Lemon Rice Pilaf

Bright, zesty, and irresistibly aromatic, Lemon Rice Pilaf is the perfect side dish to elevate any meal. Crafted with fluffy basmati rice infused with the tangy freshness of lemon juice and zest, this dish brings a vibrant pop of flavor to your table. Sautéed onions and garlic add a savory depth, while a touch of ground turmeric imparts a beautiful golden hue. Finished with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and optional toasted almonds for a delightful crunch, this pilaf pairs seamlessly with roasted chicken, grilled seafood, or vegetarian entrees. Quick to prepare in just 35 minutes, it's a versatile recipe that's as satisfying on its own as it is alongside your favorite main courses. Whether you're hosting a dinner party or meal-prepping for the week, Lemon Rice Pilaf is a must-try for anyone who loves simple yet flavorful dishes. Keywords: lemon rice pilaf, easy rice recipes, tangy pilaf, basmati rice side dish, lemon-flavored rice.

Nutriscore Rating: 65/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:35 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 cup Basmati rice
• 2 cups Water
• 2 tablespoons Olive oil
• 1 tablespoon Unsalted butter
• 1 small, finely chopped Yellow onion
• 2 minced Garlic cloves
• 1 teaspoon Lemon zest
• 2 tablespoons Fresh lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons, chopped Fresh parsley
• 0.5 teaspoons Ground turmeric
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 0.25 teaspoons Black pepper
• 2 tablespoons, sliced Toasted almonds (optional)

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the basmati rice thoroughly under cold water until the water runs clear. Drain and set aside.

Step 2

Heat a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the olive oil and butter, allowing the butter to melt completely.

Step 3

Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent.

Step 4

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.

Step 5

Add the rinsed basmati rice to the saucepan, stirring well to coat the grains in the oil and butter mixture.

Step 6

Sprinkle in the ground turmeric and stir again to evenly distribute the color.

Step 7

Pour in the 2 cups of water, then add the salt and black pepper. Stir to combine.

Step 8

Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to the lowest setting. Cover the saucepan with a tight-fitting lid and let simmer for 15 minutes without lifting the lid.

Step 9

After 15 minutes, turn off the heat and let the rice sit, covered, for an additional 5 minutes.

Step 10

Remove the lid and fluff the rice gently with a fork. Stir in the lemon zest, fresh lemon juice, and chopped parsley.

Step 11

If desired, sprinkle the dish with toasted sliced almonds for added texture and flavor.

Step 12

Serve warm as a side dish or enjoy on its own as a light, refreshing meal.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(859.6g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	735.5

Total Fat 48.5g	0%
Saturated Fat 12.1g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 31mg	0%
Sodium 2388.0mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 66.6g	0%
Dietary Fiber 4.9g	0%
Total Sugars 4.5g
Protein 11.9g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 137.0mg	0%
Iron 5.2mg	0%
Potassium 436.4mg	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: 58.2%

Protein: 6.3%

Carbs: 35.5%