Creamy Parmesan Zucchini Rice with Fresh Dill and Lemon

This Parmesan Zucchini Rice is a fresh and flavorful side dish that’s easy to prepare and pairs well with a variety of main courses. Made with shredded zucchini, Parmesan cheese, a touch of lemon, and fresh dill, it brings a bright, creamy twist to traditional rice. Perfect for summer meals or when you want a veggie-packed side that’s both comforting and light, this dish can be ready in under 30 minutes!

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon oil (or butter)
• 1 cup onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, chopped
• 1 cup long-grain rice
• 2 cups water (or vegetable broth for extra flavor)
• 2 cups zucchini, shredded
• 1/4 cup Parmigiano Reggiano (Parmesan), grated
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped (or 1/2 teaspoon dried dill)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Sauté the Onion and Garlic:
   • In a medium saucepan, warm the oil or butter over medium heat.
   • Incorporate the diced onion and sauté until it becomes translucent, approximately 3-4 minutes.
   • Stir in the minced garlic and continue to cook for an additional minute, or until aromatic.
2. Cook the Rice:
   • Add the rice to the saucepan, stirring well to coat it in the oil and onion mixture.
   • Pour in the water or vegetable broth, bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low.
   • Cover and let it simmer for 15-18 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
3. Add the Zucchini:
   • Once the rice is cooked, add the shredded zucchini, stirring well to combine.
   • Allow the zucchini to warm through for 2-3 minutes.
4. Incorporate the Seasonings and Cheese:
   • Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, lemon zest, and dill.
   • Mix well until the cheese is melted and everything is evenly combined.
5. Serve:
   • Use a fork to fluff the rice, then transfer it to a serving dish.
   • Garnish with extra dill or Parmesan if desired. Serve warm.

Conclusion

This Parmesan Zucchini Rice is a wonderful blend of creamy, cheesy goodness with a hint of lemon and dill, making it a light but satisfying side dish. It’s easy to make, flavorful, and pairs well with a variety of proteins or as a standalone dish for a lighter meal. Enjoy the fresh flavors and creamy texture in every bite!

Creamy Parmesan Zucchini Rice with Fresh Dill and Lemon

A creamy rice dish made with shredded zucchini,Parmesan, and fresh lemon, this Parmesan Zucchini Rice is a quick, flavorfulside perfect for pairing with any meal.

• 1 tablespoon oil (or butter)
• 1 cup onion (diced)
• 2 cloves garlic (chopped)
• 1 cup long-grain rice
• 2 cups water (or vegetable broth for extra flavor)
• 2 cups zucchini (shredded)
• 1/4 cup Parmigiano Reggiano (Parmesan, grated)
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 2 tablespoons fresh dill (chopped (or 1/2 teaspoon dried dill))
• Salt and pepper (to taste)

Sauté the Onion and Garlic:

1. In a medium saucepan, warm the oil or butter over medium heat.
2. Incorporate the diced onion and sauté until it becomes translucent, approximately 3-4 minutes.
3. Stir in the minced garlic and continue to cook for an additional minute, or until aromatic.

Cook the Rice:

1. Add the rice to the saucepan, stirring well to coat it in the oil and onion mixture.
2. Pour in the water or vegetable broth, bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low.
3. Cover and let it simmer for 15-18 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.

Add the Zucchini:

1. Once the rice is cooked, add the shredded zucchini, stirring well to combine.
2. Allow the zucchini to warm through for 2-3 minutes.
3. Incorporate the Seasonings and Cheese:
4. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, lemon zest, and dill.
5. Mix well until the cheese is melted and everything is evenly combined.

Serve:

1. Use a fork to fluff the rice, then transfer it to a serving dish.
2. Garnish with extra dill or Parmesan if desired. Serve warm.

Side Dish

Mediterranean-inspired

Parmesan Zucchini Rice