Healthy Lemon Herb Rice Recipe
This healthy lemon herb rice combines fresh zesty lemon, tender herbs, and fluffy basmati rice for a vibrant side dish. Perfectly balanced with Mediterranean flavors, it's an excellent pairing for grilled chicken, fish, or shrimp.
Equipment
- Large pan with lid
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1/2 medium yellow onion diced
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- Zest of 1 lemon about 1 tablespoon
- 1 1/2 cups basmati rice rinsed and drained
- 2 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- Juice of 1 lemon about 3 tablespoons
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh herbs e.g., parsley, cilantro, dill, mint, or basil
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened and translucent. Stir in the minced garlic, lemon zest, and rice, cooking for an additional minute to combine flavors.
- Pour in the chicken broth, lemon juice, and salt. Stir, bring to a boil, and then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pan with a lid and let it simmer for 12–15 minutes, or until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender. Check occasionally, and if bubbles escape from the pot, adjust the lid to release steam.
- Remove the pan from heat and leave it covered for 4–5 minutes to rest. Stir in the chopped fresh herbs just before serving for a fragrant finish.
Notes
- Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days in the fridge or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Reheat in a covered pot on the stove with a splash of water, or microwave for 1 minute until warm.
- Feel free to experiment with herb combinations like parsley-dill, cilantro-mint, or basil-tarragon for unique flavors.
- Using basmati rice ensures a fluffy texture that won’t clump.
Nutrition
Serving: 1cupCalories: 207kcalCarbohydrates: 38gProtein: 5gFat: 5gSaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 1mgSodium: 143mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1g
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