Ok, we have to come clean here. We have never been to Greece, but it is on our bucket list! To give us a little credit, we have some family lineage that is from there! But that doesn’t mean that we can’t pretend, right? Get ready to spice up your life with the zestiest dish around – lemon greek rice! This vibrant and tangy recipe is a burst of sunshine on your plate. Lemon greek rice isn’t just a side dish, it’s a superstar! It can steal the show on its own, or serve as the ultimate sidekick to your favorite grilled meats or seafood. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or a cozy family dinner, this lemon greek rice will bring smiles, laughter, and satisfied bellies. Make this an even more memorable dish with our suggested pairing below!

greek lemon rice

how to make lemon greek rice

INGREDIENTS :

  • 1 C white basmati rice 
  • ¼ C fresh lemon juice 
  • 2 t lemon zest 
  • ½ yellow onion, finely chopped 
  • 3 cloves of garlic, microplaned 
  • 2 C vegetable broth 
  • ½ t turmeric 
  • 1 T fresh dill, finely chopped 
  • 1 T fresh parsley, finely chopped 
  • ½  t ground cumin 
  • ½  t dried oregano 
  • salt & pepper, to taste 
  • 2 T extra virgin olive oil
ingredients for greek lemon rice

METHOD

Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onions and garlic and saute until golden brown. Next, add the rice and lemon zest. Saute for around one minute, and stir frequently to prevent sticking. 

Add your broth, lemon juice, dill, parsley, cumin, oregano, salt, pepper, and turmeric to the pot. Stir until all ingredients are thoroughly combined. Bring the rice to a boil and then immediately reduce heat to low and cover with a lid. 

Cook the rice for ~ 10 – 15 minutes or until the broth mixture is fully absorbed and the rice is tender. Remove the pot from heat, and allow the rice to sit covered for an additional ten minutes. 

Garnish with lemon juice, parsley, or dill if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Buon Appetito!

greek lemon rice

Notes

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. This means we may earn a commission should you choose to make a purchase using our link. We love all of these products, and hope you will too!

Microplane garlic? Yup! It’s a quick and efficient way to get your garlic ready to cook on a really fine level. Just get yourself a decent microplane grater and be careful not to cut yourself, because this things is sharp! Place a bowl under your grater. Take the garlic by one of the tips and slowly slide it back and forth until most of the garlic has been sent through. This technique allows the garlic flavors to come through a dish with more spice and intensity.

Suggested Pairing for lemon greek rice

Hear us out! A bowl of lemon greek rice in one hand and a refreshing watermelon cucumber spritz in the other. The tangy lemon notes in the rice will harmonize with the cool, crisp flavors of watermelon and cucumber in the spritz. Together, these two recipes create a dynamic duo that’s perfect for summer gatherings, outdoor picnics, or just a good old classic sit-down dinner. You feel as if you have just transported to Santorini!

lemon greek rice

Bites

Hi there, 
We are Elise and Evan and we're so glad you are here! Cheffing up tasty bites and sips is our love language and we are very happy to share these recipes with you. We both have valuable restaurant experience and have learned a thing or two about making tasty bites and sips. Through Carnelian Cooks we are sharing all of our tips and tricks! Please provide a comment or feedback below on any recipes that you give a try. 

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