Description
This Greek Lemon Dill Rice recipe is a bright and flavorful side dish featuring aromatic basmati rice cooked with fresh lemon juice, zest, and fragrant herbs like dill and parsley. Perfectly soft and zesty, it complements a variety of Mediterranean and Greek-inspired meals.
Ingredients
Scale
Rice and Flavorings
- 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 brown onion, finely diced
- 1 tsp freshly minced garlic
- 2 cups (400 g) basmati rice, washed and drained
- Juice and zest of 1 lemon
- 2 cups (500 ml) chicken or vegetable stock (see note 1 for gluten-free)
- ½ tsp sea salt flakes
- 2 tbsp finely chopped flat-leaf parsley
- 2 tbsp finely chopped fresh dill
- Lemon wedges, to serve
Instructions
- Prepare the Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium–low heat. Add the finely diced onion and freshly minced garlic. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 2–3 minutes until softened and fragrant, creating a flavorful base for the rice.
- Cook the Rice: Stir the washed and drained basmati rice into the saucepan with the aromatics. Immediately add the lemon juice, chicken or vegetable stock, and sea salt. Increase heat to bring the mixture to a rolling boil.
- Simmer: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan, and cook for 12–14 minutes until small pits appear on the surface of the rice and all the liquid has been absorbed.
- Rest the Rice: Remove the saucepan from heat and allow it to stand, still covered, for 10 minutes. This resting time helps the rice to finish steaming and become fluffy.
- Finish and Serve: Uncover the rice and fluff it gently with a fork. Stir through the lemon zest, chopped parsley, and fresh dill for a burst of vibrant flavor. Serve immediately with extra lemon wedges for squeezing.
Notes
- Note 1 – Although most chicken stocks are gluten-free, always check the ingredients to ensure gluten-free compliance.
- Make ahead: Prepare as per the recipe and refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 48 hours. For best results, stir through the herbs after reheating and just before serving.
- Leftovers: Store refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 5 g
- Saturated Fat: 0.7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
