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5.0 from 27 votes

Easy Lebanese Rice and Vermicelli

Lebanese rice with vermicelli is a classic Middle Eastern side dish made with only three ingredients. This is a simple and easy recipe that goes well with many dishes!

Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
10 mins
Total Time
40 mins
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 427 kcal
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: Middle Eastern , Lebanese

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cup basmati rice
  • 2 tbsp ghee or clarified butter see notes
  • 1/2 cup vermicelli
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 3 cups water
To top:
  • toasted pine nuts
  • chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Rinse the rice a few times until the water runs clear. Then soak it in cold water for 30 minutes.
  2. Heat the ghee in a pot and toast the vermicelli until it's brown, stirring occasionally. This would take about 5 minutes. Discard the water and add the rice to the vermicelli. Cook for 2-3 minutes. 
  3. Add the salt and 3 cups of water. Bring the rice to simmer. Let it simmer over medium heat until most of the water is evaporated. Then cover and turn the heat to low. Cook for another 10 minutes. 
  4. Turn the heat off and let it sit covered for 10 more minutes. 
  5. Fluff the rice and serve with your favorite main dish. 

Notes

  • You can use olive oil instead of ghee or butter to make this dish vegan. 
  • To make toasted pine nuts, heat a small pan over medium heat. Add the pine nuts and stir frequently for 2-4 minutes until golden on all sides. 
  • Store the leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave on in a saucepan with 1 tablespoon water over medium heat. 
  • Serve Lebanese rice with braised lamb shanks, kofta kebab, shish tawook or zaatar chicken.

Nutrition Information

Calories 427kcal (21%) Carbohydrates 80g (27%) Protein 6g (12%) Fat 8g (12%) Saturated Fat 5g (25%) Polyunsaturated Fat 0.4g Monounsaturated Fat 2g Cholesterol 19mg (6%) Sodium 648mg (27%) Potassium 89mg (3%) Fiber 1g (4%) Sugar 0.1g (0%) Calcium 30mg (3%) Iron 1mg (6%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 4servings

Amount Per Serving

Calories 427

% Daily Value*

Calories 427kcal 21%
Carbohydrates 80g 27%
Protein 6g 12%
Fat 8g 12%
Saturated Fat 5g 25%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.4g 2%
Monounsaturated Fat 2g 10%
Cholesterol 19mg 6%
Sodium 648mg 27%
Potassium 89mg 2%
Fiber 1g 4%
Sugar 0.1g 0%
Calcium 30mg 3%
Iron 1mg 6%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.