Lemon Rice – An Easy and Tasty Side Dish

This recipe for lemon rice is super simple to make and adds a wonderful updated fresh flavor to an everyday side dish.

We ate a lot of rice growing up. I guess it’s because my father was Middle Eastern and they serve rice with many of their dishes. My husband, who is half Italian, prefers pasta, but I still like to make rice. Interestingly though, this simple side dish is one of his brother’s favorites.

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Why Uncle Bens Long Grain for Lemon Rice?

Can you believe that for the longest time I didn’t know that there were so many different kinds of rice? Uncle Bens Original Long Grain Rice was the kind my mother always used. Of course, I knew that you could buy instant rice and sticky rice like you would find in a Chinese restaurant but that’s not what we used so I’ve almost always cooked with long grain rice.

P.S. I was not paid by Uncle Ben’s to write this, I just like it.

If you haven’t tried it I suggest that you do because it’s really tasty and it doesn’t stick together the way short grain rice does.  Another trick I learned long ago was browning the uncooked rice in a little bit of butter before adding the water or stock. Just for about a minute. This also helps the individual rice to stay separate and not stick together in clumps.

Another handed down tip: We were taught to add a pinch of turmeric to our rice. This is done just after you add the liquid, and gives the rice a beautiful golden color. Originally people used saffron. However, it’s very expensive and turmeric is a great substitute. Since there are reports that turmeric helps with inflammation, I consider it a bonus.

What to Serve with Lemon Rice:

This rice dish is perfect with any protein, whether it’s hot off the grill or from the oven. It’s also great for serving with stews, especially if they do not already have a starch included as part of the dish.

I particularly like it with chicken and fish because the lemon really enhances the overall flavor. 

If you enjoy lemon flavored dishes this one is a must. The scent is wonderful and the taste is oh so delicious.

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P.S. You may also like my Southwest Rice with Black Beans recipe or for an ethnic twist try my Middle Eastern Top Rice recipe.

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