Experience the vibrant flavors of Greek cuisine with this delightful Lemon Rice Pilaf recipe. Combining the zesty freshness of lemons with the fragrant allure of rice, this dish is a true celebration of Mediterranean flavors.
To create this mouthwatering recipe, you'll need a handful of key ingredients. Begin with high-quality Greek olive oil, known for its distinct taste and health benefits. Next, select fragrant long-grain rice, which forms the base of this flavorful pilaf. Enhance the aroma and taste with freshly squeezed lemon juice, providing a tangy and refreshing element.
To elevate this recipe even further, consider sourcing your ingredients from our great selection of Greek products online. From authentic Greek olive oil to the finest long-grain rice and tantalizing lemons, these online stores provide a convenient way to access genuine Greek products without leaving your home. Explore a wide selection of traditional ingredients, carefully curated to bring the flavors of Greece straight to your kitchen.
Experience the magic of Mediterranean cooking with this enticing Lemon Rice Pilaf recipe. Elevate your culinary adventures by sourcing authentic Greek products online from our great selection and bring the flavors of Greece to your home. Enjoy the tantalizing combination of zesty lemons, fragrant rice, and the finest Greek ingredients, all in one delightful dish.
Stir up this
quick one-pot dish- “Greek lemon rice pilaf.” The tender, fluffy rice fills the
mouth with delightful refreshing flavors.
The
long-grain rice gives the palate a fragrant freshness infused by zingy lemon
juice and parsley. The sweetness of onions and the earthy taste of
Mediterranean seasoning work brilliantly. A wonderful depth of flavor comes
from the vegetable/chicken broth. Thus, avoid using water and stick to using the
broth whenever cooking the Greek pilaf.
You can
serve the Greek lemon rice pilaf with chicken gyros, keftedes (Greek
meatballs), shrimp saganaki, or chicken souvlaki (skewered meat like kebabs). Besides going
the traditional way, you can relish this aromatic rice with stir-fried veggies
or rotisserie turkey/chicken!
Firstly, transfer the rice grains to a mesh sieve and rinse it thoroughly (about 3-4 times). Shake off the excess water and keep it aside.
Now, drizzle the extra virgin olive oil in a heavy-bottomed saucepan placed on the stove over medium heat.
Add the minced garlic into the hot oil. Let it cook for 30-40 seconds until fragrant.
Next, add the chopped onions. Cook for 4-5 mins by stirring frequently until they soften and become translucent.
Stir in the sea salt and Mediterranean seasoning. Mix for 30 seconds.
Then, add the rice and cook for a minute by stirring continuously so that it doesn’t stick to the bottom of the saucepan.
Pour in the vegetable/chicken broth followed by the lemon juice. Stir once, increase heat to medium-high, and let it cook undisturbed for a few minutes.
Once it starts bubbling, cover the saucepan with a well-fitted lid, and reduce the heat to low. Let it cook for about 12 mins until all the liquid is absorbed.
Turn off the stove and let the saucepan rest for 5 minutes on the kitchen top.
Lastly, remove the lid and fluff the rice using a fork. Sprinkle the black pepper, lemon zest, and chopped parsley. Mix gently without breaking the rice grains.
Recipe Note
•
For the rice, you
may opt for Basmati or jasmine rice. Traditionally, the recipe always uses
white long-grain rice. If you wish to prepare it with brown rice, then keep in
mind that the cooking time will increase. You’ll also have to adjust the lemon
tang by adding more juice/zest.
•
The Mediterranean
seasoning is a mix of spices and dried herbs such as garlic, onion, dill,
oregano, marjoram, parsley, & thyme. Some spice blends may include nutmeg,
basil, cinnamon, salt, & pepper. It infuses an aromatic warmth with sweet
and savory flavors.
•
For a hearty
meal, the Greek lemon rice pilaf may also be prepared with chickpeas or
chicken.
