Elevate Your Meals with this Mediterranean-Inspired Herbed Lemon Basmati Rice Recipe!



Looking for a quick, easy, and delicious side dish to complement your Greek-inspired meals? Look no further than this herbed lemon basmati rice recipe. This flavorful and aromatic dish is packed with Mediterranean flavors and is perfect for any occasion.
Simple Ingredients, Big Flavors:
This flavor-packed herbed lemon basmati rice is quick and easy to make. Further, with just a few simple ingredients, the taste will blow your mind. Specifically, aromatics like shallots, garlic, fresh cilantro and dill adds a deep depth of flavor. Additionally, freshly squeezed lemon juice is a must. Moreover, the use of basmati brown rice gives the dish a healthy twist.
Customization Tips:
- Rice Choice: First, the herbed lemon basmati rice works well with basmati brown rice and adds a nutty flavor. However, basmati white rice works too. But do adjust the cook time as white rice cooks faster..
- Citrus twist: Experiment with different citrus fruits, such as orange or grapefruit.
- Herbaceous variations: Further, try using different herbs, such as thyme, oregano, or mint.
- Nutty crunch: Additionally, top the herbed lemon basmati rice with toasted pine nuts, almonds, or walnuts.
- Creamy finish: Stir in a dollop of Greek yogurt or crumbled feta cheese.
Serving Suggestions for the Herbed Lemon Basmati Rice:
- Main course: Serve this herbed lemon basmati rice as a side dish with grilled chicken, fish, or lamb.
- Salad: Use as a base for a Mediterranean-inspired salad with cucumbers, tomatoes, and feta cheese.
- Leftovers: Use leftover rice in a stir-fry, fried rice, or stuffed peppers.
This herbed lemon basmati rice recipe is a versatile and delicious side dish that can be customized to suit your taste preferences. Enjoy!
Recommended Rice Recipes:
Start with this Nutrient-Packed Brown Rice Stir Fry recipe. This revitalized fried rice is not just a feast for the taste buds but also a visual delight with its colorful medley of ingredients. Next, this healthy brown rice salad is a year-round favorite and it makes a light lunch or add protein for a dinner plate. For more delicious side dish recipes, peruse JulietKitchen.com.
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Nutritional information
This website provides approximate nutrition information for convenience and as a courtesy only. Nutrition information can vary for a variety of reasons. Further, for the most precise nutritional data use your preferred nutrition calculator based on the actual ingredients you used in the recipe

Herbed Lemon Basmati Rice
Equipment
- wooden spoon or spatula
Ingredients
Rinse and Soak Rice:
- 1 cup basmati brown rice Rinse rice thoroughly and soaked in warm water for 15 to 30 minutes
- warm water for soaking rice
Aromatics and Liquid for Cooking the Rice:
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 large shallot peeled and minced
- 1 tablespoons fresh garlic peeled and minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro minced (can use parsley)
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill minced
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 3/4 cups water or stock
- 1 – 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 ounce butter Optional
Instructions
Rinse and Soak Rice:
- Rinse the rice thoroughly. Add Luke warm water , enough to cover the rice. Allow to soak for 15 to 30 minutes. The longer the better1 cup basmati brown rice, warm water for soaking rice
Cook the Aromatics:
- In a 2 or 3 quart saucepan, Heat the olive oil. Sauté shallots 2 to 3 minutes until soft and translucent.2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, 1 large shallot
- Add the garlic, half of the cilantro and half of the dill. Season with the freshly ground black pepper and salt. Mix and cook 30 to 60 seconds.Note: Reserve half the cilantro and dill to fold into the rice once it's full cooked.1 tablespoons fresh garlic, 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, 2 tablespoons fresh dill, 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- Pour in the water or stock. Add the lemon juice. Stir. Add the butter. Cover the pot with a tight lid. Bring to a boil. Lower heat and simmer 30 to 35 minutes until all liquid is absorbed.1 3/4 cups water, 1 – 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice, 1 ounce butter
- Turn off the heat. Let the rice rest, covered, for 10 to 15 minutes. Fold in the remaining cilantro and dill. Serve and enjoy with your favorite entree.

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