Lahanorizo (Greek Rice with Cabbage) Recipe
Lahanorizo is a comforting and traditional Greek dish featuring tender cabbage and flavorful rice simmered together with aromatic vegetables and fresh dill. This hearty one-pot meal is enhanced with tomato paste, lemon juice, and olive oil, making it a perfectly balanced vegetarian dish ideal for a wholesome lunch or dinner.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Greek
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables and Herbs
- 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 medium cabbage, sliced (about 500 g / 1 lb)
- A handful fresh dill, roughly chopped
- Juice of 1 lemon
Pantry Staples
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 225 g (1/2 lb) round grain rice
- 1 litre (4 cups) vegetable stock
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Sauté Vegetables: Heat the olive oil in a Dutch oven or large stockpot over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion, diced carrot, and sliced leek. Cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally until the vegetables are softened but not browned.
- Add Garlic and Tomato Paste: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Incorporate the tomato paste and cook for another minute, stirring intermittently to meld the flavors.
- Cook Cabbage: Add the sliced cabbage to the pot and season generously with salt. Sauté for 8-10 minutes, stirring frequently until the cabbage reduces in size and becomes tender.
- Simmer Rice and Stock: Stir in the round grain rice and pour in the vegetable stock. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer gently for 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is cooked through and has absorbed most of the liquid. Add a bit more stock if the mixture appears too dry during cooking.
- Finish and Serve: Remove from heat and stir in the chopped fresh dill and freshly squeezed lemon juice. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to your taste. Serve immediately, optionally drizzled with extra olive oil and with lemon wedges on the side for added brightness.
Notes
- Use round grain rice as it absorbs flavors well and results in a creamy texture.
- If you prefer a richer flavor, you can substitute part of the vegetable stock with chicken stock if not vegetarian.
- This dish is best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and gently reheated.
- Adding a sprinkle of feta cheese on top before serving adds a nice salty contrast if desired.
- Make sure to salt the cabbage generously as it helps soften and enhance the natural sweetness.
Keywords: Lahanorizo, Greek rice with cabbage, vegetarian Greek dish, traditional Greek recipe, one pot meal, cabbage and rice recipe, healthy vegetarian dinner