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Best Fluffy Greek Lemon Rice - Perfect Fluffy Lemon Pilaf Recipe

Transform ordinary rice into an extraordinary Mediterranean masterpiece with this fluffy Greek lemon rice recipe. The perfect combination of zesty lemon, aromatic herbs, and perfectly separated grains creates a side dish that will elevate any meal from simple to spectacular.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 250
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Ingredients
  • 2 cups long-grain white rice
  • 4 cups vegetable broth
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 large onion, finely chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • Zest of 2 lemons
  • Juice of 3 lemons
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped
  • Lemon slices for garnish

Method
 

Instructions
  1. Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This removes excess starch and ensures fluffy grains. Drain well and set aside.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
  3. Add the rinsed rice to the pan and stir to coat with the oil. Toast the rice for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until the grains become slightly translucent around the edges.
  4. Pour in the vegetable broth, lemon juice, lemon zest, oregano, and thyme. Season with salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18-20 minutes.
  5. Remove from heat and let the rice stand covered for 10 minutes. This allows the grains to finish cooking and absorb any remaining liquid.
  6. Fluff the rice with a fork, then gently fold in the fresh parsley and dill. Adjust seasoning if needed and garnish with lemon slices before serving.

Notes

For the fluffiest results, always rinse your rice thoroughly before cooking. Use a fork to fluff the rice rather than a spoon. Don't skip the resting time after cooking - this is when the rice achieves its perfect texture.