Description
Lebanese Rice is a fragrant and golden-hued side dish featuring basmati rice cooked with toasted vermicelli pasta in ghee and olive oil. This simple yet flavorful recipe delivers fluffy, perfectly steamed rice that pairs wonderfully with a variety of Middle Eastern dishes.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups (390g) basmati rice, not rinsed
- 1 cup (100g) vermicelli pasta
- 2 tablespoons ghee
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ¾ teaspoon salt, or to personal preference
- 3 ¼ cups tap water
Instructions
- Heat fats: In a medium pot over medium heat, add the ghee and olive oil. Wait for the ghee to melt completely, ensuring it is hot enough to toast the vermicelli.
- Toast vermicelli: Add the vermicelli pasta to the pot. Stir constantly until the vermicelli turns golden brown, which should take a few minutes. This step adds a nutty flavor and distinct texture to the rice.
- Add rice: Add the basmati rice to the pot with the toasted vermicelli. Stir continuously to coat every rice grain thoroughly with the melted ghee and oil mixture, enhancing flavor and preventing sticking.
- Season and add water: Stir in the salt evenly through the rice and vermicelli. Pour the 3 ¼ cups of tap water over the mixture, ensuring all rice is submerged.
- Bring to boil: Increase the heat and bring the water and rice mixture to a full boil. This helps start the cooking process evenly.
- Simmer: Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot tightly with a lid, and let the rice cook undisturbed for 13 to 15 minutes until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender.
- Steam: Remove the pot from heat, keeping the lid on, and let the rice steam for an additional 5 to 10 minutes. This allows moisture to evenly distribute throughout the grains.
- Fluff and serve: Remove the lid and gently fluff the rice with a spatula; avoid using a fork as it can break the grains. Serve the Lebanese Rice warm as a side dish to complement your favorite main courses.
Notes
- Note 1: Do not rinse the basmati rice before cooking, as soaking retains starch for better texture.
- Note 2: Ghee adds richness and a slightly nutty flavor, but you can substitute with clarified butter if preferred.
- Note 3: Use tap water at room temperature. Adjust water slightly if using different types of rice.
- Note 4: Salt can be adjusted to taste depending on dietary needs.
- Note 5: Fluffing with a spatula rather than a fork preserves the rice grain integrity and fluffiness.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Lebanese
Keywords: Lebanese rice, vermicelli rice, basmati rice, Middle Eastern rice, toasted vermicelli, rice side dish
