Best 7 Lemony Greek Pilafi Recipes

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Embark on a culinary journey to the heart of Greece with our authentic Lemony Greek Pilafi recipe. This traditional dish, also known as pilaf or pilafi, is a delectable combination of fluffy rice, aromatic lemon, and a burst of Mediterranean flavors. Perfectly suited for vegetarians and vegans, this versatile dish can be easily tailored to suit your dietary preferences. Explore our collection of Lemony Greek Pilafi recipes, ranging from the classic version to variations that incorporate vibrant vegetables, succulent seafood, and tender chicken. Each recipe is carefully crafted to deliver a symphony of flavors and textures that will transport you to the sun-kissed shores of Greece.

Let's cook with our recipes!

GREEK LEMON RICE PILAF



Greek Lemon Rice Pilaf image

Rice and orzo pasta are toasted, then simmered in broth and lemon juice, before being tossed with fresh herbs in this refreshing and delicious side dish.

Provided by Danelle

Categories     Side Dishes

Time 45m

Number Of Ingredients 10

2 cups basmati or long grain rice
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 cup orzo pasta
2 tablespoons lemon juice
2 cups low sodium chicken or vegetable broth
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill
2-3 teaspoons lemon zest
Salt and pepper, to taste

Steps:

  • Rinse rice well then soak for 15-20 minutes in enough cold water to cover the rice by one inch. Drain well.
  • Heat olive oil over medium high heat in a large saute pan with a lid. Add garlic and orzo pasta. Cook and stir for a few minutes, until orzo is lightly browned. Stir in the rice.
  • Add the lemon juice and broth and bring to a boil. Turn heat to low. Cover and simmer for about 20 minutes, or until liquid is absorbed and rice is tender.
  • Remove from heat and let rest, covered, for 5-10 minutes. Uncover and stir in parsley, dill, lemon zest, and salt and pepper, to taste, Serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 204 calories, Carbohydrate 30 grams carbohydrates, Cholesterol 12 milligrams cholesterol, Fat 5 grams fat, Fiber 1 grams fiber, Protein 9 grams protein, SaturatedFat 1 grams saturated fat, ServingSize 1, Sodium 373 milligrams sodium, Sugar 2 grams sugar, TransFat 0 grams trans fat, UnsaturatedFat 4 grams unsaturated fat

CRETAN PILAFI - GREEK LEMON RICE



Cretan Pilafi - Greek Lemon Rice image

Provided by Stephanie

Number Of Ingredients 4

1 1/2 cups white rice
6 tbsp unsalted butter
6 tbsp lemon juice
4 cups chicken broth (2 14.5 oz cans plus 1.5 oz water)

Steps:

  • Add the butter to a medium pot, and melt it on medium heat.
  • At the same time, heat the chicken broth in a smaller pot on medium heat.
  • Add in the rice, and coat it in the butter. Lightly brown the rice, and stir constantly with a wooden spoon to make sure it doesn't burn.
  • Once the rice is well coated in the butter, add the lemon juice. Continue to stir.
  • Using a ladle, add the chicken broth a ladle at a time to the rice. Stir constantly. Add more broth once the rice has absorbed the broth that's been added.
  • Once the rice has absorbed all of the broth, take it off the heat. Let it cool for 10 minutes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 282 kcal, Carbohydrate 39 g, Protein 4 g, Fat 12 g, SaturatedFat 7 g, Cholesterol 30 mg, Sodium 736 mg, Fiber 1 g, Sugar 1 g, ServingSize 1 serving

LEMONOPITA (GREEK LEMON PHYLLO CAKE)



Lemonopita (Greek Lemon Phyllo Cake) image

This Greek dessert is made with Greek yogurt, lemon juice and zest, and lots of shredded phyllo pastry. The texture is unique, and you won't believe how easy it is to make.

Provided by Diana Moutsopoulos

Categories     World Cuisine Recipes     European     Greek

Time 2h10m

Yield 12

Number Of Ingredients 12

3 cups white sugar
2 cups water
lemons, zested and juiced
2 lemons, juiced
1 (16 ounce) package phyllo dough
1 (17.6 ounce) container Greek yogurt
1 cup sunflower seed oil
¾ cup white sugar
5 eggs
lemons, zested
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon baking powder

Steps:

  • Combine sugar, water, and zest of 2 lemons in a saucepan over medium-high heat. Bring to a boil and boil vigorously for 8 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in lemon juice from 4 lemons. Allow syrup to cool while you prepare the cake.
  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking pan with oil.
  • Remove phyllo sheets from the package. Tear each sheet roughly into shreds and pile up in the baking pan. Let shredded phyllo dry out a little while you prepare the remaining ingredients.
  • Combine yogurt, oil, sugar, eggs, lemon zest, vanilla extract, and baking powder in a blender or food processor. Blend together on high speed until frothy, about 2 minutes. Pour lemon-egg mixture over the shredded phyllo in the baking pan. Stir everything together gently until egg mixture is evenly distributed.
  • Bake in the preheated oven until the top is golden and the filling set, about 45 minutes.
  • Remove from the oven and immediately pour cooled syrup over the hot cake. Set aside until most of the syrup has soaked in, at least 1 hour. Slice into squares and serve.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 603.7 calories, Carbohydrate 86.4 g, Cholesterol 86.9 mg, Fat 26.7 g, Fiber 1.7 g, Protein 8 g, SaturatedFat 5.1 g, Sodium 322.3 mg, Sugar 64.4 g

EASY LEMON RICE PILAF



Easy Lemon Rice Pilaf image

This creamy rice dish is the perfect side choice for fish. The subtle lemon and creamy Parmesan give it a robust and memorable flavor. Double delicious when used with jasmine rice! Guaranteed you'll be asked to make it again and again!

Provided by LemonLush

Categories     Side Dish     Rice Side Dish Recipes     Pilaf

Time 48m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 9

2 large egg yolks
¼ cup heavy whipping cream
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 teaspoon lemon zest, or to taste
2 tablespoons butter
1 ½ cups uncooked jasmine rice
3 cups chicken broth
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
3 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Steps:

  • Combine egg yolks, cream, lemon juice, and lemon zest in a bowl; whisk thoroughly.
  • Melt butter in a saucepan over medium-high heat. Add rice; cook, stirring constantly, until opaque, 3 to 4 minutes. Add chicken broth; stir quickly. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer until rice is tender and liquid has been absorbed, 20 to 25 minutes.
  • Fold lemon-cream mixture into the rice; mix well. Stir in Parmesan cheese and parsley.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 281.9 calories, Carbohydrate 40.2 g, Cholesterol 98 mg, Fat 10.2 g, Fiber 0.7 g, Protein 6.3 g, SaturatedFat 5.8 g, Sodium 667.6 mg, Sugar 0.8 g

GREEK FESTIVAL LEMON RICE PILAF



Greek Festival Lemon Rice Pilaf image

Every September Salt Lake has an amazing Greek Festival. Back in 2001 I got a pamphlet of Greek recipes from the festival. This rice pilaf is very similar to the rice pilaf served at my favorite Greek restaurant. Opa!

Provided by darthlaurie

Categories     Rice

Time 30m

Yield 4-6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 5

1/4 lb butter
2 cups uncooked rice (Uncle Ben's long grain converted rice works well)
1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
5 cups hot chicken broth
salt & freshly ground black pepper

Steps:

  • Heat butter in a heavy skillet. When it's hot, add the rice and, stirring constantly, saute on medium heat until transparent but not brown.
  • Add the lemon juice, chicken broth, and salt.
  • Cover and simmer for 20 minutes.
  • Remove the pan from the heat and let pilaf stand uncovered for 5 minutes before serving.

GREEK LEMON PILAF



Greek Lemon Pilaf image

Make and share this Greek Lemon Pilaf recipe from Food.com.

Provided by PalatablePastime

Categories     Rice

Time 27m

Yield 3-4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 7

2 tablespoons butter or 2 tablespoons margarine
1/2 cup chopped onion
1 cup long grain rice
2 tablespoons orzo pasta
2 cups chicken broth
1/4 cup lemon juice
2 tablespoons chopped parsley

Steps:

  • In a heavy saucepan, saute onion in butter until tender.
  • Add rice and orzo and cook, stirring, for 2 minutes.
  • Add chicken broth and lemon juice and bring to a boil.
  • Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes or until rice is tender and liquid has been absorbed.
  • Fluff pilaf up with fork and stir in chopped parsley.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 361, Fat 9.2, SaturatedFat 5.3, Cholesterol 20.4, Sodium 571.5, Carbohydrate 59.2, Fiber 1.6, Sugar 2.4, Protein 9.1

LEMON RICE PILAF



Lemon Rice Pilaf image

No need to buy premade pilaf mix when you can easily make your own in 20 minutes. The lemon zest adds a welcome burst of tang. -Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Side Dishes

Time 20m

Yield 6 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 7

1 cup uncooked jasmine or long grain white rice
2 tablespoons butter
1 cup sliced celery
1 cup thinly sliced green onions
1 tablespoon grated lemon zest
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper

Steps:

  • Cook rice according to package directions. Meanwhile, in a large skillet, heat butter over medium heat. Add celery and onions; cook until tender. Add rice, lemon zest, salt and pepper; toss lightly. Cook until heated through.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 155 calories, Fat 4g fat (2g saturated fat), Cholesterol 10mg cholesterol, Sodium 454mg sodium, Carbohydrate 27g carbohydrate (1g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges

Tips:

  • Use the right rice: Long-grain rice, such as basmati or jasmine, is best for pilaf because it cooks evenly and doesn't stick together.
  • Rinse the rice: Rinsing the rice before cooking removes the starch, which helps to prevent the rice from becoming sticky.
  • Use a good quality olive oil: The olive oil you use will make a big difference in the flavor of the pilaf. Look for a good quality extra virgin olive oil.
  • Don't overcrowd the pot: When cooking the rice, don't overcrowd the pot. This will prevent the rice from cooking evenly.
  • Let the rice rest: After cooking the rice, let it rest for a few minutes before fluffing it with a fork. This will help to prevent the rice from becoming mushy.

Conclusion:

This lemony Greek pilaf is a delicious and easy-to-make side dish that is perfect for any occasion. The bright lemon flavor and the fluffy texture of the rice make this dish a winner. Whether you're serving it with grilled chicken, fish, or roasted vegetables, this pilaf is sure to be a hit.

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