Lemon and garlic pilaf

Lemon and Garlic Pilaf Recipe

Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Total: 40 minutes
Servings: 4

Lemon and garlic pilaf is a simple and delicious recipe, perfect for adding a touch of freshness to your meal. This recipe combines the intense flavors of garlic with refreshing citrus, transforming plain rice into a savory accompaniment, ideal for any meat or vegetables. Whether you're a cooking enthusiast or a novice, this recipe will teach you how to achieve a perfect pilaf every time.

Ingredients:

- 1 cup of rice (approximately 200 ml)
- 2 cloves of garlic, finely chopped
- 1 lemon (also known as the "crown of the recipe" - juice and zest)
- 2 cups of water (approximately 500 ml)
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: fresh chopped parsley for garnish

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Prepare the ingredients: Start by rinsing the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This step helps remove excess starch, resulting in a less sticky pilaf.

2. Sauté the garlic: In a medium pot, add the olive oil and heat it over medium heat. Add the chopped garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until golden and aromatic. Be careful not to burn it, as burnt garlic can give an unpleasant bitterness to the pilaf.

3. Add the rice: Once the garlic has turned golden, add the rinsed rice and mix well, allowing it to fry for 2-3 minutes. This process helps the rice grains absorb the flavor of the oil and garlic.

4. Add the water: After the rice is lightly toasted, add the two cups of water. Also add the juice of one lemon, along with the grated lemon zest for an extra flavor boost. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

5. Cooking the pilaf: Place a lid on the pot and let it boil over high heat until the water starts to bubble. Once it reaches a boil, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes, until the rice absorbs all the water. Avoid lifting the lid too often, as this can affect the even cooking of the rice.

6. Cooling and serving: Once the rice is cooked, turn off the heat and let it sit covered for 5 minutes. This step allows the steam to finish cooking and improves the texture of the rice. After that, use a fork to fluff the rice gently.

7. Garnishing: Before serving, sprinkle fresh chopped parsley on top for a vibrant look and an even fresher aroma.

Helpful tips:

- You can also add a few lemon slices during cooking for an even more intense citrus flavor.
- If you want a richer pilaf, add some vegetables (carrots or peas) during cooking.
- This pilaf is an excellent base to accompany fish, grilled chicken, or roasted vegetables.
- Experiment with various herbs, such as basil or dill, to give the recipe a twist.

So next time you're thinking of delicious and innovative side dishes, don't forget about this lemon and garlic pilaf - a quick recipe, full of flavors and easy to prepare!