Soy-Free Lemon Herb Mediterranean Rice

Brighten up your table with this Soy-Free Lemon Herb Mediterranean Rice, a vibrant and aromatic side dish that's as healthy as it is delicious. Made with fluffy basmati rice infused with fresh lemon zest, minced garlic, and a medley of fresh herbs like parsley and dill, this dish is a fragrant celebration of Mediterranean flavors. Perfectly seasoned with a touch of olive oil, salt, and pepper, it's a versatile, plant-based recipe that pairs beautifully with grilled vegetables, roasted chicken, or fish. Plus, it’s quick to prepare, requiring only 30 minutes from start to finish, making it an ideal choice for weeknight dinners or meal prep. Whether you're catering to dietary restrictions or simply craving something light and refreshing, this soy-free and gluten-free rice dish delivers a delightful balance of zestiness and herby goodness.

Nutriscore Rating: 68/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:30 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1.5 cups Basmati rice
• 3 cups Water
• 2 tablespoons Olive oil
• 2 pieces Garlic cloves
• 1 whole Lemon
• 0.25 cup Fresh parsley
• 0.25 cup Fresh dill
• 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. This will ensure fluffy rice.

Step 2

In a medium saucepan, bring the 3 cups of water to a boil.

Step 3

Add the rinsed rice to the boiling water, cover the pan, and reduce the heat to low. Cook for 15-18 minutes or until the rice is tender and has absorbed all the water.

Step 4

While the rice is cooking, finely mince the garlic cloves and zest the lemon using a microplane or fine grater. Juice the lemon and set aside both the zest and the juice.

Step 5

Chop the fresh parsley and dill finely. Set aside.

Step 6

Once the rice is cooked, remove it from the heat and let it stand covered for 5 minutes. Then, fluff the rice gently with a fork.

Step 7

In a large frying pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute or until fragrant.

Step 8

Add the fluffed rice to the frying pan along with the lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine all the flavors.

Step 9

Fold in the chopped parsley and dill gently, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the rice.

Step 10

Serve the lemon herb rice warm, as a delightful side dish to complement any Mediterranean-inspired meal.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1146.7g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	655.1

Total Fat 29.6g	0%
Saturated Fat 4.7g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 2404.5mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 85.6g	0%
Dietary Fiber 4.0g	0%
Total Sugars 1.8g
Protein 12.7g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 150.6mg	0%
Iron 7.0mg	0%
Potassium 440.5mg	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: 40.4%

Protein: 7.7%

Carbs: 51.9%