Greek Rice Pilaf is an easy side dish made with simple ingredients and fresh herbs. Serve with Grilled Greek Tofu or Baked Falafel for a Mediterranean-inspired meal.
Easy Greek Rice Recipe
This dish is built on pantry basics and finishes with a handful of fresh dill. Toasting the rice in olive oil before simmering adds depth, while the lemon juice keeps it from feeling too heavy. It’s a useful recipe to have on hand for pairing with anything from grilled tofu skewers to stuffed peppers.
As a home cook focused on plant-based and vegetarian meals, I keep a few foundational recipes in regular rotation, and this one definitely qualifies. The ingredients are easy to keep on hand, the method is reliable, and the flavor works with all kinds of entrees.
Ingredients for Greek Rice Pilaf
You will need the following:
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil – Used to sauté the onion and garlic and lightly toast the rice.
- Red Onion & Fresh Garlic – Cooked just until softened to build a flavorful base for the rice.
- Long-Grain White Rice – Basmati or jasmine rice can also be used. Brown rice takes longer to cook and may require more liquid.
- Chicken-Style Broth – Adds depth and savory flavor. I use a vegetarian chicken broth. Regular vegetable broth can also be used, but may require extra seasoning.
- Fresh Lemon Juice – Adds a touch of brightness and keeps the rice from feeling heavy.
- Greek Seasoning – A blend of dried herbs and spices that typically includes oregano, garlic, onion, and parsley.
- Fresh Dill – Stirred in at the end for a light, herbal note. Fresh parsley or oregano also works well here.
How to Make Greek Rice Pilaf
STEP ONE: Sauté the aromatics. Set a large saucepan over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. When the oil is hot, add the chopped onion and cook for about 3 minutes, until softened. Add the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
STEP TWO: Toast the rice. Stir in the rice and cook, stirring frequently, for about 1 minute until the rice is lightly toasted.
STEP THREE: Simmer. Stir in the broth, lemon juice, and Greek seasoning. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for 20 minutes, or until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender.
STEP FOUR: Rest and finish. Remove from the heat and let the rice sit, covered, for 10 minutes. Fluff with a fork and gently stir in the fresh dill. Adjust seasoning to taste and serve warm.
Make It Vegan
- Greek Rice Pilaf is easy to keep vegan. Just be sure to use a plant-based chicken-style broth, or use vegetable broth and taste for seasoning before serving. All other ingredients are naturally vegan.
Optional Add-Ins
This rice is easy to customize. Here are a few simple ways to change it up:
- Crumbled Feta Cheese – Sprinkle over the top just before serving for a salty finish.
- Chickpeas or White Beans – Stir in after cooking to make the pilaf more filling without overpowering the flavor.
- Kalamata Olives – Roughly chopped and added at the end for a briny contrast.
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes – Add a few chopped pieces along with the dill for a deeper, savory note.
- Fresh Spinach – Toss in a handful while the rice rests to let it wilt slightly from the residual heat.
Storage and Reheating
- Store leftover rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth to loosen the texture.
More Rice Dishes You’ll Love
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Greek Rice Pilaf Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 1/4 cup red onion chopped
- 2 teaspoons garlic minced
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 cups chicken-style broth
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 1/2 teaspoon Greek seasoning
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill chopped
Instructions
- Set a large saucepan over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. When the oil is hot, add the chopped onion and cook for about 3 minutes, until softened. Add the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
- Stir in the rice and cook, stirring frequently, for about 1 minute until the rice is lightly toasted.
- Stir in the broth, lemon juice, and Greek seasoning. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for 20 minutes, or until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender.
- Remove from the heat and let the rice sit, covered, for 10 minutes. Fluff with a fork and gently stir in the fresh dill. Adjust seasoning to taste and serve warm.
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