Gluten-Free Lemon Herb Mediterranean Rice

Brighten up your table with this Gluten-Free Lemon Herb Mediterranean Rice, a light and flavorful side dish that's perfect for any occasion. This recipe combines fluffy basmati rice with the vibrant zest of lemon, a medley of fresh parsley and dill, and the aromatic warmth of sautéed onion and garlic. Cooked in a blend of vegetable broth and water, every grain is infused with rich Mediterranean flavors that are naturally gluten-free. Quick to prepare in just 30 minutes, this dish is a versatile complement to roasted vegetables, grilled proteins, or hearty salads. With its fresh herbs, citrusy tang, and wholesome ingredients, this recipe is both healthy and delicious—a must-try for anyone seeking a simple yet sophisticated side dish!

Nutriscore Rating: 69/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:30 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 cup uncooked basmati rice
• 2 cups water
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup vegetable broth
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 0.25 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 0.25 cup fresh dill, chopped
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch, and set aside.

Step 2

In a medium saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 4-5 minutes until soft and translucent.

Step 3

Add the minced garlic to the onion and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.

Step 4

Stir in the rinsed basmati rice, ensuring that each grain is well coated with the oil and onion mixture.

Step 5

Pour in the vegetable broth and water, then add the salt and black pepper. Stir well to combine.

Step 6

Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan with a lid, and let it simmer for 15 minutes or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.

Step 7

Turn off the heat and let the rice sit, covered, for 5 minutes to steam and further develop its texture.

Step 8

Fluff the rice with a fork, then stir in the lemon juice, lemon zest, chopped parsley, and chopped dill.

Step 9

Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary with additional salt or pepper.

Step 10

Transfer the rice to a serving dish, garnish with extra fresh herbs if desired, and serve warm.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1219.7g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1184.3

Total Fat 32.7g	0%
Saturated Fat 5.3g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 3.4g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 3014.2mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 192.9g	0%
Dietary Fiber 12.2g	0%
Total Sugars 10.1g
Protein 24.8g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 417.7mg	0%
Iron 12.7mg	0%
Potassium 1903.4mg	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: 25.3%

Protein: 8.5%

Carbs: 66.2%