Zesty Lemon Herb Rice Pilaf
Delight your taste buds with this vibrant Zesty Lemon Herb Rice Pilaf, a perfect accompaniment for any meal. Crafted with aromatic garlic, sweet shredded carrots, and a bright hint of lemon, this dish is both refreshing and satisfying. Easy to prepare and bursting with flavor, it's an ideal side dish for grilled meats or a hearty vegetarian option. Elevate your rice game with this simple yet delectable recipe that your family and friends will love.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Butter
3 tablespoons (Melted)
Garlic cloves
3 (Peeled and smashed)
Carrots
2 (Pared and shredded)
Uncooked long-grain rice
1 1/3 cups (Uncooked)
Chicken broth
3 cups (Liquid)
Grated lemon zest
2 teaspoons (Freshly grated)
Salt
3/4 teaspoon (To taste)
Instructions
1
In a medium saucepan with a tight-fitting lid, melt the butter over medium heat.
2
Add the smashed garlic cloves and shredded carrots to the pan. Sauté, stirring frequently, until the carrots begin to soften and take on a light color, about 5 minutes.
3
Stir in the uncooked long-grain rice, ensuring it is well-coated with the butter and mixed with the garlic and carrots.
4
Pour in the chicken broth, followed by the grated lemon zest and salt. Stir gently to combine the ingredients.
5
Bring the mixture to a boil, then cover the saucepan and reduce the heat to low. Simmer for approximately 20 minutes, or until the rice has absorbed the liquid and is tender.
6
Once cooked, remove the garlic cloves from the pilaf and fluff the rice gently with a fork. Serve warm, garnished with additional lemon zest if desired.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Zesty Lemon Herb Rice Pilaf?
It is a vibrant and refreshing rice side dish made with long-grain rice, aromatic garlic, shredded carrots, and bright lemon zest.
What type of rice should I use?
The recipe calls for 1 1/3 cups of uncooked long-grain rice.
How much chicken broth is required?
You will need 3 cups of chicken broth for this recipe.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, simply substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth to make it a vegetarian option.
How many garlic cloves are used?
The recipe uses 3 garlic cloves that should be peeled and smashed.
What is the role of carrots in this pilaf?
The shredded carrots add sweetness and a pop of color to the dish.
How much butter do I need?
You will need 3 tablespoons of butter, which should be melted at the start of cooking.
How do I prepare the lemon?
You will need 2 teaspoons of freshly grated lemon zest.
How long should the rice simmer?
The rice should simmer for approximately 20 minutes once the heat is reduced to low.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this rice pilaf is gluten-free, provided you ensure your chicken broth is certified gluten-free.
Should the garlic stay in the dish?
No, once the rice is cooked, you should remove the smashed garlic cloves before fluffing the rice.
How do I start the cooking process?
Begin by melting the butter in a medium saucepan with a tight-fitting lid over medium heat.
How do I prepare the carrots?
You should pare and shred 2 carrots before adding them to the saucepan.
What is the first thing to sauté?
Sauté the smashed garlic cloves and shredded carrots in the melted butter for about 5 minutes.
When do I add the rice?
Stir in the uncooked rice after the carrots have softened, ensuring the grains are well-coated with butter.
How much salt is recommended?
The recipe suggests 3/4 teaspoon of salt, or to taste.
Do I boil the mixture immediately?
Yes, after adding the broth, lemon zest, and salt, bring the mixture to a boil before covering and simmering.
What equipment do I need?
A medium saucepan with a tight-fitting lid and a fork for fluffing are the primary tools needed.
How do I finish the dish?
Remove the garlic, fluff the rice gently with a fork, and serve warm.
Can I add extra garnish?
Yes, you can garnish the pilaf with additional lemon zest if desired for extra brightness.
What does 'smashed' garlic mean?
It means crushing the peeled clove with the flat side of a knife to release oils without chopping it into small pieces.
Can I use olive oil instead of butter?
Yes, olive oil can be substituted for butter if you prefer a different fat or want to make it dairy-free.
Is this a good side dish for grilled meats?
Absolutely, its bright and zesty flavors make it an ideal accompaniment for grilled meats and fish.
What if I don't have chicken broth?
You can use water with a bouillon cube or vegetable stock as a substitute.
How many carrots are required?
The recipe calls for 2 pared and shredded carrots.
Can I use bottled lemon juice?
This recipe relies on zest for flavor, but a splash of juice can be added for extra acidity if you like.
Is the rice supposed to be tender?
Yes, the rice is ready once it has absorbed all the liquid and is tender to the bite.
Can I make this in advance?
Yes, it can be made ahead and reheated, though it is best served fresh for the fluffiest texture.
Is this recipe considered easy?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy recipe and a quick meal option.
What is the texture of this rice?
By fluffing with a fork, the long-grain rice remains light and separate rather than sticky.