Greek Lemon Rice - Pilaf
This authentic Greek recipe is not just "another flavored rice" it is a Pilaf. A Pilaf is a kind of Risotto, that means you'll start cooking it as if it was Risotto. This delicious side-dish is prepared with plenty of fresh lemon, so if you're looking for a fresh side-dish, this is the perfect recipe for you.
Ingredients
- 2 Tbsp Olive Oil
- 1 small Onion
- 2 cloves Garlic
- 1 cup Long Grain Rice
- 2 cups Chicken Broth
- ¼ cup Lemon Juice
- 2 tsp Lemon Zest
- 1 Tbsp Dill
- 1 Tbsp Parsley
- ¼ tsp dried Oregano
- ¼ tsp ground Cumin
- 1 pinch Turmeric optional (for coloring)
- Salt to taste
- ¼ tsp ground Black Pepper
Instructions
- Soak the rice for about 20 minutes in water with a few drops of lemon juice. And then drain it.
- Heat oil over medium heat in large saucepan or small pot. Once the oil is hot Sauté the onion until soft and translucent for about 3-4 minutes and then the garlic until it's gold-brown.
- Add the soaked and drained basmati rice and lemon zest, and stir it until rice turns translucent.
- Add the broth, lemon juice, dill, parsley, cumin, oregano, black pepper, salt, and turmeric, if you want to add color to it. Stir, cover and lower the heat until you have a simmer. Cook for 10-15 minutes, until rice is cooked, and most of the liquid absorbed.
- Remove from from stove and rest for 10 minutes (keep the lid on).
- Remove lid. stir through extra lemon juice, top with herbs and you're ready to serve it.
Notes
Chef Tips'
The flavor is all in the onions, garlic, lemons, and herbs so you want to make sure you use fresh ingredients to a better flavor.
Don't skip soaking the rice for at least 15 minutes, this will make your rice fluffy and not sticky.
If the broth mixture evaporates before the rice is done, add extra water.
If you want a bright and yellow rice, add a pinch of turmeric, this will give its' color.