Lahanorizo (Greek Rice with Cabbage) Recipe
Lahanorizo is a traditional Greek dish of rice cooked with cabbage and aromatic vegetables, flavored with fresh dill and lemon juice. This hearty and comforting one-pot meal is perfect for a wholesome lunch or dinner, offering a delicious combination of tender cabbage and fluffy rice infused with Mediterranean flavors.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Greek
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 1 medium carrot, diced
- 1 medium leek, sliced (white and light green parts only)
- 2 large garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 medium cabbage, sliced (about 500 g / 1 lb)
- 225 g (½ lb) round grain rice
- 1 litre (4 cups) vegetable stock
- A handful fresh dill, roughly chopped
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat the Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large stockpot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion, diced carrot, and sliced leek. Cook for 5-6 minutes until the vegetables soften and become fragrant.
- Add Garlic and Tomato Paste: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Then add the tomato paste and cook for an additional minute, stirring occasionally to combine everything well.
- Cream Cabbage: Add the sliced cabbage to the pot and sprinkle generously with salt. Sauté for 8-10 minutes until the cabbage reduces in size and softens, stirring occasionally.
- Add Rice and Stock: Stir in the round grain rice, then pour in the vegetable stock. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let simmer for 20 minutes or until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the stock. Add additional stock if the mixture looks too dry during cooking.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the pot from heat, stir in the fresh chopped dill and lemon juice to brighten the flavors. Adjust salt and pepper according to taste. Serve the lahanorizo immediately, optionally drizzled with extra olive oil and accompanied by lemon wedges.
Notes
- Use round grain rice for best texture, but medium grain rice can substitute if unavailable.
- Adding extra lemon juice right before serving enhances the brightness of the dish.
- The dish can be made vegan and vegetarian-friendly by using vegetable stock.
- If you prefer a softer texture, cover the pot while simmering to retain steam.
- Fresh dill is key for an authentic taste; if unavailable, substitute with fresh parsley.
- This recipe can be doubled easily for larger groups.
