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Summer Fresh Greek Lemon Rice - Bright Sunny Lemon Pilaf Recipe

This vibrant Greek lemon rice recipe captures the essence of summer with bright citrus notes, fresh herbs, and fluffy rice. Perfect as a side dish for grilled meats or as part of a Mediterranean mezze platter, it's like taking a Mediterranean vacation right from your kitchen.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 280
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Ingredients
  • 2 cups long-grain white rice
  • 4 cups vegetable broth
  • 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • Zest and juice of 2 large lemons
  • 1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons fresh mint, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Lemon wedges for serving

Method
 

Instructions
  1. Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This removes excess starch and prevents the rice from becoming gummy.
  2. In a large saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
  3. Add the rinsed rice to the pan and stir to coat with the oil. Toast the rice for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until it becomes slightly translucent around the edges.
  4. Pour in the vegetable broth and add the lemon zest. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-18 minutes until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender.
  5. Remove from heat and let stand covered for 5 minutes. Then fluff the rice with a fork and stir in the lemon juice and all the fresh herbs.
  6. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve warm with extra lemon wedges on the side.

Notes

Use long-grain rice like basmati or jasmine for best results. Add lemon juice after cooking to preserve bright flavor. Fresh herbs provide the brightest taste - if using dried, use one-third the amount.