Creating Greek Lemon Rice is a breeze if you follow these straightforward steps:

1. Rinse the Rice: Place the rice in a fine-mesh sieve and rinse under cold water until the water runs clear. This removes excess starch and helps achieve fluffy rice.
2. Sauté Aromatics: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, add the olive oil. Once hot, add the chopped onion and sauté for about 2-3 minutes until translucent. Then add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
3. Toast the Rice: Add the rinsed rice to the saucepan. Stir well, allowing it to toast for about 2-3 minutes. This enhances the flavor.
4. Add Liquid: Pour in the vegetable or chicken broth. Add the lemon zest, lemon juice, and salt. Stir to combine.
5. Cook the Rice: Increase the heat until the liquid begins to boil. Once boiling, lower the heat to a simmer and cover the saucepan with a lid. Cook for about 15-18 minutes or until the rice absorbs the liquid.
6. Remove from Heat: Once cooked, remove the saucepan from the heat. Let it sit, covered, for an additional 5 minutes to allow the rice to steam and achieve fluffiness.
7. Fluff the Rice: After resting, remove the lid and fluff the rice gently with a fork. Be careful not to over-stir, as this can lead to mushy rice.
8. Finish with Herbs: Stir in freshly chopped parsley and season with black pepper to taste.
9. Serve Warm: Transfer the rice to a serving dish and drape it with a fresh lemon slice for added aesthetics.

These steps guide you in creating a delightful and flavorful Greek Lemon Rice that will surely impress everyone at your table!