Lebanese Rice with Vermicelli (Middle Eastern Pilaf)
Rice and Broken Vermicelli is a classic dish made by toasting vermicelli with rice and cooking them together. It's a flavorful and comforting dish commonly enjoyed in various cuisines around the world.
In a deep pan, heat butter and oil over medium heat until the butter melts completely. Once melted, add the vermicelli to the pan and stir-fry them until they turn a light golden brown, emitting a nutty aroma.
Next, add the rice and salt to the pan, stirring continuously to ensure that the vermicelli and rice are evenly mixed. Keep stir-frying until the rice grains start to stick together and become slightly crunchy, enhancing their texture and flavor.
1 cup basmati rice, 1 teaspoon salt
Once the vermicelli and rice are toasted to perfection, carefully pour in 2.5 cups of boiling water into the pan, taking care to avoid any splattering. Stir the mixture gently to incorporate the water evenly.
2.5 cups boiling water
Cover the pan with a lid and reduce the heat to low. Allow the rice and vermicelli to simmer gently until all the water has been absorbed and the rice is tender. This process typically takes about 15-20 minutes, depending on the type of rice used.
Once the rice is cooked, turn off the heat and let the dish rest for an additional 15 minutes. This resting period allows the flavors to meld together and ensures that the rice is perfectly cooked through.
To prevent any excess moisture from accumulating, place two layers of paper towels underneath the lid of the pan. The paper towels will absorb any condensation, leaving the rice and vermicelli perfectly fluffy and dry.
After resting, fluff the rice and vermicelli with a fork to separate the grains and distribute the flavors evenly. Serve hot as a delicious and comforting side dish or enjoy it on its own as a satisfying meal.
Video
Notes
Toast vermicelli slower than you think – wait until it’s the colour of light honey (not just pale gold) for the best nutty taste. Almost burned = perfect flavour!
Butter hack: If you’re out of butter, use all olive oil but toss in a tiny pinch of sugar while toasting – mimics that caramelised richness.
For extra fluffy rice: After turning off the heat, drape a clean tea towel over the pot before putting the lid on. The cloth soaks up steam better than paper towels.
Leftovers: Next day? Fry cold rice in a hot pan with a drizzle of oil until crispy at the bottom – my kids call this “adult Rice Krispies.”
Oops fixes:
Too crunchy? Sprinkle 2 tablespoon hot water over the top, cover, and wait 5 minutes.
Bland? Stir in a knob of butter at the end – fixes everything.
Bonus bling: Toss in a handful of raisins with the rice if you like sweet-savoury vibes (sounds weird, tastes amazing).
To make it vegan: • Swap the butter for extra olive oil (same amount) - it still gets beautifully golden! • Or try coconut oil if you want a subtle sweetness (my Lebanese friend’s trick).Bonus flavor: Add a pinch of smoked paprika when toasting the vermicelli - mimics that rich, buttery depth.