Lebanese Rice
User Reviews
5
Lebanese Rice
Description
Lebanese Rice involves first toasting broken vermicelli noodles in olive oil or butter over medium heat until they turn a dark golden brown. This step enhances the rice with a toasted, nutty flavor and adds color. Jasmine rice is then added along with granulated chicken-flavored bouillon or kosher salt, ensuring the rice is well coated with fat and toasted briefly to meld flavors.
Hot water is poured over the mixture, and the pot is covered to simmer on low heat until the water is fully absorbed, generally between 7 to 12 minutes. The lid remains closed during this process to create steam necessary for cooking the rice properly. After cooking, the rice is left to rest covered for about 5 minutes before fluffing with a fork to separate grains, preserving the fluffy texture.
Often served alongside dishes such as braised beef, Lebanese Rice acts as a fragrant and flavorful starch base. The browned vermicelli adds a subtle toasted note that complements many Middle Eastern and Mediterranean meals. Storage and reheating tips include keeping the rice refrigerated in airtight containers for up to 5 days, gently reheating with added moisture, and freezing for up to 3 months with appropriate thawing before use.
Ingredients
- 1 cup vermicelli noodles (broken)
- 2 cups jasmine rice (unwashed)
- 4 tablespoons olive oil or butter, good quality
- 4 cups hot water
- 1 tablespoon knorr granulated chicken flavor bouillon to taste, or 1 teaspoon kosher salt
Instructions
- Heat the oil in a saucepan over medium heat, add vermicelli noodles, and cook, stirring, until dark golden brown. (The butter will foam and froth as the noodles darken). Add rice and chicken bouillon and stir, ensuring the rice is covered in the oil and toast briefly.
- Pour hot water over the rice mixture and stir. Reduce heat to low, cover the saucepan, and allow simmering until the water has been absorbed, about 7 to 12 minutes. (Do not lift the lid during cooking) Turn off the heat, and leave the saucepan covered for about 5 minutes.
- Uncover the saucepan and fluff it up with a fork. Serve immediately. Pair with our Delicious Braised Beef “Asado a la Olla Asiática”
Notes
- Store Lebanese rice in an airtight container refrigerated for up to 5 days to maintain freshness.
- Reheat in a microwave-safe bowl with added water and cover with a damp paper towel for even warming, or heat gently on the stovetop with a splash of water.
- This rice can be made up to 4 days in advance and kept refrigerated, convenient for meal prep.
- For freezing, cool completely before sealing tightly; freeze up to 3 months and defrost overnight in the fridge before reheating.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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