Prasorizo (Greek Leeks with Rice) Recipe
Prasorizo is a traditional Greek comfort dish featuring tender leeks cooked slowly with medium grain rice in olive oil, lemon, and fresh dill. This savory, light, and fragrant dish serves as a perfect vegetarian main or side that showcases the subtle sweetness of leeks combined with zesty lemon and aromatic herbs.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Greek
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 1 medium onion, finely diced
- 2 large garlic cloves, finely chopped
- 3 medium leeks (about 300 g total), white and light green parts only, sliced
- 25 g (1/3 cup) fresh dill, chopped
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon
Pantry Staples
- 75 ml (1/4 cup) olive oil
- 150 g (2/3 cup) medium grain rice
- 900 ml (4 cups) water
- 1 teaspoon salt
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Sauté the Onion: Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the finely diced onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until translucent and fragrant.
- Cook Leeks and Garlic: Stir in the chopped garlic and sliced leeks. Continue cooking for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently until the leeks soften and become tender.
- Toast the Rice: Add the medium grain rice to the pot and stir well to combine with the vegetables. Toast the rice by cooking for 1-2 minutes, stirring often to prevent sticking and to develop a nutty flavor.
- Add Water and Simmer: Pour in the water and add salt. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let it simmer gently for about 20 minutes, or until the rice becomes tender and most of the water is absorbed. If the rice seems undercooked and the liquid is gone, add a little more water and continue cooking until fully done.
- Finish with Lemon and Dill: Once the rice and leeks are tender, stir in the lemon zest, lemon juice, and chopped fresh dill. Season with freshly ground black pepper and adjust salt if needed. Mix well and serve immediately for best freshness and flavor.
Notes
- Use medium grain rice for best texture—it soaks up flavors well without becoming mushy.
- Do not discard too much liquid during cooking; the rice should be moist but not soupy.
- Adjust lemon juice to your taste for a brighter or milder tang.
- Fresh dill is key to authentic flavor; dried dill can be substituted but use less quantity.
- This dish can be served warm or at room temperature and pairs well with grilled meats or as a vegetarian main course.
