My Big Fat Greek Pilaf
Transport your taste buds straight to the Mediterranean with "My Big Fat Greek Pilaf," a vibrant rice dish infused with the authentic flavors of Greece. This recipe combines fluffy long-grain rice perfectly cooked in savory broth with the fresh, zesty aroma of dill, parsley, oregano, and a touch of lemon zest and juice. Every forkful is elevated with crumbled feta cheese for that quintessential Greek tang, and you can add toasted pine nuts for an extra layer of richness and crunch. Ready in under an hour, this one-pot wonder is as versatile as it is delicious—serve it as a hearty vegetarian main or a lively side dish alongside grilled meats or roasted vegetables. Perfect for weeknight dinners or festive gatherings, this Greek-inspired pilaf will quickly become a household favorite!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 cups long-grain rice
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon fresh oregano, chopped
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons pine nuts (optional)
Instructions
Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Set aside to drain.
Heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.
Add the chopped onion and sauté until it becomes translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant.
Add the rice to the saucepan and stir to coat it in the oil. Toast the rice lightly for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly.
Pour in the vegetable or chicken broth and bring to a boil.
Reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan, and let the rice simmer for 18-20 minutes or until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender.
Turn off the heat and let the rice sit, covered, for 5 minutes to continue steaming.
Fluff the rice with a fork and stir in the dill, parsley, oregano, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper.
Optional: Toast the pine nuts in a small dry skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes until golden brown. Add to the pilaf for extra flavor and texture.
Gently fold in the crumbled feta cheese just before serving.
Serve warm as a main course or side dish and enjoy the fresh, vibrant flavors of Greece!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1148 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 57.2 g | 73% | |
| Saturated Fat | 8.2 g | 41% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 4.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 5820 mg | 253% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 136.5 g | 50% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 5.7 g | 20% | |
| Total Sugars | 8.6 g | ||
| Protein | 21.7 g | 43% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 170 mg | 13% | |
| Iron | 8.0 mg | 44% | |
| Potassium | 804 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.
