Lemon Scented Rice with Pistachios
Elevate your side dish game with this vibrant and aromatic Lemon Scented Rice with Pistachios, a perfect balance of zesty citrus and nutty crunch. Fragrant basmati rice is infused with bright lemon zest and juice, creating a refreshing base that's complemented by the rich, buttery flavor of toasted pistachios. A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a touch of herbaceous freshness, while a dash of black pepper ties it all together. Quick to prepare in just 30 minutes, this dish is a delightful pairing for grilled chicken, seafood, or roasted vegetables, but also shines as a light and satisfying standalone meal. Whether served warm or at room temperature, this rice recipe is a must-try for anyone craving a Mediterranean-inspired twist on classic rice dishes!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 cup basmati rice
- 1.5 cups water
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 0.25 cup pistachios, shelled and roughly chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 0.5 teaspoons salt
- 0.25 teaspoons black pepper
Instructions
Rinse the basmati rice thoroughly under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch. Drain well.
In a medium saucepan, bring 1.5 cups of water to a boil. Add the rinsed rice and salt, then reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan with a tight-fitting lid, and simmer for 15 minutes or until the rice is tender and the water is fully absorbed.
While the rice is cooking, heat olive oil and butter in a small skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped pistachios and toast them for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently until they are fragrant. Remove the skillet from the heat and set aside.
Once the rice is cooked, remove it from the heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes to steam. Fluff the rice gently with a fork.
Add the lemon zest, lemon juice, toasted pistachios, and freshly chopped parsley to the rice. Stir gently to combine, ensuring the flavors distribute evenly.
Season the rice with black pepper and adjust salt if necessary.
Transfer the lemon-scented rice to a serving plate and garnish with additional parsley or pistachios if desired. Serve warm or at room temperature alongside your favorite main dish or as a standalone meal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
183 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 10.9 g | 14% | |
| Saturated Fat | 2.9 g | 14% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 8 mg | 3% | |
| Sodium | 249 mg | 11% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 19.0 g | 7% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 1.5 g | 5% | |
| Total Sugars | 1.0 g | ||
| Protein | 3.7 g | 7% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 31 mg | 2% | |
| Iron | 1.0 mg | 6% | |
| Potassium | 147 mg | 3% | |
*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.
