Lemon-Infused Brown Rice with Feta and Fresh Herbs
Elevate your side dish repertoire with this delightful Lemon-Infused Brown Rice with Feta and Fresh Herbs. A perfect balance of nutty brown rice, creamy feta cheese, and zesty lemon, this dish is enhanced with savory sautéed onions and garlic. Optional sautéed mushrooms add an extra layer of flavor, while the fresh green onions provide a crisp finish. This recipe is not only simple to prepare but also nutritious, making it an excellent addition to any meal. Serve it alongside grilled vegetables, fish, or chicken for a complete and satisfying dish.
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Olive oil or butter
2-4 tablespoons (for sautéing)
Onion
1 (finely chopped)
Garlic
2 tablespoons (fresh minced (or to taste))
Brown rice
1 cup (uncooked)
Vegetable stock or chicken broth
3 cups (low-sodium)
Salt
to taste
Lemon
1 (juice of)
Feta cheese
1/4 cup (crumbled (or to taste))
Green onions or scallion
1 (sliced)
Cooked mushrooms
1 cup (sliced (optional))
Pepper
to taste
Instructions
1
In a deep sauté pan, heat 2 to 4 tablespoons of olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
2
Stir in the uncooked brown rice, ensuring each grain is coated with the oil or butter. Continue to cook while stirring for an additional 2 minutes to lightly toast the rice.
3
Pour in the vegetable stock (or chicken broth), bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat to low, cover with a lid, and allow the rice to cook for about 35 minutes. Check occasionally and stir gently to prevent sticking; if needed, add a bit more stock or water.
4
Towards the end of the cooking time, season the rice with salt and pepper to taste. Once cooked, remove the pan from the heat and let it sit covered for an additional 5-6 minutes to allow the rice to steam.
5
After steaming, uncover the rice and check for doneness. If any liquid remains and the rice is still firm, return it to the stove for a few more minutes until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
6
Gently mix in the crumbled feta cheese, sliced green onions, and sautéed mushrooms (if using) into the rice, tossing carefully to combine without breaking the feta.
7
Serve warm, garnished with extra herbs or lemon zest if desired.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main grain used in this recipe?
The main grain used in this recipe is 1 cup of uncooked brown rice.
Is this recipe suitable for a vegetarian diet?
Yes, this dish is vegetarian, especially when prepared with vegetable stock.
Is Lemon-Infused Brown Rice gluten-free?
Yes, the ingredients listed, including brown rice and feta cheese, are naturally gluten-free.
How many people does this recipe serve?
This recipe is designed to serve 4 people.
What fats can be used for sautéing the vegetables?
You can use either 2 to 4 tablespoons of olive oil or butter.
How much garlic is required?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of fresh minced garlic, or you can adjust the amount to your taste.
How long should the onions and garlic be sautéed initially?
They should be sautéed for 2-3 minutes until they are softened and fragrant.
Should the brown rice be toasted before adding liquid?
Yes, the instructions suggest stirring the rice for an additional 2 minutes to lightly toast it.
What kind of liquid is used to cook the rice?
The recipe requires 3 cups of low-sodium vegetable stock or chicken broth.
What is the recommended cooking time for the rice?
The rice should simmer covered for about 35 minutes.
What should I do after the 35 minutes of cooking is complete?
Remove the pan from the heat and let it sit covered for an additional 5-6 minutes to steam.
When do I add the feta cheese?
The crumbled feta cheese is gently mixed into the rice after the steaming process is finished.
Are mushrooms a required ingredient?
No, the cooked mushrooms are optional but can be added for extra flavor.
How many green onions should I use?
The recipe calls for 1 sliced green onion or scallion.
What is the recommended heat setting for simmering?
The heat should be reduced to low once the stock reaches a simmer.
What type of pan is best for this recipe?
A deep sauté pan with a lid is recommended.
What should I do if the rice is still firm after 35 minutes?
Return the pan to the stove for a few more minutes until the rice is tender and all liquid is absorbed.
How do I prevent the rice from sticking to the pan?
Check the rice occasionally and stir it gently during the simmering process.
Can I use lemon zest in this dish?
Yes, the dish can be garnished with lemon zest for extra citrus flavor.
How much feta cheese is included in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of crumbled feta cheese, or more to taste.
What kind of stock is best for a lower sodium option?
The recipe specifically recommends using low-sodium vegetable or chicken stock.
How should the onion be prepared?
The onion should be finely chopped.
Can I use scallions instead of green onions?
Yes, green onions and scallions are interchangeable in this recipe.
What are some suggested main dishes to serve with this rice?
It serves as an excellent side for grilled vegetables, fish, or chicken.
What is the primary flavor profile of this dish?
The dish features a balance of nutty brown rice, creamy feta, and zesty lemon.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, the recipe is described as nutritious and simple to prepare.
How should the garlic be prepared?
The garlic should be fresh and minced.
What is the purpose of the 2-minute rice stirring step?
This step ensures each grain is coated in oil or butter and allows the rice to toast slightly.
Is salt and pepper measured specifically in this recipe?
No, salt and pepper are added to taste during the cooking process.
What provides the acidity in this recipe?
The acidity is provided by the juice of one lemon.