Description
Prasorizo is a traditional Greek dish featuring tender leeks and medium-grain rice cooked slowly in olive oil and water, then flavored with fresh dill, lemon juice, and spring onions. This comforting and wholesome recipe is perfect as a light main course or side dish, showcasing simple ingredients with bright, fresh Mediterranean flavors.
Ingredients
Vegetables and Herbs
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 3 medium leeks, diced (approximately 4 cups), trimmed and sliced into ½ inch half rounds
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh dill (plus additional for garnishing)
- 4 spring onions, sliced
Grains and Liquids
- 3/4 cup (160 grams) medium grain rice
- 4 cups (32 fl oz) water
- juice of 1 lemon
Oils and Seasonings
- 1/3 cup (80 mL) olive oil (plus additional for drizzling)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- Prep the leeks: Trim, wash thoroughly to remove grit, and cut the leeks into ½ inch slices by halving lengthwise and slicing into half rounds.
- Heat olive oil: In a large saucepan, heat 1/3 cup olive oil over medium heat.
- Sauté onion: Add diced onion and cook for about 5 minutes until softened but not browned.
- Sauté leeks: Add the prepared leeks to the pan and sauté for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, being careful not to burn them.
- Add rice: Stir in the medium-grain rice and cook for 1-2 minutes to lightly toast the grains.
- Boil water: Pour in 4 cups of water and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Simmer rice and leeks: Cover the pot, reduce heat, and simmer for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the rice is cooked and water largely absorbed.
- Adjust liquid if needed: If the rice is not fully cooked and little liquid remains, add some boiled water and cook a few more minutes until rice is tender.
- Season and add herbs: Uncover the pot, then stir in lemon juice, salt, black pepper, chopped dill, and sliced spring onions.
- Let the dish rest: Remove from heat and let sit uncovered for 5-10 minutes to allow the dish to thicken and flavors to meld.
- Serve: Drizzle with a bit more olive oil and garnish with extra fresh dill before serving.
- Enjoy: Serve warm as a light main or side dish.
Notes
- Be careful not to burn the onions and leeks while sautéing; cooking on medium heat and stirring helps prevent this.
- Use medium-grain rice for best texture; short or long-grain varieties will change the dish consistency.
- Fresh dill and lemon juice are key to the authentic Greek flavor—use fresh whenever possible.
- If you prefer a more moist rice, add a bit more water while simmering as needed.
- This dish is naturally vegetarian and can be served as a hearty side or main.
