.
- After 12 minutes, turn off the heat and let the rice rest covered for an additional 10 minutes.
Finishing
- Remove the lid and add the remaining lemon juice, a knob of butter (if using), and chopped parsley and dill. Fluff the rice with a fork, taste, and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
Notes
Store leftovers in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat by adding a splash of water or broth and warming gently. Can be frozen for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Cuisine: Greek, Mediterranean