Traditional Greek Lemon-Rice Pilaf with Dill
A fragrant rice pilaf simmered in chicken broth with fresh lemon juice and dill, balancing bright and savory flavors. This greek-inspired rice & grains ready in about 35 minutes pairs long grain white rice, olive oil, small onion, finely chopped for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 220 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups long grain white rice
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 2 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Rinse 1 1/2 cups long grain white rice under cold water until water runs clear, then drain.
- Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add 1 small finely chopped onion and sauté for 4-5 minutes until softened and translucent.
- Step 3: Add 1 minced garlic clove and cook 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in the drained rice, coating each grain with oil, and cook for 2 minutes, stirring frequently.
- Step 4: Pour in 3 cups chicken broth along with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until the liquid is absorbed and rice is tender.
- Step 5: Remove the pan from heat and gently fluff the rice with a fork. Stir in 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice and 2 tbsp chopped fresh dill. Cover and let sit for 5 minutes before serving.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Traditional Greek Lemon-Rice Pilaf with Dill take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (10 min prep + 25 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Traditional Greek Lemon-Rice Pilaf with Dill?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep long grain white rice from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Traditional Greek Lemon-Rice Pilaf with Dill?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Traditional Greek Lemon-Rice Pilaf with Dill for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Traditional Greek Lemon-Rice Pilaf with Dill?
Greek rice & grains like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
