Authentic Greek Lemon Rice Pilaf with Orzo
A bright and flavorful Greek rice pilaf made with orzo, fresh lemon, and herbs.
Equipment
- Medium saucepan
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups long-grain white rice
- 1 ½ tablespoons olive oil
- 1 clove garlic minced
- ⅓ cup orzo pasta
- 1 ¾ cups vegetable broth
- Zest of ½ lemon
- Juice of 1 ½ lemons
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped
- 2 teaspoons fresh dill chopped
- Lemon slices for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs mostly clear. Drain well.
- Warm the olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
- Stir in the orzo and cook for about 2 minutes, stirring often, until lightly golden.
- Add the rice, vegetable broth, and lemon juice. Stir well and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
- Cover the pan, reduce the heat to low, and let it simmer for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender.
- Remove the pan from the heat and let it rest, covered, for 5 minutes.
- Fluff the rice gently with a fork. Stir in the lemon zest, parsley, and dill.
- Serve warm, with lemon slices on the side if desired.
Notes
Use fresh lemon juice for the best flavor. Do not skip rinsing the rice to ensure a fluffy texture. Adjust herbs to taste for a more personalized finish.
Nutrition
Serving: 1servingCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 6gFat: 7gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gSodium: 450mgPotassium: 400mgFiber: 2gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 15IUVitamin C: 20mgCalcium: 30mgIron: 1mg
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