Description
This lemon rice is a refreshing Mediterranean side dish made with long-grain rice, olive oil, lemon, and Mediterranean herbs like oregano. It pairs beautifully with grilled meats, seafood, and roasted vegetables, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups long-grain rice (or basmati rice)
- 3 cups water (or vegetable broth for more flavor)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano (or fresh oregano for a more aromatic flavor)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
- Rinse the rice: Start by rinsing the rice under cold water to remove excess starch.
- Sauté the onion and garlic: In a saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and sauté until soft. Add garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
- Add the rice: Stir in the rinsed rice, toasting it for 2 minutes with onions and garlic.
- Cook the rice: Add water (or broth), lemon zest, lemon juice, oregano, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then cover and simmer for 18-20 minutes.
- Fluff and serve: Let the rice sit for 5 minutes, fluff with a fork, and garnish with fresh parsley.
Notes
- Rice Type: Use long-grain rice like basmati for fluffy rice. Short-grain rice tends to be stickier.
- For extra tang: Add extra lemon juice or zest to taste.
- Herb Variations: Try adding thyme, dill, or basil for different Mediterranean flavors.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the fridge. Freeze for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Cooked
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 5mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg