Greek Rice Pilaf
Transport your taste buds to the Mediterranean with this flavorful Greek Rice Pilaf, a side dish that’s bursting with vibrant ingredients and aromatic spices. Perfectly cooked long-grain white rice is infused with the tangy brightness of fresh lemon juice and zest, the earthy warmth of oregano, and the subtle richness of bay leaf-simmered broth. Sautéed onion and garlic create a fragrant base, while a finishing sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness. This easy-to-make recipe requires just 35 minutes from start to finish and pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, seafood, or roasted vegetables. Whether you're crafting a casual weeknight dinner or a festive spread, this lemony rice pilaf will elevate your dishes with its irresistible Mediterranean flair.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 1.5 cups long-grain white rice
- 3 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 leaf bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 large lemon, juiced and zested
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 0.5 teaspoons salt
- 0.25 teaspoons ground black pepper
Instructions
Heat the olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until soft and translucent.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add the rice and stir well to coat it with the oil. Toast the rice for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it begins to turn slightly golden.
Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and stir to combine.
Add the bay leaf, oregano, salt, and ground black pepper. Stir lightly to mix.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the saucepan with a tight-fitting lid.
Let the rice simmer for 15-18 minutes, or until all the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender.
Remove the saucepan from heat and discard the bay leaf. Fluff the rice with a fork.
Stir in the lemon juice and zest, then sprinkle the chopped parsley over the top.
Serve the Greek Rice Pilaf warm as a side dish to grilled meats, seafood, or roasted vegetables.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
788 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 30.3 g | 39% | |
| Saturated Fat | 4.6 g | 23% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 15 mg | 5% | |
| Sodium | 3570 mg | 155% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 117.2 g | 43% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 8.2 g | 29% | |
| Total Sugars | 12.0 g | ||
| Protein | 18.1 g | 36% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 176 mg | 14% | |
| Iron | 3.6 mg | 20% | |
| Potassium | 807 mg | 17% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
