Lemon Scented Rice with Pistachios

Elevate your side dish game with this vibrant and aromatic Lemon Scented Rice with Pistachios, a perfect balance of zesty citrus and nutty crunch. Fragrant basmati rice is infused with bright lemon zest and juice, creating a refreshing base that's complemented by the rich, buttery flavor of toasted pistachios. A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a touch of herbaceous freshness, while a dash of black pepper ties it all together. Quick to prepare in just 30 minutes, this dish is a delightful pairing for grilled chicken, seafood, or roasted vegetables, but also shines as a light and satisfying standalone meal. Whether served warm or at room temperature, this rice recipe is a must-try for anyone craving a Mediterranean-inspired twist on classic rice dishes!

Nutriscore Rating: 68/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:30 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 cup basmati rice
• 1.5 cups water
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 0.25 cup pistachios, shelled and roughly chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
• 0.5 teaspoons salt
• 0.25 teaspoons black pepper

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the basmati rice thoroughly under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch. Drain well.

Step 2

In a medium saucepan, bring 1.5 cups of water to a boil. Add the rinsed rice and salt, then reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan with a tight-fitting lid, and simmer for 15 minutes or until the rice is tender and the water is fully absorbed.

Step 3

While the rice is cooking, heat olive oil and butter in a small skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped pistachios and toast them for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently until they are fragrant. Remove the skillet from the heat and set aside.

Step 4

Once the rice is cooked, remove it from the heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes to steam. Fluff the rice gently with a fork.

Step 5

Add the lemon zest, lemon juice, toasted pistachios, and freshly chopped parsley to the rice. Stir gently to combine, ensuring the flavors distribute evenly.

Step 6

Season the rice with black pepper and adjust salt if necessary.

Step 7

Transfer the lemon-scented rice to a serving plate and garnish with additional parsley or pistachios if desired. Serve warm or at room temperature alongside your favorite main dish or as a standalone meal.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(674.1g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	707.7

Total Fat 45.0g	0%
Saturated Fat 11.5g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.3g
Cholesterol 31mg	0%
Sodium 1199.9mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 66.5g	0%
Dietary Fiber 6.6g	0%
Total Sugars 3.9g
Protein 16.0g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 123.2mg	0%
Iron 5.3mg	0%
Potassium 604.6mg	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: 55.1%

Protein: 8.7%

Carbs: 36.2%