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Flavorful Bright Greek Lemon Rice: The Ultimate Mediterranean Side Dish

This vibrant Greek lemon rice recipe brings the sunny flavors of the Mediterranean to your table in just 30 minutes. With its bright citrus notes, aromatic herbs, and perfectly fluffy texture, this simple side dish transforms ordinary rice into something extraordinary.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 280
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Ingredients
  • 1 ½ cups long-grain white rice
  • 3 cups vegetable broth
  • ¼ cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 large lemons)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • ¼ cup fresh dill, chopped
  • ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • Lemon zest from 1 lemon

Method
 

Instructions
  1. Heat olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
  2. Add the rice to the saucepan and stir constantly for 2 minutes until the rice becomes slightly translucent around the edges. This toasting step helps the rice absorb flavors better and prevents it from becoming mushy.
  3. Pour in the vegetable broth and lemon juice, then add the salt, pepper, and dried oregano. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-18 minutes until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender.
  4. Remove the saucepan from heat and let it stand covered for 5 minutes. Fluff the rice with a fork, then gently fold in the fresh dill, parsley, and lemon zest. The residual heat will wilt the herbs perfectly without cooking away their fresh flavor.

Notes

Long-grain rice like basmati or jasmine works best as it stays fluffy and separate. Add lemon juice at the beginning with the broth to allow the rice to absorb the citrus flavor throughout cooking. Always use fresh herbs rather than dried for the final addition.