Name: Lemon Dill Rice Recipe
Ingredients: Long-Grain Rice: (2 cups) The base of our dish, long-grain rice, such as Basmati or Jasmine, cooks up fluffy and separate, perfect for absorbing the lemon and dill flavors.; Vegetable Broth: (4 cups) Using vegetable broth instead of water infuses the rice with a deeper savory flavor, enhancing the overall taste profile of the dish. Low sodium broth is recommended to control saltiness.; Fresh Lemon: (2 lemons) We need both the zest and the juice. The zest provides intense lemon aroma and essential oils, while the juice adds the signature tangy brightness.; Fresh Dill: (1/2 cup, chopped) Fresh dill is crucial for its delicate, slightly grassy, and refreshing flavor that perfectly complements the lemon. Dried dill is not a suitable substitute in this recipe as it lacks the same vibrancy.; Olive Oil: (2 tablespoons) Used for sautéing the aromatics and coating the rice grains, olive oil adds a subtle richness and helps prevent the rice from sticking. Extra virgin olive oil is preferred for its superior flavor.; Shallot (or small onion): (1 small, finely chopped) Shallot provides a milder, slightly sweet onion flavor that adds depth to the rice without being overpowering. A small yellow onion can be used as a substitute.; Garlic: (2 cloves, minced) Garlic brings a pungent and savory note that rounds out the flavors and complements both lemon and dill beautifully. Freshly minced garlic is always best for flavor.; Butter (optional, for vegan use olive oil): (1 tablespoon) A touch of butter adds richness and a silky texture to the rice. For a vegan version, simply omit the butter or use a vegan butter alternative or extra olive oil.; Salt: (To taste) Salt is essential for seasoning and enhancing all the flavors in the dish. Adjust to your preference.; Black Pepper: (Freshly ground, to taste) Freshly ground black pepper adds a subtle warmth and spice that balances the bright lemon and fresh dill.

Ingredients

To create this vibrant and aromatic Lemon Dill Rice, you’ll need just a handful of fresh, high-quality ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to gather:

Long-Grain Rice: (2 cups) The base of our dish, long-grain rice, such as Basmati or Jasmine, cooks up fluffy and separate, perfect for absorbing the lemon and dill flavors.
Vegetable Broth: (4 cups) Using vegetable broth instead of water infuses the rice with a deeper savory flavor, enhancing the overall taste profile of the dish. Low sodium broth is recommended to control saltiness.
Fresh Lemon: (2 lemons) We need both the zest and the juice. The zest provides intense lemon aroma and essential oils, while the juice adds the signature tangy brightness.
Fresh Dill: (1/2 cup, chopped) Fresh dill is crucial for its delicate, slightly grassy, and refreshing flavor that perfectly complements the lemon. Dried dill is not a suitable substitute in this recipe as it lacks the same vibrancy.
Olive Oil: (2 tablespoons) Used for sautéing the aromatics and coating the rice grains, olive oil adds a subtle richness and helps prevent the rice from sticking. Extra virgin olive oil is preferred for its superior flavor.
Shallot (or small onion): (1 small, finely chopped) Shallot provides a milder, slightly sweet onion flavor that adds depth to the rice without being overpowering. A small yellow onion can be used as a substitute.
Garlic: (2 cloves, minced) Garlic brings a pungent and savory note that rounds out the flavors and complements both lemon and dill beautifully. Freshly minced garlic is always best for flavor.
Butter (optional, for vegan use olive oil): (1 tablespoon) A touch of butter adds richness and a silky texture to the rice. For a vegan version, simply omit the butter or use a vegan butter alternative or extra olive oil.
Salt: (To taste) Salt is essential for seasoning and enhancing all the flavors in the dish. Adjust to your preference.
Black Pepper: (Freshly ground, to taste) Freshly ground black pepper adds a subtle warmth and spice that balances the bright lemon and fresh dill.

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Instructions

Creating this flavorful Lemon Dill Rice is surprisingly simple. Follow these step-by-step instructions to achieve perfectly cooked, aromatic rice every time:

Rinse the Rice: Place the long-grain rice in a fine-mesh sieve and rinse under cold running water until the water runs clear. This removes excess starch, resulting in fluffier rice. Drain the rice thoroughly.
Sauté Aromatics: In a medium-sized saucepan with a tight-fitting lid, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped shallot (or onion) and sauté for 2-3 minutes, until softened and translucent. Be careful not to brown them.
Add Garlic and Rice: Add the minced garlic to the saucepan and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter. Add the rinsed and drained rice to the saucepan and stir to coat the grains with the olive oil and aromatics. Toasting the rice for a minute or two enhances its nutty flavor.
Pour in Broth and Season: Pour in the vegetable broth and bring it to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, stir in the lemon zest and lemon juice. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Taste the broth and adjust seasoning as needed. Remember that the flavors will mellow slightly as the rice cooks.
Simmer and Steam: Reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan tightly with the lid, and simmer gently for 18-20 minutes, or according to the package directions for your specific type of rice. It’s crucial to keep the lid on and avoid lifting it during the cooking process to allow the steam to cook the rice evenly.
Check for Doneness: After 18-20 minutes, check if the rice is cooked by gently fluffing it with a fork. All the liquid should be absorbed, and the rice grains should be tender and separate. If there is still liquid remaining, cook for another 2-3 minutes with the lid on. If the rice is still too firm and the liquid is absorbed, add a tablespoon or two of broth or water and continue to cook, covered, for a few more minutes.
Fluff and Finish: Once the rice is cooked through and all liquid is absorbed, remove the saucepan from the heat and let it stand, covered, for 5 minutes. This allows the steam to redistribute and the rice to finish cooking and become even more tender. After 5 minutes, remove the lid and gently fluff the rice with a fork.
Stir in Dill and Butter (optional): Stir in the freshly chopped dill and the optional butter (or vegan butter/extra olive oil) into the hot rice. The heat from the rice will gently wilt the dill and melt the butter, infusing the rice with their flavors. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or a squeeze of lemon juice if needed.
Serve and Enjoy: Serve the Lemon Dill Rice immediately while it’s warm and fluffy. It pairs beautifully with a wide variety of dishes. Garnish with extra fr

Nutrition

Serving Size: one normal portion
Calories: 250
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 1g