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Lemon Herb Mediterranean Rice Pilaf

A bowl of vibrant Mediterranean Rice mixed with crumbled feta cheese, chopped parsley, and Kalamata olives.
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Make this fluffy rice pilaf flavored with fresh lemon, herbs, feta cheese, and olives for a bright side dish.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 1/2 cups long-grain white rice (like Basmati or Jasmine)
  • 2 1/2 cups vegetable broth
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
  • 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons fresh mint, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh oregano, chopped
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

Instructions

  1. Heat the olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
  2. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Do not let the garlic brown.
  3. Add the rice to the saucepan and toast for 2 minutes, stirring constantly until the edges of the grains look slightly translucent.
  4. Pour in the vegetable broth, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil.
  5. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan tightly, and simmer for 15 minutes without lifting the lid.
  6. Remove the saucepan from the heat and let it stand, covered, for an additional 10 minutes. This allows the steam to finish cooking the rice.
  7. Fluff the rice gently with a fork.
  8. Stir in the crumbled feta cheese, Kalamata olives, parsley, mint, oregano, lemon zest, and lemon juice until evenly combined.
  9. Serve warm as a side dish or let it cool slightly and serve as a light salad.

Notes

  • For a gluten-free option, confirm your vegetable broth is certified gluten-free.
  • You can substitute orzo pasta for the long-grain rice if you prefer a different texture; adjust liquid ratio slightly if needed.
  • To make this a main dish, add 1 cup of rinsed and drained chickpeas along with the rice in step 3.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://magazinemeal.com/mediterranean-rice-lemon-herb-pilaf-feta/