Main image of Creamy Baked Lemon & Dill Rice

Creamy Baked Lemon & Dill Rice

1 hr + 15 min

Main

Make-ahead

This baked rice dish is inspired by risotto but comes together with no fuss in just one baking dish. The lemon dill dressing gives the dish a seafood-like flavour, and the buttery cannellini beans add a lovely creamy texture to this hearty meal.

Servings

Total

1 hr + 15 min

Prep

15 min

Cook

1 hr

Contains

Treenut symbol

tree nut

Free from

Soy symbol

soy

Peanut symbol

peanut

Sesame symbol

sesame

Gluten symbol

gluten

Ingredients

Baked rice

  • 5
    medium tomatoes, chopped
  • 1
    medium leek, chopped
  • 2
    cloves garlic, minced
  • 1
    medium onion, finely chopped
  • 1½ cups (300 g)
    uncooked short-grain white rice
  • 1½ cups (268 g)
    cooked cannellini beans
  • ⅓ cup (12 g)
  • 2
    bay leaves
  • 1 Tbsp (15 mL)
    olive oil
  • 1 tsp (2 g)
    chili flakes, or less for less spicy
  • 1 tsp (1 g)
    dried dill (optional)
  • 3 cups (720 mL)
    boiling water
  • 2
    vegetable bouillon cubes

Lemon and dill dressing

  • 1 cup (16 g)
    fresh dill, minced
  • 2 Tbsp (30 mL)
    olive oil
  • ½
    lemon, juiced
  • ½ tsp
    salt
  • ¼ tsp
    ground black pepper

Toppings

  • ¼ cup (34 g)
    roasted pine nuts
  • ½
    lemon, cut into wedges

Directions

  1. Preheat the oven to 390°F (200°C). To a large baking dish, add the tomatoes, leek, garlic, onion, rice, beans, nutritional yeast, bay leaves, oil, chili, and dried dill.
  2. Combine the water and bouillon cubes in a pitcher and stir to dissolve. Then pour into the baking dish and stir well.
  3. Tightly cover the dish with a lid or foil and bake in the oven on the center rack for 1 hour, or until the rice is al dente*. Stir once halfway.
  4. In a small bowl, combine the dressing ingredients. When the dish is done baking, remove the bay leaves, pour the dressing over the rice, and stir.
  5. Add more salt and pepper to taste, garnish with pine nuts and lemon slices on the side. Enjoy!

Notes

  • Short-grain white rice has the ability to absorb liquids and release starch, which makes them sticky.
  • * If the liquid has been absorbed and the rice is still too firm, add a splash more vegetable stock or water and continue to bake.
  • Make-ahead: add all of the ingredients, except for the liquid, to a baking dish, cover, and keep in the fridge for up to a day. When ready to bake, add the liquid, mix, and bake as directed.

Storage

Let us know what you think

Plate method

The Plate Method is a visual tool that helps us ensure our dietary needs are on track. Touch the image below to see how this recipe measures up.

Grains & Starches 33%

uncooked short-grain white rice

Proteins 15%

cooked cannellini beans

nutritional yeast flakes

roasted pine nuts

Fruits & Veggies 52%

medium tomato

medium leek

clove garlic

medium onion

fresh dill

lemon

lemon

Calcium
No significant sources of calcium
Fat

olive oil

olive oil

roasted pine nuts

Nutrition info

We believe that focusing on numbers can harm our relationship with food. Instead, our philosophy is to Nourish the Cells & the Soul. If you require specific nutrition information due to a medical condition, please consult with a dietitian or physician. The nutritional information provided is composed with the utmost care. However, we cannot guarantee the correctness of the displayed values, see also our disclaimer.

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Discussion & Rating

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Willemijn - May 23, 2023, 2:57 p.m.

Creamy and Delicious! I definitely will make this again soon :).
As a student on a budget, I replaced the roasted pine nuts with roasted sunflower seeds, which worked very well!
Perfect for prepping during a study break and continuing for another hour knowing a delicious dinner is waiting for me as a reward.

PUL Team - May 23, 2023, 7:52 p.m.

Mmm a lovely substitute, Willemijn, thanks so much for sharing your experience with the recipe! Wishing you all the best on your studies 😃


Phillipa - May 18, 2023, 6:30 p.m.

I've made this once before and used a rice cooker to do the rice because I was short on time. I think I'm going to have the same problem tonight. Do you think it's possible to make the whole dish in the rice cooker?

PUL Team - May 18, 2023, 8:29 p.m.

Hey Phillipa, while we haven't tested it out though we imagine you could make it in the rice cooker if you wanted to, but the recipe may end up too wet or the rice might become overcooked. My apologies as I can't recommend how much liquid to add or suggest a cooking time without testing the recipe in a rice cooker myself. Do let us know if you experiment with it 🤗


Veronika - May 17, 2023, 11:21 a.m.

Wow, i really love this dish! I added champignons which worked really well. I am definitely going to integrate this in my go to recipes :)

PUL Team - May 17, 2023, 4:31 p.m.

So happy to hear, Veronika, thanks a bunch 🤗


Shreya - May 15, 2023, 3:22 a.m.

This is one of my favorite PUL recipes! Since discovering it, I have already made it 4 times! It’s perfect for Su day evening meal prep! Serves for dinner and lunch the next day. The creaminess with nutritional yeast is unmatched and delicious. It is so flavorful and easy to put together

PUL Team - May 15, 2023, 7:22 a.m.

Awe thanks so much, Shreya, you're too kind! Happy cooking 😃


Rylie - May 2, 2023, 4:18 a.m.

This recipe made me discover how much I love oven baked rice. The flavor combinations and comforting textures in this recipe made it such a unique and yummy meal! Will definitely now be a regular dish!
Thanks so much for sharing this delight with us!

PUL Team - May 2, 2023, 7:16 p.m.

It means so much, Rylie, thanks for taking the time to share 🤗


Tiffany - April 29, 2023, 4:52 p.m.

Thank you for making me save so much time and energy and still eat delicious meals! This one is great to make ahead, easy and tasty, with lots of combinations possible. Loved the rice like this! Delicious risotto-like!

PUL Team - May 1, 2023, 1:20 a.m.

Oh so lovely to hear, Tiffany, thank you! 🤗


Christina - April 26, 2023, 5:42 a.m.

Can I use white basmati rice?

PUL Team - April 26, 2023, 5:47 a.m.

Hey Christina, yes we've had several positive reviews with basmati rice!


Bianca 😊 - April 25, 2023, 8:10 p.m.

Very easy to make and very delicious in taste 😋


Adela Kacorova - April 25, 2023, 5:28 p.m.

Hello, can you use risotto rice (arborio) instead please? thank you in advance :)

PUL Team - April 26, 2023, 12:42 a.m.

Hey Adela, arborio rice is a short-grain white rice so that'll do! Enjoy 🤗

Adela - April 26, 2023, 5:34 p.m.

Thank you!


Maria - April 19, 2023, 3:26 p.m.

Thanks for this gem, this recipe is delicious, I couldn’t stop eating. I didn’t cook it in the oven but on the stove, and it was fantastic. Thanks so much.


Louisa - April 18, 2023, 9:54 p.m.

Was not convinced at first but tried it anyway because i really found i can trust you guys with the combination of flavours and was not disappointed - this is crazy delicious!! The creamy texture and lemony taste are really something. Don't miss out on the pine nuts, they're the best!!

PUL Team - April 18, 2023, 11:45 p.m.

We're so glad the recipe was enjoyed! Thank you, Louisa 🤗


Maria Gomes - April 13, 2023, 10:43 p.m.

Instead of leek I added a little bit of celery and zucchini. Instead of chilli flakes I added harissa sauce... I didn't have pine nuts or fresh dill, so I heated sunflower seeds for a little bit, added to a bowl with lemon juice, dried dill and pepper, processed it... and it was just amazing! Great recipe :) Thank you

PUL Team - April 13, 2023, 11:21 p.m.

Mmm sounds like delicious modifications, Maria, thank you for sharing your experience with the recipe!


Dor - April 12, 2023, 6:48 p.m.

It's fantastic, seafood vibe :) we added olives, recommend :)


Daniela - April 7, 2023, 2:36 a.m.

Just made this creamy baked lemon and dill recipe and it’s amazing, best side dish ever. Love your recipes Sadia, thank you for your inspiring work.


Jessica - April 4, 2023, 11:30 p.m.

Does this freeze well for reheating later?

PUL Team - April 7, 2023, 7:08 a.m.

Hey Jessica, I haven't tested it out to say with confidence. I imagine the rice could get grainy when thawed, so my instinct says it's best to avoid freezing with this one, but if you don't mind the potential structural change then you could store it in an air-tight container in the freezer for up to 2 months 🙂


Anne - April 1, 2023, 2:05 p.m.

One of our new favourites. Added some fennel for more veggies.


Sushant - March 25, 2023, 9:18 p.m.

Hello Sadia, what a delicious recipe! Normally, risotto is not high on our list, but your version just moved it up quite high up the ladder 😊! Thank you!

PUL Team - March 26, 2023, 9:35 p.m.

Woohoo! Thank you, Sushant 🙂


Dani - March 22, 2023, 5:24 a.m.

Hey Sadia, I made this the other day for dinner and my boyfriend liked it A LOT. He said it reminded him of food he used to eat as a kid. I’d say that’s a big compliment to your recipe. It is officially a staple now.

PUL Team - March 23, 2023, 6:16 a.m.

Aw so happy to hear, Dani, thank you 🙂


Sean - March 21, 2023, 4:16 a.m.

Awesome recipe! My wife and I loved it 😁


Karen - March 19, 2023, 3:22 a.m.

I keep going back for seconds and thirds! This was so good. Thank you for sharing the recipe.


Renate - March 18, 2023, 9:46 p.m.

Absolutely delicious! Thanks 😊


C - March 18, 2023, 4:36 p.m.

Just loved the recipe!


Ida - March 16, 2023, 7:54 p.m.

I absolutely loved this! Easy weeknight meal that my whole family ate with joy! It is so easy to make that you just can‘t do it wrong.

PUL Team - March 18, 2023, 2:18 a.m.

So happy to hear, Ida, thank you!


Svenja - March 13, 2023, 8:35 a.m.

Absolutely delicious! One of many from this website that will go in our frequent rotation!
I did not have any pine nuts on hand, but it was amazing even without them! I added lemon zest to the dressing. I get the resemblance to a seafood dish! The entire family loved it!
Greetings from Germany

PUL Team - March 14, 2023, 6:44 p.m.

So happy to hear, Svenja, thank you! Hugs to Germany 😃


Tarn - March 13, 2023, 7:34 a.m.

I can't wait to try this, but what could you substitute for nutritional yeast? I can't always find it at the supermarket. Note that I am not vegan but frequently cook for vegetarians, so would a cheese of some kind suffice? Perhaps sprinkled over at the end?

PUL Team - March 13, 2023, 5:16 p.m.

Hi Tarn! Nutritional yeast is a bit tricky to find a direct plant-based substitute for. We haven't tested it out, but perhaps trying finely ground cashews or almonds, or simply omitting the nutritional yeast would work as well. Since we haven't tried with cheese itself so we can't say with certainty but we don't imagine it'll pair well with this dish. We hope you enjoy the recipe if you're able to give it a try 😊


NancyJean - March 13, 2023, 5:57 a.m.

Sadia & PUL team, your recipes never let me down they’re almost foolproof and so versatile! Even when I have to substitute or leave out some ingredients your recipes still come out great! This one was a hit with my family. Love that it’s just one pot and all the ingredients are simple yet so flavorful. My mother-in-law law who’s vegetarian truly appreciates when someone cooks her a meat free meal and she enjoyed this dish describing it as bright flavors for summer time but warm and hearty for colder weather. Thanks for helping make eating healthy and being in the kitchen a delight!😊

PUL Team - March 13, 2023, 6:10 a.m.

Aw we appreciate the glowing review so much, NancyJean, thank YOU 🥰


Bea - March 11, 2023, 9:27 p.m.

Great receipt! Resembles a Greek dish called Gemista (you stuff peppers and tomatoes with the rice - vegetable mix).

PUL Team - March 11, 2023, 9:37 p.m.

Thank you, Bea! Do let us know if you have any other feedback 🤗


Romane - March 10, 2023, 11:26 p.m.

I made it a few days ago, it was so good. I saw fresh dill at my grocery store and jump on the occasion !
We've done a big batch so it was fast, healthy ans tasty. Thanks for the recipe. 🌸

PUL Team - March 11, 2023, 4:35 p.m.

Woohoo! Thank you, Romane ☺️


Rachel - March 10, 2023, 7:19 p.m.

Absolutely delicious! Made my apartment smell amazing while it was in the oven, too! The only adjustment I made was the omit the bay leaf since the store was out. When I make this again (and I 100% will), I'd add the salt and pepper before popping the rice and beans in the oven for a deeper flavor. I also want to experiment with adding different herbs, too. I paired this with maroulosalata (Greek romaine lettuce salad), made a great meal.

PUL Team - March 11, 2023, 4:01 p.m.

Thank you for taking the time to share, Rachel, it means so much 🥰


Juliana - March 9, 2023, 9:19 a.m.

Worked Amazing!!


Quinn Nelson - March 9, 2023, 12:24 a.m.

Really good and really easy to throw together! I used chickpeas instead of cannelini beans, because I couldn't find the cannelini beans I SWORE I bought. I also used cherry tomatoes, quartered, and I just guessed how many would be approximately 5 medium tomatoes.

Served some to my mother who asked for seconds! And my brother liked it too.

It ended up being kind of gummy, and I'm not sure if that's the goal of the recipe? I think I probably added too much water, since it wasn't really covered when I added the three cups.

PUL Team - March 9, 2023, 5:53 p.m.

Hey Quinn, thanks for sharing your experience with it! The use of short-grain rice in this recipe indeed gives it a stickier texture. If you prefer a less sticky consistency, you can try rinsing the rice well before cooking to get rid of its extra starch 🙂 So glad to hear the fam enjoyed it!


Margarita - March 8, 2023, 10:17 p.m.

I made this recipe today, and it was sooo delicious!!I loved what the lemon and dill dressing did to the heartwarming rice...So simple ingredients, so much taste!!Thank you Sadya for sharing all these recipes with us! I have learned a lot since I have been following you!

PUL Team - March 9, 2023, 2:43 a.m.

Such a big compliment, Margarita - we appreciate it so much!


Nadia - March 8, 2023, 9:36 p.m.

Another delicious PUL recipe! I added some finely chopped mushrooms as well. Indeed super creamy and reminded me of risotto (minus the heavy weight risotto has in my stomach). In my oven it needed a little longer than the recipe stated.

I used the same rice I bought for the shola, which I definitely recommend if you liked this recipe!

PUL Team - March 9, 2023, 2:42 a.m.

Awe so happy to hear, Nadia, thank you 🤗


Alice - March 8, 2023, 9:26 a.m.

Amazing!


Greta - March 7, 2023, 7:16 p.m.

has become a staple! Love your recipes and your vibe!<3


Marie - March 7, 2023, 6:10 p.m.

This looks so delicious! I’ve only got long grain white rice here at the moment, but so desperate to try it. Do you think it will work and should I adjust the amount of liquid or cooking time?

PUL Team - March 8, 2023, 6:15 p.m.

Hey Marie, it's hard to say without testing it out ourselves, but my instinct says you'd need a little bit less liquid (maybe reduce about 1/2 cup, you can always add more later if needed), and the cooking time might need to be reduced as well (just taste test for al dente). The dish won't be as sticky but should be equally delicious 😃 I hope this helps!


TC - March 7, 2023, 7:15 a.m.

I substituted dill with sage since my supermarket was out of dill and I just did not put any herbs in the dressing. But oh my gosh this is AMAZING with sage too. Definitely going in my recipe rotation and super excited to try it with dill when I can finally find it.

PUL Team - March 8, 2023, 5:47 p.m.

Aw so thrilled to hear, TC, sage is a lovely idea 😃

Quinn Nelson - March 9, 2023, 12:25 a.m.

Mmm I'm gonna have to try adding some sage when I make this again, that sounds great 🤤


Luna - March 7, 2023, 1:30 a.m.

I substituted dill with thyme. Dill is not in season where I live. I also added a cup of white whine when I saw it needed more liquid. It was absolutely amazing. I was surprised about how good and simple this recipe is. Thanks

PUL Team - March 8, 2023, 5:44 p.m.

Mmm sounds lovely, Luna, thanks for sharing your experience with it!


Kaylin - March 6, 2023, 11:57 p.m.

this is actually so amazing. so beyond tasty wow i love it so much


Athina - March 6, 2023, 3:49 p.m.

This recipe stood out! Original and very tasty :)


Manuela - March 6, 2023, 2:40 p.m.

What a wonderful combination! My new favorite risotto recipe, so easy to make and so delicious. Thank you so much for your work and the passion you put into it!

PUL Team - March 7, 2023, 2:01 p.m.

Thanks so much, Manuela!


Helena - March 5, 2023, 9:51 a.m.

This will definitely become a regular weeknight dinner for me! I especially loved the lemon and dill dressing, thank you so much for this recipe <3


Sara Cody - March 5, 2023, 1:24 a.m.

So delicious! It’s light and creamy and so filling. More lemon juice = zestier. Less lemon juice = more savory from the vegetable bouillon.

PUL Team - March 5, 2023, 10:04 p.m.

We appreciate it so much, Sara!


Courtney - March 4, 2023, 7:33 a.m.

So delicious! Easy to prep in advance and then just added the liquid and baked! I added some chopped artichokes I had on hand. Looking forward to adapting with different seasonal veggies throughout the year.

PUL Team - March 5, 2023, 8:36 p.m.

So happy to hear, Courtney, thank you!


AM - March 2, 2023, 8:58 p.m.

Really yummy! Was keen to cook with dill as I’d never done that before and this was a gentle introduction to dill 🙂 I used white basmati rice because I didn’t have risotto rice but it still turned out great.

PUL Team - March 3, 2023, 7:09 p.m.

Thanks for sharing your experience with it, AM 🙂


Sanne - March 2, 2023, 6:11 p.m.

I think this is my new favorite recipe!! It was so delicious and easy to make. Love the flavor combination. :)


Charlotte - March 2, 2023, 2:05 p.m.

I love risotto and this oven baked version blew me away with how easy and delicious it was! Who needs all the steps and stirring when you can put it all in the oven and wait?! I absolutely loved this flavour combo. ❤️

PUL Team - March 3, 2023, 6:53 p.m.

🙌 🙌 thank you so much, Charlotte!


Ishana - March 1, 2023, 7:08 p.m.

I'm making the transition to a dairy free diet and this was my first time using nutritional yeast. I didn't expect this dish to turn out so creamy! My husband was convinced I'd added heaps of butter to it! Also, I love feeding myself and my family a nutritious meal even on busy days and since this was so hands-off, it fit the bill perfectly :)

PUL Team - March 1, 2023, 10:26 p.m.

Hi Ishana, thanks for letting PUL be part of your journey 🌱 So thrilled the recipe was enjoyed! Nutritional yeast is a game changer for creaminess 🤌


Khushi - March 1, 2023, 3:02 p.m.

So delicious, was super hands-off and the flavors were incredible!


Launi - Feb. 28, 2023, 7:31 p.m.

So so good! Prepped it Sunday night so I could literally just dump it in a pan and add the liquid when I got home from work on a Monday. It was absolutely delicious! A new favourite for sure!

PUL Team - March 1, 2023, 8:20 p.m.

Woohoo! A lovely idea to prep it in advance too, Launi 😃


Andy - Feb. 28, 2023, 5:44 p.m.

Can’t wait to try it! Looks delicious.


Morgan - Feb. 28, 2023, 9:10 a.m.

Incredible!!! So yummy and easy to make. Can’t wait to eat the leftovers and will be adding this into the meal rotation.

PUL Team - March 1, 2023, 6:01 p.m.

So happy to hear, Morgan, thank you!


Natasha - Feb. 28, 2023, 7:44 a.m.

Soo easy. Soo delicious 🙏🏻. Keep them coming please


Martunia - Feb. 27, 2023, 4:48 p.m.

Seriously worth the 1 hour wait. Yummy and filling 🥰 A great recipe for all dill fans out there 👌


Phillipa - Feb. 27, 2023, 11:57 a.m.

I was desperate to try this because I love dill but I knew I wouldn't have time so I cooked the rice in the rice cooker with the bouillon cubes and when I got back I did the rest on the stove and stirred in the cooked rice. It was so tasty! The dressing really makes the dish. I can't wait to try this again in the oven.

PUL Team - Feb. 28, 2023, 6:34 a.m.

Mmm what a speedy modification, Phillipa! We hope you enjoy it in the oven too 😃


Liz - Feb. 27, 2023, 1:21 a.m.

Absolutely delicious!!! I cslant believe how well balanced and savory this is. The dressing is the perfect addition. I didn't have a leek so I used mushrooms instead

PUL Team - Feb. 28, 2023, 6:19 a.m.

Thank you, Liz - mushrooms sound lovely!


Allie - Feb. 27, 2023, 12:03 a.m.

This was delicious but it was a bit overcooked at one hour and starting to stick to the pan (and totally ran out of liquid). Next time I will be sure to check it at the 45-minute mark. Lovely, unique recipe!

PUL Team - Feb. 28, 2023, 6:19 a.m.

Hey Allie, thanks for sharing your experience with the recipe! Ovens can vary so checking a tad earlier sounds lovely 🙂


Jonathan - Feb. 26, 2023, 9:47 p.m.

I pride myself in making a good risotto but this blew me away, it is so delicious and creamy and so much easier to make. I'm usually not a big fan of dill but it just balances out all the flavours perfectly. Thank you for creating all these delicious and accessible recipes.

PUL Team - Feb. 26, 2023, 10:31 p.m.

Oh such a big compliment, Jonathan, thank you! So happy the recipes are being enjoyed 😊


Tashy - Feb. 26, 2023, 12:43 a.m.

Loved the dish especially with the dressing. Thank you for the recipe :)


AnaFD - Feb. 25, 2023, 6:55 p.m.

I made this dish today for lunch (except the chili flakes, but put sweet red pepper instead) and it really is delicious! I tried it first without dressing (lemon, oil, dill) and it was good, but after adding the dressing the flavours just intensified! Thank you for this recipe, I will surel make it often! :)

PUL Team - Feb. 26, 2023, 3:08 a.m.

Aw it means so much, AnaFD - thank you! Happy cooking 😃


Lucy, Sydney Australia - Feb. 25, 2023, 2:40 p.m.

So delicious and prep was very quick! I substituted parsley for dill and used basmati rice as I only had these on hand, still worked beautifully. Will definitely make this again, thank you PUL :-)

PUL Team - Feb. 26, 2023, 2:10 a.m.

Thanks for sharing your experience with it, Lucy! Hugs to Australia 🤗


Martyna - Feb. 25, 2023, 12:05 p.m.

Hi :) Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh ones?

PUL Team - Feb. 26, 2023, 1:55 a.m.

Hey Martyna, I imagine you can! 🙂


Carol - Feb. 24, 2023, 10:14 p.m.

This was excellent! I am thoroughly enjoying eat it on my back porch. I cut back the red pepper flakes to 1/2 tsp. Glad I did! Followed everything else to perfection!

PUL Team - Feb. 25, 2023, 7:54 p.m.

So happy to hear, Carol, thank you!


AC - Feb. 24, 2023, 10:54 a.m.

Hello,
What herbs can I use instead of the dill?

PUL Team - Feb. 25, 2023, 8:04 a.m.

Hey AC, you can perhaps use basil in the dressing instead, although I highly recommend the dill - it's one of the stars of the recipe. Let us know how it goes if you test it out 😃


Lindsay - Feb. 24, 2023, 6:14 a.m.

Can you use brown rice instead?

Carol - Feb. 24, 2023, 10:15 p.m.

I did and it worked perfectly. Short grain though

PUL Team - Feb. 25, 2023, 7:51 a.m.

Hey Lindsay, and thanks Carol! Yes, we'd recommend a short-grain variety to help keep the recipes stickier texture 🤗