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    Home » Rice

    Published: Oct 19, 2021 · Modified: Oct 22, 2022 · by GeorgiaDM

    Greek Leek Lemon Risotto (Prasorizo)

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    Greek leek lemon risotto or prasorizo lemonato as we call it in Greece is a delicious, comfort dish. Its name means literally leeks (praso) and rice (rizo). A traditional, typically home-cooked dish.

    It is a humble dish that represents the simplicity of Greek cuisine, with a creamy texture and sweet flavor. A vegetarian (vegan) dish, that is also gluten-free, quick, and easy-to-be-made.

    Prasorizo is a type of risotto eaten during the cold autumn or winter months when leeks are in season, and especially during nisteia which is the fasting period for religious reasons. Every family has its recipe but almost always there are two versions of the dish, white or lemon, like in this recipe, and red made with tomato.

    What are the health benefits of leeks?

    Leeks belong to the allium family. Greeks are using leeks in the kitchen from ancient times and thought that they were helping with voice.

    They have a milder more delicate flavor than onions and when cooked or caramelized they provide a sweeter taste.

    Leeks are nutrient-dense which means that they are low in calories, but are filled with minerals and vitamins. They are also a great source of antioxidants like flavonoids and carotenoids, and vitamin K. Other nutrients and vitamins found in leeks are vitamin C, B6 & A, fiber, folate, iron, beta-carotene, manganese, and copper.

    Leeks are an easy and great addition to a healthy diet and they may promote weight loss, reduce inflammation, improve digestion, and fight infections, heart disease, and even cancer according to some studies.

    Ingredients of the Greek leek risotto

    Leeks: Slice the white and pale green parts diagonally into 1.5 cm (0.6inch) rings/slices and finely chop the green parts.

    Onions: Swap the yellow onion with white or red depending on what you have in hand.

    Herbs: I like to use dill and spearmint. My grandma used parsley, but I have an allergy. You can also add oregano.

    Rice: In Greece, Prasorizo is made with a specific type of rice called Carolina. It is medium-grain rice. If you can't find medium-grain rice use Arborio rice. Any other variety won't work because Prasorizo needs to be creamy.

    Tips & tricks

    Use unwaxed lemons when you use lemon zest. Spay the lemons with a solution made with 3 parts of warm water and 1 part of distilled white vinegar. Let the solution for 5 minutes on the lemons and then wash and scrub them.

    Avoid using any type of rice other than medium-grain or Arborio, if you want your dish to be creamy

    Leeks get more flavorful and sweet the longer they cook. We want to cook them until they are soft and sweet but not melted.

    Prepare your leeks, by chopping the top open part of the leaves and the roots at the bottom. Wash the green leaves very thoroughly and cut them into pieces. Slice diagonally into rings/slices the pale green and white parts. I like to place the cut pieces of leek in a bowl filled with cold water and ¼ cup vinegar for about 20-30 minutes to make sure that they are clean and don't have bugs.

    When we use dry herbs for this recipe, we use only ⅓ to ½ of the amount used of fresh herbs.

    How to serve the Greek leek risotto

    Prasorizo is usually served as a main dish. Serve it alongside a piece of feta cheese and a slice of freshly baked bread.

    Serve it also as a side dish. It pairs perfectly with roasted chicken or pork.

    How to store the Greek leek risotto

    Store prasorizo in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

    I don't recommend freezing any type of dish that contains rice.

    Love rice dishes?

    Don't miss the following:

    • Modern Greek Cabbage & Rice - Lahanorizo
    • Greek Tomato Risotto (Ntomatorizo)

    Recipe

    Greek Leek Lemon Risotto (Prasorizo)

    GeorgiaDm
    Prasorizo, as it is called in Greece, is a humble, delicious, vegetarian (vegan) dish that is also gluten-free. A quick and easy, full of flavor comfort dish.
    5 from 1 vote
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 15 mins
    Cook Time 30 mins
    Total Time 45 mins
    Course Main Course, Side Dish
    Cuisine Greek, Mediterranean
    Servings 6
    Calories 276 kcal

    Ingredients
      

    • 80 ml/⅓ cup olive oil extra virgin
    • 1 medium onion medium chopped
    • 2 spring onions finely chopped
    • 1 tablespoon pine nuts optional
    • 4 medium leeks
    • 120 ml/½ cup white dry wine
    • 220 gr/1⅛ cup arborio rice or medium grain
    • 600 ml/2½ - cups warm vegetable broth or warm water
    • 1 teaspoon sea salt
    • 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
    • 2 tablespoon fresh dill finely chopped
    • 1 tablespoon fresh spearmint finely chopped
    • 1 medium lemon zest & juice

    Instructions
     

    • Wash and slice the leeks. Slice the white and pale green parts diagonally into 1.5 cm (0.6inch) rings/slices and finely chop the green parts.
    • Place a deep frying/sauté pan or pot, with a lid, over medium/high heat and add the olive oil.
    • When the oil is warm, add the yellow onion, the pine nuts, and the spring onions and sauté until soft.
    • Add the leeks, salt them and place a lid in the pot. Be careful not to brown the leeks, stir occasionally and gently. When the leeks are beginning to soften, pour the wine and allow the alcohol to evaporate.
    • Lower the heat to medium and add the rice. Pour the vegetable stock, season with pepper, and stir to combine. Cover with the lid and simmer until the leeks are tender and the rice is soft and creamy. About 20 minutes.
    • Add the dill, spearmint, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Stir to combine and let it simmer for another five minutes.
    • Remove from heat, and taste to adjust salt, pepper, and lemon.
    • If rice is still uncooked, add some water, and cook for another 3 to 5 minutes.
    • When ready, set aside for at least 10 minutes covered. This makes it extra creamy.
    • Serve while still warm.
    • Enjoy 🙂

    Notes

    Serve with extra ground pepper, dill, and lemon juice on top.
    If you don't have vegetable broth, dissolve a vegetable bouillon cube into the amount of warm water.
    Serve as a main course or as a side dish. It goes perfectly with chicken or pork.
    It is common to serve this dish accompanied by feta cheese on the side or crumbled on top. If not vegan or dairy-free, try it.
    In Greece, we use medium-grain rice called Carolina to make prasorizo. If you cannot find medium-grain rice, use arborio rice.
    Keyword gluten-free, Greek, leeks, prasorizo, rice, risotto, vegan, vegetarian

    Nutrition facts

    Servings: 1 (265g) | Calories: 304kcal | Carbohydrates: 40.95g | Protein: 4.68g | Fat: 14.5g | Saturated Fat:2g | Trans Fat: 0g | Cholesterol: 0mg | Sodium: 407mg | Potassium: 316mg | Fiber: 3.5g | Sugar: 3.99g | Vitamin A: 1083IU | Vitamin C: 13.1mg  | Vitamin K: 47.1μg| Calcium: 105mg | Iron: 2.77mg | Manganese: 1.927mg 

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    Rice Recipes

    • Dolmadakia Gialantzi - Stuffed Grape Leaves
    • Modern Greek Cabbage & Rice - Lahanorizo
    • Greek Tomato Risotto (Ntomatorizo)

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      Recipe Rating




    1. Ana says

      January 20, 2022 at 7:51 pm

      5 stars
      This risotto is a five star for me, it is delicious!! Every time I prepare it my guests love it and it is super easy to make.😋😋

      Reply
      • GeorgiaDM says

        January 27, 2022 at 6:26 pm

        Thank you so much Ana for your kind words. So happy that you and your guests loved it!

        Reply

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