This is the REAL RECIPE for the Taziki’ Cafe basmati rice, likely the most popular side ordered alongside the Greek grilled chicken, lamb and shrimp.

Here in Birmingham, Taziki’s Mediterranean Cafe literally has a cult following. Most everyone I know eats at Taziki’s often, whether dine in or take out. The food is healthy, fresh, and always delicious.

Is Basmati rice the same as white rice?

No. Basmati rice has the longest grains of any rice and is also extremely narrow, with pointy ends. It is common in Indian and Mediterranean cooking.

Of all the sides served at Taziki’s, the basmati rice is one of the most popular. It is soft, light, buttery and perfectly seasoned with lemon and parsley. It pairs perfectly with any of Taziki’s dishes, but especially with the chicken, lamb and shrimp.

Years ago, Taziki’s founder Keith Richards shared this family recipe on AL.com with the important caveat to “use fresh lemon, butter, and fresh parsley.” This really is what makes this rice so fresh and fabulous:-)

What does fresh parsley add to the flavor of rice?

Parsley is a bitter herb. (Our taste buds can sense sweet, sour, salty, bitter and umami.)  In addition to its great flavor, it aids digestion and makes almost any savory dish taste better.

What does fresh lemon juice add to the flavor of rice?

Fresh lemon juice appeals to the sour sense of taste, and it adds a fresh citrus zing to the palate as well.

Why add butter to rice? 

This is fairly obvious, but fresh, real cream butter imparts rich flavor and also creates a magical trilogy with the parsley and lemon juice.

This rice really is delicious, and it tastes exactly like Taziki’s version~because it is!!! How nice to be able to have an exact recipe from a favorite restaurant.

If you love rice, you might also want to try my French Onion Brown Rice Made in a Rice Cooker. It is like “church lady rice” but much healthier!

Note: This rice can be made in a rice cooker. Simply follow directions for making white or basmati rice, then add the specified ingredients to the rice once it is cooked.

If you make this, please let me know how it turns out! I try to reply quickly to everyone who posts a comment.

And please visit our Family Savvy storefront to see all my amazon faves and must-haves for you, your home and your loved ones.

As always, thanks so much for stopping by. Be blessed, and stay savvy!!!

Taziki's Mediterranean Cafe's Basmati Rice

Yield: 8

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

This rice is one of the most popular sides at Taziki's Mediterranean Cafe.

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Ingredients

• 2 cups basmati rice (long grain Indian Basmati rice)
• 3 cups water
• 4 ounces unsalted butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon pepper
• 1/2 cup (4 lemons) lemon juice
• 1/2 cup parsley, fresh chopped

Instructions

1. Place water and rice in 8-quart pan with lid.
2. Bring rice to rapid boil while covered.
3. When water reaches boil, turn temperature to low.
4. Cook for 12 to 15 minutes until rice is fluffy.
5. Remove pan from burner and allow rice to sit for 2 to 5 minutes.
6. Pour cooked rice into a medium mixing bowl.
7. Add melted butter, salt, pepper, lemon juice & parsley.
8. Stir until thoroughly cominbed.

Nutrition Information

Yield 8 Serving Size 1
Amount Per Serving Calories 158Total Fat 12gSaturated Fat 7gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 4gCholesterol 30mgSodium 276mgCarbohydrates 12gFiber 0gSugar 0gProtein 1g