Lemon Herb Greek Rice (Avgolemono Rice Pilaf)

Lemon Herb Greek Rice: My Family's Avgolemono Pilaf!

By Chef BakerJune 13, 2025

Table of Contents

Alright, let's talk Greek Rice ! Ever had that hankering for something lemony, fresh, and oh-so-satisfying? This recipe's got you covered. It's like sunshine in a bowl, promise!

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Honestly, who doesn't love a good side dish? This greek rice recipe is about to become your new go-to. It’s bursting with lemon and herbs. It’s a total flavour bomb.

Brief Overview

This greek rice dish , also known as avgolemono rice pilaf, is inspired by the classic greek sauce. it is simple to make.

It's rooted in greek culinary tradition. it’s perfect as one of the greek side dishes rice . it’s ready in about 35 minutes.

It yields 4-6 servings.

Main Benefits

It’s packed with vitamin c from the lemon. it’s a perfect side for a family gathering or a delicious dinner side .

Plus, it just tastes incredibly fresh and vibrant. what makes it special? the bright, tangy flavour combined with fragrant herbs.

Ready to give it a go? Let's talk ingredients.

Yummy Rice Side Dishes - What You'll Need

Here's what you need for this delicious dinner side , a healthy rice lunch idea . We will use Fresh Kitchen Recipes and Rice and Pasta Recipes .

2 tablespoons olive oil (that's about 30 ml, for you precise types!)
1 small onion, chopped (around ½ cup)
1 cup long grain rice (basmati or jasmine works a treat)
2 ½ cups chicken or veg broth (600 ml)
Salt and pepper to taste (don't be shy!)
2 large eggs (free range if you can!)
Juice of 2 lemons (about 6 tablespoons, 90ml)
2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
1 tablespoon chopped fresh mint (optional, but adds a nice zing)
Lemon zest from 1 lemon (roughly 1 teaspoon).
This is a GF Rice Dishes .

Honestly, I’ve made this with all sorts of rice. Basmati really is the best, though. I tried brown rice once. It needed way longer to cook!

Grab your ingredients. Let's get cooking this yummy rice side dish ! You won't regret it, I promise.

Alright, let's chat about what you need to whip up some absolutely banging Greek Rice . This ain't your average side dish, mind you.

Ingredients & Equipment: The Deets

We're diving into the nitty gritty of what you'll need. don't worry, it's all pretty straightforward, even for those of us who are a bit, shall we say, "kitchen challenged".

This lemon herb greek rice dish is about to become a new staple.

Main Ingredients

Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons (30 ml) . Good quality stuff makes a difference. Extra virgin, you know the drill. It's the base of our flavour.
Onion: 1 small , finely chopped (about ½ cup ). Adds a subtle sweetness.
Rice: 1 cup long grain (like basmati, 200g ). Make sure it's good quality, as this is a GF Rice Dishes .
Broth: 2 ½ cups chicken or veggie ( 600 ml ). Chicken broth gives a richer taste.
Salt: 1 teaspoon , or to taste. Seasoning is KEY, people!
Pepper: ½ teaspoon , or to taste. A little kick never hurt anyone.
Eggs: 2 large . Crucial for that creamy, dreamy texture.
Lemon Juice: Juice of 2 lemons (about 6 tablespoons , 90ml ). Fresh is best.
Fresh Dill: 2 tablespoons , chopped. Adds a lovely freshness.
Fresh Parsley: 2 tablespoons , chopped. Another layer of flavour.
Fresh Mint: 1 tablespoon , chopped (optional). Gives it a cool twist.
Lemon Zest: From 1 lemon (about 1 teaspoon ). Brightens everything up.

Seasoning Notes: The Secret Sauce

We're not just chucking stuff in. This is where the magic happens!

Lemon & Herbs: Dill, parsley, and mint are a must try . The essential spice combinations here.
Lemon Zest: Seriously, don't skip it. This is the game changer.
Substitutions: No dill? Use oregano! Get creative with your herbs. You could even add some Yummy Rice Side Dishes .

Equipment Needed: Keep it Simple

Saucepan: Medium, with a lid. This is your workhorse.
Whisk: For the avgolemono (egg-lemon) magic.
Measuring Cups & Spoons: Precision is your friend.
Microplane: For that delicate lemon zest.
Alternatives: Don't have a microplane? A fine grater works.
This Greek Rice Dish is a winner! It will become one of your favourite Side Dishes For Family Dinner . Plus, it is one of the Healthy Rice Lunch Ideas .

So there you have it! The gear and grub for the ultimate Greek Rice . Now go forth and cook, my friends! And don't forget that Fresh Kitchen Recipes are the best!

Alright, let's get this greek rice party started! you know, those yummy rice side dishes are a total staple at my family dinners.

Today, we're ditching boring rice and levelling up with a greek inspired version that's honestly , oh-so-good. it’s like a sunshine vacation for your tastebuds!

Lemon Herb Greek Rice: Sunshine on a Plate

This isn't your average rice. think vibrant lemon, fresh herbs, and fluffy grains, all dancing together. it's basically a greek rice dish that’s ready in under 40 minutes.

It’s the perfect way to add something special to your side dishes for family dinner .

Getting Ready: Mise en Place Like a Pro

Before you even think about turning on the stove, let's get organised. It's all about that mise en place , darling!

Finely chop one small onion.
Measure out one cup of long grain rice (I love basmati).
Squeeze the juice from two lemons. We’re talking about 6 tablespoons of liquid sunshine.
Chop two tablespoons each of fresh dill and parsley and one tablespoon of mint (optional).
Zest one lemon.
Have 2 ½ cups of chicken or veggie broth ready to go.

Time Saving Tip: Chop those herbs while the onion is softening to save a couple of minutes. And of course remember: Safety first, always keep an eye on that knife.

Let's Get Cooking: step-by-step Glory

Alright, buckle up. This is where the magic happens.

Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Sauté that chopped onion until softened, about 5 minutes.
Add one cup of long grain rice. Toast it, stirring constantly, for about 2- 3 minutes.
Pour in your 2 ½ cups of broth, then add salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18- 20 minutes .
While the rice is simmering, whisk two large eggs with the lemon juice in a bowl.
Slowly ladle ½ cup of hot rice broth into the egg mixture, whisking non-stop! Repeat. This is tempering!
Pour the egg mixture into the rice. Stir and heat over low for 1- 2 minutes. Do not boil!
Remove from heat and stir in your chopped herbs and lemon zest.
Fluff with a fork and serve!

Visual cues? Look for fluffy rice. Check the bottom of the pot to check if there is no liquid left. The magic number is 180F or 82C in the pot.

Pro Tips: Level Up Your Rice Game

Want to be a greek rice master? Here’s the inside scoop.

Don't Overcook it! Mushy rice is nobody's friend. Check the rice for doneness.
Fresh Is Best : The magic is in the lemon and herbs. Honestly , use fresh.
Common Mistake? Boiling the egg mixture! Low heat is key to a creamy sauce.
make-ahead: The rice can be made a day in advance. Just reheat gently with a splash of broth. This is a great tip for those that want to incorporate it into their Healthy Rice Lunch Ideas for the work week.
This recipe is GF Rice Dishes friendly! And easily adaptable to be an amazing addition to your Rice and Pasta Recipes . You could also find it listed as Fresh Kitchen Recipes on some sites because of its light character.

So there you have it! This delicious dinner sides recipe is a total winner for your Greek side dishes rice repertoire. Enjoy!

Okay, here's that section on recipe notes, written just like we're chatting over a cuppa:

Recipe Notes

So, you’ve decided to whip up some proper greek rice . good on ya! it's way easier than you might think.

Honestly, it's a fantastic way to liven up your usual side dishes for family dinner . now, here are a few pointers i've picked up along the way.

Ace Serving Suggestions

Listen, presentation is key. you know? it can totally elevate your yummy rice side dishes . i reckon a sprinkle of extra fresh herbs never hurt anyone.

How about serving your greek rice dish in a fancy bowl? just a thought!

Think about what goes with the rice. It's fab with grilled lamb, fish, or even just a big ol' Greek salad. A nice crisp white wine is always a winner too. Ta-dah!

Storage Secrets

Right, what about leftovers? pop that greek rice in an airtight container and it’ll be grand in the fridge for up to three days.

Freezing? yeah, you could , but the texture might change a bit. i'd recommend using it within a month, and make sure to defrost it fully before reheating.

For reheating, a splash of water or broth helps bring it back to life. honestly, nuking it in the microwave works a charm if you're in a rush.

This makes the recipe a great source of healthy rice lunch ideas !

Variations on a Theme

Fancy a change? Go wild with different herbs. A bit of thyme or oregano can be lush. For a GF rice dishes version, just make sure your stock is gluten-free.

If you're trying to be all healthy like, you could swap in brown rice. just remember it’ll take longer to cook.

In the summer, chuck in some seasonal veggies. courgette or peppers would be amazing in these fresh kitchen recipes !

Nutrition Nitty Gritty

Look, i’m no nutritionist, but greek rice is generally a decent shout. you're getting carbs for energy, plus some vitamins from the herbs and lemon.

Of course, it depends what broth you use.

Basically, it's all about balance. And this recipe is a great addition to your repertoire of rice and pasta recipes .

So there you have it! go get stuck in and enjoy making your own delicious dinner sides . even if it's not perfect the first time, who cares? cooking should be fun.

Give the greek side dishes rice a go. you’ve got this!

Frequently Asked Questions

What exactly is Greek Rice, and what makes it different from regular rice?

Greek Rice, often called Avgolemono Rice Pilaf, stands out because of its bright, lemony flavor and creamy texture. Unlike plain rice, it incorporates lemon juice, fresh herbs, and sometimes an egg-lemon sauce (avgolemono) for a tangy and refreshing taste.

It's like a sunshine holiday in a bowl - far more interesting than Uncle Ben's!

Can I make Greek Rice ahead of time? How should I store it?

While best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare Greek rice up to a day in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When reheating, add a splash of broth or water to prevent it from drying out and gently warm it on the stovetop or in the microwave. Just remember, the fresher, the zestier!

I'm not a huge fan of dill. Can I substitute it with other herbs in this Greek Rice recipe?

Absolutely! While dill is a common ingredient, feel free to experiment with other herbs. Parsley is a great substitute, and a touch of fresh mint or oregano can add a lovely Mediterranean twist. Think of it like choosing your favorite flowers for a bouquet tailor it to your taste!

My avgolemono sauce curdled! What did I do wrong, and how can I prevent this next time I make greek rice?

Curdling is a common issue when working with egg-lemon sauces. The key is to temper the eggs properly: slowly whisk small amounts of hot broth into the egg mixture before adding it to the rice. Also, avoid boiling the rice after adding the avgolemono.

Keep the heat low, like a gentle simmer, to ensure a smooth and creamy sauce. Treat it like a delicate crème anglaise - patience is key!

Is Greek rice healthy? What are the nutritional benefits?

Greek rice can be a healthy and nutritious side dish. It provides carbohydrates for energy, protein (especially if made with broth), and essential vitamins and minerals from the lemon and herbs. Using brown rice instead of white will increase the fiber content.

Just be mindful of the amount of olive oil and salt you use to keep it balanced.

Can I make a vegan version of this Greek rice recipe?

Yes, absolutely! To make a vegan version, simply use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and omit the eggs. To mimic the creaminess of the avgolemono sauce, you can try adding a tablespoon or two of nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor and a dollop of vegan yogurt or a cashew cream sauce at the end.

It's all about getting creative!