If you’ve ever wanted to bring a touch of authentic Middle Eastern charm to your table, the Lebanese Rice with Vermicelli Recipe is an absolute must-try. This dish is a delightful harmony of fluffy basmati rice combined with toasted vermicelli pasta, all gently cooked in fragrant ghee and olive oil to achieve a slightly nutty and buttery flavor. It’s one of those simple yet stunning recipes that elevates any meal, serving as a perfect side that pairs beautifully with rich stews, grilled meats, or fresh salads. Once you master this recipe, you’ll find yourself reaching for it again and again whenever you want an easy way to impress your guests or to add an extra layer of comfort to your weeknight dinners.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Lebanese Rice with Vermicelli Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in crafting the perfect texture, flavor, and appearance—from the fragrant basmati rice to the golden vermicelli that adds crunch and richness.
- 2 cups basmati rice: Choose good-quality basmati for fluffy, fragrant grains that remain separate after cooking.
- 1 cup vermicelli pasta: The key to that irresistible golden crunch, vermicelli adds a wonderful toasted flavor.
- 2 tablespoons ghee: Clarified butter provides a rich, nutty aroma essential to traditional flavor.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps gently fry the vermicelli while keeping the texture light.
- 3/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors; feel free to adjust according to taste.
- 3 1/4 cups tap water: Proper water ratio ensures perfectly cooked rice every time.
How to Make Lebanese Rice with Vermicelli Recipe
Step 1: Melt the Ghee and Olive Oil
Start by heating ghee and olive oil together in a medium pot over medium heat. The blend of these two fats is key to achieving that rich flavor and crisp texture of the vermicelli. Wait until the ghee fully melts and the oils are warm but not smoking.
Step 2: Toast the Vermicelli
Add the vermicelli pasta to your hot pot and stir continuously. Keep at it until the vermicelli turns a beautiful golden brown shade. This toasted step releases nutty flavors and prevents the pasta from becoming soggy once combined with the rice.
Step 3: Add and Coat the Rice
Next, pour in the basmati rice—no need to rinse it. Stir the grains vigorously so every piece is coated with the ghee and oil mixture. This step helps the rice cook evenly and keeps the grains separate and fluffy.
Step 4: Season and Add Water
Sprinkle in the salt and mix well. Then carefully pour in the water, distributing it evenly over the rice and vermicelli. This exact water amount is important to achieve the perfect rice texture without being mushy or undercooked.
Step 5: Bring to a Boil
Turn the heat to high and bring the mixture to a rapid boil. Keep an eye on it so you get a strong boil before lowering the heat.
Step 6: Simmer Covered
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot tightly. Let it cook undisturbed for 13 to 15 minutes, allowing the rice to absorb all the water and flavors gently.
Step 7: Steam Off Heat
Turn off the heat but keep the pot covered for an additional 5 to 10 minutes. This steams the rice perfectly, making it fluffy and tender without sticking.
Step 8: Fluff the Rice
Remove the lid and fluff the rice carefully with a spatula. Resist the temptation to use a fork, which can break the delicate grains. This gentle fluffing separates the rice and vermicelli for a perfect presentation.
Step 9: Ready to Serve
Your Lebanese Rice with Vermicelli Recipe is now ready to grace your plate. Serve it as a side to your favorite main courses and watch how it elevates your meal with its rich aroma and irresistible texture.
How to Serve Lebanese Rice with Vermicelli Recipe
Garnishes
To add a colorful and tasty touch, sprinkle some toasted pine nuts or slivered almonds on top. Fresh chopped parsley or a light drizzle of lemon juice also brightens the dish and complements the nutty tones of the vermicelli beautifully.
Side Dishes
This rice pairs exceptionally well with Middle Eastern main dishes such as grilled kebabs, spiced chicken, or slow-cooked lamb stews. It’s also fantastic alongside falafel, hummus, and tabbouleh for a vegetarian spread.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive look, mound the rice in a beautiful bowl and surround it with colorful roasted vegetables or fresh herb sprigs. Alternatively, pack it as a flavorful base in layered lunch bowls combined with roasted meats and salads for a stunning meal prep.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover Lebanese rice in an airtight container and place it in the refrigerator. It stays fresh for up to 3-4 days and retains most of its flavor and texture when reheated gently.
Freezing
You can freeze the rice by portioning it into freezer-safe containers or bags. When properly stored, it will keep for up to 1 month without losing much of its original taste or fluffiness.
Reheating
Reheat the rice gently in a covered microwave-safe dish with a sprinkle of water to restore moisture, or warm it over low heat in a pan. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and restore that fluffy texture you love.
FAQs
Can I rinse the rice before cooking?
Traditionally, the basmati rice in Lebanese Rice with Vermicelli Recipe is not rinsed to retain some starch that helps keep the grains together yet fluffy. However, if you prefer less starch, a quick rinse won’t hurt, just dry the rice afterward.
What can I substitute for ghee if I don’t have any?
If ghee is not available, you can use unsalted butter or a neutral oil. The flavor will be slightly different, but olive oil combined with butter works well to still provide richness.
Is vermicelli necessary or can I skip it?
The vermicelli pasta is a signature ingredient in this recipe because it brings a toasted, nutty crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft rice. Skipping it means missing out on that unique texture and flavor, but the rice will still be tasty.
Can I make this rice vegan?
Absolutely! To make the Lebanese Rice with Vermicelli Recipe vegan, simply replace the ghee with extra olive oil or a plant-based butter alternative. The dish remains flavorful and delicious.
How do I prevent the rice from sticking to the pot?
Using enough fat (ghee and olive oil) and stirring the rice before adding water helps coat the grains and prevent sticking. Also, cooking on low heat with a tight lid and letting it steam off heat avoids burning or sticking at the bottom.
Final Thoughts
This Lebanese Rice with Vermicelli Recipe is truly a treasure to keep in your culinary repertoire. It’s easy to make yet wonderfully impressive, with flavors and textures that marry perfectly to elevate your meals. Once you try making this golden-hued, buttery rice, it might just become your go-to side dish for all occasions. So grab those simple ingredients, and enjoy the warm comfort of authentic Lebanese cooking right from your kitchen!
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Lebanese Rice with Vermicelli Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
A classic Lebanese rice dish featuring basmati rice and toasted vermicelli pasta cooked in fragrant ghee and olive oil, resulting in a flavorful, fluffy side perfect for complementing Middle Eastern meals.
Ingredients
Rice and Pasta
- 2 cups (390g) basmati rice, not rinsed
- 1 cup (100g) vermicelli pasta
Fats and Oils
- 2 tablespoons ghee
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Seasoning and Liquid
- 3/4 teaspoon salt (or to your personal preference)
- 3 1/4 cups tap water
Instructions
- Heat fats: In a medium pot over medium heat, add the ghee and olive oil. Allow the ghee to melt completely before proceeding.
- Toast vermicelli: Add the vermicelli pasta to the melted fats and continuously stir until the vermicelli turns a golden brown color, enhancing its nutty flavor.
- Coat rice: Add the basmati rice to the toasted vermicelli and stir thoroughly, ensuring each rice granule is well coated with the fat mixture for better texture and taste.
- Add seasoning and water: Sprinkle in the salt and mix evenly, then pour in the tap water to the pot.
- Bring to boil: Heat the mixture until it reaches a full, rolling boil.
- Simmer: Lower the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it cook undisturbed for 13 to 15 minutes until the water is absorbed and rice is tender.
- Steam: Remove the pot from heat but keep the lid on. Let the rice steam for an additional 5 to 10 minutes to complete cooking and absorb steam.
- Fluff rice: Remove the lid and fluff the rice gently with a spatula—do not use a fork to avoid breaking the grains.
- Serve: Transfer the Lebanese rice to a serving dish and serve warm as a delicious side dish alongside your favorite main courses.
Notes
- Do not rinse the basmati rice before cooking to maintain the starch that helps bind the rice to the vermicelli.
- Ghee can be substituted with butter, but ghee adds a deeper flavor.
- Tap water volume is precise to ensure proper rice texture; adjust minimally if needed based on altitude or rice variety.
- Avoid lifting the lid prematurely during simmering to prevent steam loss.
- Use a spatula to fluff rice gently to keep grains separate and avoid mushiness.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Lebanese
