Dairy-Free Lemon Rice

Bright, zesty, and irresistibly flavorful, this Dairy-Free Lemon Rice is a vibrant twist on a classic side dish. Perfectly cooked basmati rice is infused with the fresh tang of lemon juice and zest, then elevated with aromatic garlic, a hint of turmeric, and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro. This simple, one-pot recipe is not only quick to prepare—ready in just 30 minutes—but also completely dairy-free, making it ideal for those with dietary restrictions. Optional green chili adds a gentle heat for spice lovers, while the golden hue of turmeric ensures a visually stunning dish. Serve this versatile lemon rice alongside grilled vegetables, roasted meats, or enjoy it as a light, citrusy main dish. It’s a gluten-free, vibrant addition to any meal that’s packed with flavor and nutrition!

Nutriscore Rating: 66/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:30 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 cup Basmati rice
• 2 cups Water
• 2 tablespoons Olive oil
• 1 tablespoon Lemon zest
• 3 tablespoons Lemon juice
• 2 Garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 0.5 teaspoon Turmeric powder
• 0.25 teaspoon Black pepper
• 2 tablespoons Cilantro, chopped
• 1 Green chili, sliced (optional)

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the Basmati rice under cold running water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch.

Step 2

In a medium saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat.

Step 3

Add minced garlic to the pan and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 4

Stir in the turmeric powder and sliced green chili (if using), sauté for another 30 seconds.

Step 5

Add the rinsed Basmati rice to the pan and stir gently to coat the rice with the turmeric and oil mixture.

Step 6

Pour in 2 cups of water, add lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine.

Step 7

Increase the heat to high to bring the mixture to a boil.

Step 8

Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pan with a lid, and let it simmer for 15-18 minutes or until the rice is cooked and all the water is absorbed.

Step 9

Remove the pan from heat and let it sit covered for an additional 5 minutes to finish cooking.

Step 10

Uncover the pan, fluff the rice gently with a fork, and mix in the chopped cilantro.

Step 11

Serve warm as a side dish or enjoy it on its own.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(789.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	531.3

Total Fat 29.0g	0%
Saturated Fat 4.6g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 2380.5mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 60.4g	0%
Dietary Fiber 3.1g	0%
Total Sugars 2.2g
Protein 8.2g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 85.5mg	0%
Iron 4.2mg	0%
Potassium 260.1mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 48.7%

Protein: 6.1%

Carbs: 45.1%