Lebanese Rice Pilaf with Vermicelli

5 from 1 vote

Lebanese Rice Pilaf with Vermicelli

Lebanese Rice Pilaf with Vermicelli is an absolute delight from the heart of the Middle East, packed with flavor and made with just a handful of pantry staples.

Prep Time5

Cook Time20

Total Time25

Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: Lebanese, Middle Eastern, Turkish

Diet: Halal, Low Lactose, Vegan

Servings: people

Calories: 510kcal

Author: Ayla Clulee

Equipment

1 kitchen scale
1 measuring spoons
1 Saucepan

Ingredients

2 tablespoon olive oil
½ cup vermicelli
1 ¾ cup short grain rice such as Baldo or tosya (350 grams)
2 ½ cup water or vegetable stock (600 ml)
¼ cups currants
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon cinnamon powder
¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 tablespoon chopped parsley

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

Rinse the rice in a sieve under cold running water until the water runs clear, then allow it to drain.
Heat a pan over medium heat and add the olive oil.
Saute the vermicelli until golden brown, then add the rice and sauté for a few minutes until the rice is dry and heated through.
Add water to the rice along with salt, black pepper, currants, and cinnamon.
Gently mix everything together and let it simmer over low heat with the lid on for 15 to 20 minutes, until the rice absorbs the liquid.
Once cooked, let it rest for 15 minutes without lifting the lid.
Before serving, sprinkle chopped parsley over the rice and gently fluff it with a fork.

Notes

Put the rice in a sieve and rinse it under cold running water until the water runs clear. This step is crucial for achieving a fluffy and flaky texture.
Saute the vermicelli with olive oil (or butter if you prefer) until deep golden brown, and stir frequently to avoid it burning.
The water-to-rice ratio provided in this recipe is intended for short-grain rice. If you choose to use a different type of rice, be sure to adjust the amount of water accordingly.
When adding the water or stock to the rice, stir gently to combine, and avoid opening the lid during cooking.
Once the rice is cooked, allow it to rest for 10 minutes with the lid on. Cover it with a clean kitchen towel or cloth to keep it warm. Before serving, add chopped parsley and gently fluff the rice with a fork.

Nutrition