Greek Rice

Fragrant, comforting, and wonderfully simple - this Greek Rice is the kind of side dish that turns everyday ingredients into something special. Long grain white rice gently simmers in a savory broth infused with olive oil, shallots, garlic, fresh lemon zest and juice, and fresh herbs.

Course Side Dish

Cuisine American, Mediterranean

Keyword greek rice, greek rice pilaf

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 25

Total Time 40

Servings

Calories 278kcal

Author Jessica - Together as Family

Equipment

Ingredients

2 tablespoons olive oil
2 shallots finely diced
1½ cups white long grain rice (rinsed & strained well)
6 cloves garlic minced or pressed
2 cups chicken broth
½ teaspoon kosher salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 lemon zested & juiced
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (flat-leaf parsley)
2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill

Instructions

In a saucepan, over medium heat, heat the olive oil. Add the shallots and cook until they soften.
2 tablespoons olive oil, 2 shallots
Stir in the rice and garlic, and cook for another 1 minute, while stirring constantly.
1½ cups white long grain rice, 6 cloves garlic
Add in the chicken broth, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil. Once boiling, cover the pan, and reduce the heat to low. Let simmer for 18-20 minutes or until the rice is soft and tender.
2 cups chicken broth, ½ teaspoon kosher salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper
Fluff the rice with a fork and stir in the lemon zest, lemon juice, parsley, and dill. Serve and enjoy!
1 lemon, 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill

Notes

Olive Oil : For added flavor, use a greek flavored olive oil or lemon flavored olive oil. You can use classic olive oil, light tasting, or extra-virign; whichever you prefer.
Long Grain Rice : It must be white rice and it must be long grain rice. No exceptions! This recipe was specifically designed for white rice and not brown rice. Also, you need long grain otherwise the rice turns out mushy on the stove top, when using a short grain rice.
Garlic Cloves : Fresh is best, but you can use chopped garlic from a jar or garlic paste.
Chicken Broth : Chicken stock, chicken bone broth, vegetable broth or stock, and even the low-sodium versions can all be used. I prefer using a full salted chicken bone broth when I make this rice recipe. If you want lower-sodium for preference or dietary restrictions, then make sure you are using a reduced sodium chicken broth.
Fresh Herbs : I highly recommend using the fresh herbs - but you can use dried if you must. If using dried herbs, then you will only need 2 teaspoons of dried parsley and 2 teaspoons of dried dill.
Lemon : Do not use bottled lemon juice! You need fresh lemon zest anyways, so grab a large lemon, zest it first and then juice it. So much bright, citrus flavor for this greek rice.

Nutrition