Why Make This Recipe
Greek Rice is a delightful and simple dish that brings vibrant flavors to your meal. It pairs well with grilled meats, vegetables, or can be enjoyed on its own. This recipe is perfect for a family dinner or casual gatherings, and it’s easy to prepare with ingredients you may already have in your kitchen. Plus, it’s a great way to introduce a taste of Greece into your home.
How to Make Greek Rice
Ingredients :
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 1-1/2 cups basmati rice
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 3/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1-1/4 cups chicken stock or broth
- 1 cup water
- 2 large lemons
- 1 teaspoon zest
- 4 tablespoons juice
- 3 tablespoons finely chopped flat-leaf parsley, optional
- 3 tablespoons finely chopped fresh dill, optional
Directions :
- Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a small pot over medium heat. Once the butter is melted, add minced garlic. Stir constantly for about 30 seconds until it’s fragrant.
- Add the basmati rice to the pot. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring frequently, until most grains start to look slightly translucent.
- Mix in garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, oregano, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Then add chicken stock or broth, water, and the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter.
- Increase the heat to medium-high and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover with a lid. Cook for 12 to 15 minutes until the liquid is absorbed. Start checking at 12 minutes, and be careful not to lift the lid too often, as this releases steam.
- Remove from heat and let it sit, covered, for 10 minutes. After this resting time, remove the lid and gently fluff the rice with a fork.
- Stir in the lemon zest, lemon juice, and parsley or dill if using. Taste and adjust salt, pepper, or lemon juice as needed. Serve warm or at room temperature.
How to Serve Greek Rice
You can serve Greek Rice as a side dish with grilled chicken, lamb, or fish. It also goes wonderfully with roasted vegetables or can be part of a Mediterranean-style plate with hummus and pita. For a complete meal, add a fresh salad alongside.
How to Store Greek Rice
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Greek Rice will stay fresh for about 3-4 days. You can reheat it in the microwave or in a pan with a little water to restore moisture.
Tips to Make Greek Rice
- Rinse the basmati rice in cold water before cooking to remove excess starch. This will help achieve a fluffier texture.
- Feel free to adjust the herbs based on your preference. Fresh herbs can really enhance the flavor.
- Adding a bit of feta cheese on top can add a delicious creaminess if you like.
Variation
You can customize this Greek Rice recipe by adding vegetables like bell peppers, peas, or spinach for extra color and nutrition. For a vegetarian option, use vegetable broth instead of chicken stock.
FAQs
1. Can I use different types of rice?
Yes, you can use other types of rice, but the cooking time may vary. Adjust the time according to the rice variety you choose.
2. Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, Greek Rice is gluten-free as it contains only rice and no gluten-containing ingredients.
3. Can I make this dish vegan?
Absolutely! You can substitute the butter with olive oil and use vegetable broth to make it vegan-friendly.
Greek Rice
Ingredients
For cooking
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided Two tablespoons for cooking and two for adding at the end
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic Freshly minced
- 1.5 cups basmati rice Rinsed in cold water before cooking
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 0.5 teaspoon dried thyme
- 0.5 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 0.75 teaspoon fine sea salt Adjust to taste
- 0.5 teaspoon pepper Adjust to taste
- 1.25 cups chicken stock or broth Can substitute with vegetable broth for vegetarian option
- 1 cup water
For flavor
- 2 large lemons Zest and juice required
- 1 teaspoon zest From the lemons
- 4 tablespoons juice From the lemons
- 3 tablespoons finely chopped flat-leaf parsley Optional but recommended
- 3 tablespoons finely chopped fresh dill Optional
Instructions
Preparation
- Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a small pot over medium heat. Once melted, add minced garlic and stir for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the basmati rice to the pot and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring frequently until most grains are slightly translucent.
- Mix in garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, oregano, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Cooking
- Add chicken stock or broth, water, and the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter.
- Increase heat to medium-high and bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce heat to low and cover with a lid. Cook for 12 to 15 minutes until liquid is absorbed, checking at 12 minutes without lifting the lid too often.
- Remove from heat and let sit, covered, for 10 minutes.
- After resting, remove lid and fluff the rice with a fork.
Finishing Touches
- Stir in lemon zest, lemon juice, and parsley or dill if using. Taste and adjust salt, pepper, or lemon juice as needed.