Description
This Rice Pilaf with Herbs is a light and fragrant Mediterranean side dish made with fluffy long-grain rice, sautéed onion, garlic, fresh parsley, dill, and a touch of lemon. Toasting the rice before simmering it in broth gives it a delicate nutty flavor and perfectly separated grains. It pairs beautifully with chicken, fish, lamb, or roasted vegetables and works wonderfully for meal prep.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups long-grain rice (basmati or jasmine)
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 3 cups vegetable or chicken broth (hot)
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh mint, chopped (optional)
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear, then drain well.
- Heat olive oil in a medium pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 4–5 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in the drained rice and toast for 2–3 minutes, coating the grains in oil.
- Pour in the hot broth, add salt and pepper, and bring to a gentle boil.
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15–18 minutes until the liquid is fully absorbed.
- Remove from heat and let the rice rest, covered, for 10 minutes.
- Fluff with a fork, then gently mix in parsley, dill, mint, and fresh lemon juice before serving.
Notes
Use hot broth for even cooking and avoid stirring once the rice simmers to keep the grains fluffy. You can add toasted almonds or pine nuts for extra texture. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat with a splash of water to restore moisture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: B
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg