Fresh, bright, and ready in 30 minutes, this Mediterranean Lemon Herb Rice is the kind of side dish that quietly steals the show. Royal® Chef's Secret™ Extra Long Basmati Rice is tossed with a warm garlic and spice base, then finished with lemon zest, fresh parsley, dill, and mint for a dish that's light but full of flavor. Serve it alongside grilled chicken or fish, or just eat it on its own. It holds up either way.
Mediterranean Lemon Herb Rice with Royal® Chef’s Secret™ Basmati Rice
30 minutes
Mediterranean
Ingredients
For the Rice:
- 1 cup Royal Chef’s Secret Extra Long Basmati Rice
- 2 cups water
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp salt
For the Lemon Herb Mix:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp ground coriander
- 1/4 tsp paprika
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Zest of 1 lemon, juice of 1 lemon
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh mint, chopped
- Salt to taste
Optional Garnishes:
- Lemon slices
- Crumbled feta cheese
- Toasted pine nuts
Preparation
Cook the Rice:
- Rinse the Royal Chef’s Secret Extra Long Basmati Rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Soak for 10-15 mins.
- In a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups of water to a boil. Add the rice, olive oil, and salt.
- Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes or until the rice is fluffy and the water is absorbed.
- Remove from heat and let it sit for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork.
Prepare the Lemon Herb Mix:
- In a small skillet, heat 2 tbsp of olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Stir in ground spices, cumin, coriander, paprika, and black pepper, and cook for another 30 seconds.
- Remove from heat and mix in the lemon zest, lemon juice, parsley, dill, and mint.
- Now, let’s mix the cooked rice with the lemon herb mix in a large bowl. Gently toss to combine, ensuring the rice is evenly coated.
- Taste and adjust salt or lemon juice as needed.
Serve:
- Plate the Mediterranean Lemon Herb Rice and garnish with lemon slices, crumbled feta cheese, or toasted pine nuts if desired.
Note: This dish pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, fish, or roasted vegetables for a fully Mediterranean-inspired meal.
