Making Greek Lemon Rice is both simple and enjoyable. Follow these steps for a delightful dish:

1. Rinse the Rice: Place the long-grain rice in a fine mesh strainer. Rinse under cold water until the water runs clear. This removes excess starch and prevents the rice from being gummy.
2. Sauté Aromatics: In a medium-sized pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Then stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
3. Toast the Rice: Add the rinsed rice to the pot with the sautéed onions and garlic. Stir well to coat the rice in the oil, toasting it for about 2 minutes. This step enhances the flavor!
4. Add Broth: Pour in the vegetable or chicken broth, along with the lemon zest and lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a boil.
5. Simmer: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Allow the rice to simmer gently for about 15-18 minutes, or until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender.
6. Fluff the Rice: Remove the pot from the heat. Let it sit covered for an additional 5 minutes. Afterward, fluff the rice with a fork to separate the grains.
7. Garnish: Transfer the rice to a serving dish and sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley for a burst of color and flavor.

By following these straightforward steps, you’ll have a delicious batch of Greek Lemon Rice ready to delight your taste buds!