Easy Lemon Rice

INGREDIENTS:

1 Tbsp olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup dry white basmati rice*
2-3 tsp lemon zest
1 ¼ cups water
1/4 cup lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
1/2 tsp sea salt
1 pinch ground turmeric (optional for color)

DIRECTIONS:

Heat a medium saucepan over medium heat. Once hot, add olive oil and minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but still light in color.
Stir in basmati rice and lemon zest. Sauté for 1 more minute.
Add the water, lemon juice, salt, and optional turmeric. Stir well, turn the heat to high, and bring to a boil. Once boiling, cover and reduce the heat to low. Cook for 15-20 minutes until the rice is tender and the liquid is fully absorbed.
Turn off the heat and let the rice rest for a minute or so before fluffing with a fork and serving. If the rice is slightly too toothsome, simply place the lid back on top of the pot and let it rest for 5-10 more minutes — the steam should fully cook it!
*Brown rice doesn’t work well in this recipe. We tested and strongly preferred the fluffy texture and neutral flavor of white rice. If you want to try brown rice, we’d recommend using long grain rice and adding slightly more water and cooking longer.