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Mediterranean Lemon Rice

Zesty Mediterranean Lemon Rice That'll Brighten Your Dinner

This Mediterranean Lemon Rice recipe is a vibrant side or main dish that's quick, healthy, and bursting with zesty flavors.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

For the Rice
  • 1 cup Uncooked Jasmine Rice Rinse to remove excess starch
  • 2 cups Chicken Broth Substitute with vegetable broth for vegan option
For the Vegetables
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil Use extra virgin for bolder taste
  • 1 cup Grape Tomatoes Cut in half
  • 2 cloves Garlic Minced
  • 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano Add more for intensified flavor
  • to taste Salt Season to your preference
  • 4 cups Fresh Spinach Substitute with kale or collard greens
For the Chickpeas & Feta
  • 1 can Canned Chickpeas Drain and rinse before using
  • 1 cup Feta Cheese Use dairy-free feta for a dairy-free option
  • 1 tablespoon Freshly Squeezed Lemon Juice Essential for flavor
Optional Finishing Touch
  • to taste Chopped Fresh Oregano An optional garnish

Equipment

  • Medium saucepan
  • large skillet
  • small bowl

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Start by thoroughly rinsing 1 cup of uncooked jasmine rice under cold water until the water runs clear, which helps remove excess starch for a fluffy texture. This process should take about 2 minutes. Once rinsed, set the rice aside while you prepare the broth for cooking.
  2. In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed rice with 2 cups of chicken broth or vegetable broth for a vegetarian option. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 20 minutes or until all the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender.
  3. While the rice is cooking, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add half of the halved grape tomatoes, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, and a sprinkle of salt to the skillet. Cook for about 2 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes start to soften and release their juices.
  4. Next, stir in 4 cups of fresh spinach to the skillet, cooking it until wilted, which should take about 2-3 minutes. The vibrant green color will indicate that the spinach is ready. Once wilted, remove the skillet from heat temporarily while you combine the ingredients.
  5. Incorporate the cooked jasmine rice into the skillet along with 1 can of drained chickpeas and the remaining halved grape tomatoes. Squeeze in the juice of 1 freshly squeezed lemon, then gently stir all the ingredients together until well combined.
  6. In a small bowl, mix 1 cup of cubed feta cheese with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, an extra squeeze of lemon juice, and 1 teaspoon of fresh oregano if desired.
  7. Carefully fold half of the prepared feta mixture into the skillet with the rice and vegetables, adjusting the seasoning with additional salt and pepper to taste. Then, serve the Mediterranean Lemon Rice topped with the remaining feta and a sprinkle of chopped fresh oregano.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 12gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 20mgSodium: 400mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 6gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 2500IUVitamin C: 30mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Store any leftover Mediterranean Lemon Rice in an airtight container for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.

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