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Easy Greek Lemon Rice Pilaf with Feta and Herbs

A perfectly molded serving of yellow Mediterranean rice topped with crumbled feta cheese and fresh parsley.
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Make this light, fluffy, and zesty Greek Lemon Rice side dish. It uses simple ingredients to bring authentic Mediterranean flavor to your table, pairing well with grilled chicken or fish.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 1/2 cups long-grain white rice, rinsed
  • 3 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon turmeric (for color)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • Zest of 1 large lemon
  • 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
  • 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. Heat the olive oil and butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until soft, about 5 minutes.
  2. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Do not let the garlic brown.
  3. Add the rinsed rice, dried oregano, turmeric, salt, and pepper to the pot. Stir constantly for 2 minutes to toast the rice lightly.
  4. Pour in the chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then immediately reduce the heat to low, cover the pot tightly, and simmer for 15 minutes without lifting the lid.
  5. Remove the pot from the heat and let it stand, covered, for an additional 10 minutes. This step helps the rice become fluffy.
  6. Remove the lid. Fluff the rice gently with a fork. Stir in the lemon zest and fresh lemon juice.
  7. Fold in the crumbled feta cheese and chopped fresh parsley. Serve this flavorful rice immediately as a perfect side dish.

Notes

  • For a vegan rice dish, substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth.
  • To achieve the best fluffy rice texture, rinse your rice thoroughly until the water runs clear before cooking.
  • This recipe works well in a rice cooker; use the standard white rice setting, adding the spices before cooking.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cookincorner.com/mediterranean-rice-greek-lemon-rice-pilaf/