Description
This Greek Lemon Dill Rice recipe is a bright and fragrant side dish combining the zesty flavors of lemon with fresh dill and parsley. Made with basmati rice cooked in chicken or vegetable stock, it is a simple yet flavorful accompaniment perfect for Mediterranean-inspired meals.
Ingredients
Scale
Rice Base
- 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
- 2 cups (500 ml) chicken or vegetable stock (see note for gluten-free options)
- ½ tsp sea salt flakes
Flavoring & Garnish
- Juice and zest of 1 lemon
- 2 tbsp finely chopped flat-leaf parsley
- 2 tbsp finely chopped fresh dill
- Lemon wedges, to serve
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat 2 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium–low heat. Add the finely diced brown onion and freshly minced garlic, cooking while stirring for 2 to 3 minutes until they soften and release a fragrant aroma.
- Add Rice and Liquids: Stir the washed and drained basmati rice into the saucepan. Immediately pour in the lemon juice, chicken or vegetable stock, and sprinkle the sea salt flakes. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil over medium-high heat.
- Simmer Rice: Once boiling, reduce the heat immediately to low, cover the saucepan with a lid, and cook for 12 to 14 minutes. You will know it’s done when small pits appear on the surface and all liquid is absorbed.
- Rest the Rice: Turn off the heat and let the rice stand covered for 10 minutes to steam and finish cooking without burning.
- Fluff and Season: Remove the lid, fluff the rice gently with a fork to separate grains, then stir through the lemon zest, finely chopped parsley, and fresh dill to infuse fresh herbal flavors.
- Serve: Serve the rice immediately with extra lemon wedges on the side for an added citrus punch.
Notes
- Check the ingredient panel on packaged chicken stock to ensure it’s gluten-free if needed.
- To make ahead, prepare the rice as directed and refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 48 hours. For best flavor, stir through the herbs just before serving after reheating.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 2 days in an airtight container.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (approx. 160g)
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 1.2 g
- Sodium: 320 mg
- Fat: 5 g
- Saturated Fat: 0.7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3.8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 37 g
- Fiber: 1.5 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
