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Lebanese Rice

This Lebanese Rice is a staple Middle Eastern (Arabic) side dish in my home that I make with only three ingredients: rice, vermicelli noodles and olive oil! 

Cook Time
mins
Resting Time
15 mins
Total Time
15 mins
Servings: 8 servings
Calories: 251 kcal
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: Middle Eastern

Ingredients

  • 2 cups long grain white rice
  • ½ cup dried rice vermicelli noodles
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • dash cinnamon optional
  • parsley optional, for garnish

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Rinse the rice with cold water until the water runs clear. Drain well and set aside.
  2. In a medium non-stick pot, heat the olive oil on medium heat. Add the vermicelli pasta and cook, stirring frequently until all the vermicelli is a deep golden brown color. Be careful not to burn it. 
  3. Transfer the rice over the cooked vermicelli, and stir to combine and coat the rice with the olive oil. Season with salt and a dash of cinnamon, if desired. 
  4. Add 4 cups water and bring the mixture to a boil. The water will reduce in the process. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot and cook for 15 minutes.
  5. When the rice is fully cooked, remove from the heat and allow the rice to steam for 5 minutes. Then uncover and fluff with a fork. 
  6. Serve warm with fresh parsley, and toasted nuts, if desired. 

Notes

  • Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container. They will last about 5-7 days in the fridge.
  • Sourcing: You can find the vermicelli pasta at Middle Eastern markets, natural-foods stores or even in large supermarkets, often located with other Middle Eastern ingredients. 
  • Substitutes: For best results, follow the recipe as is. However if you can't find vermicelli pasta, you can use capellini pasta (thinner than spaghetti) and just break it into smaller pieces. I would avoid using spaghetti since the size is so much larger. 
  • Serving Size: Each serving is 3/4 cup cooked rice (which is approximately 1/4 cup dry rice).

Nutrition Information

Calories 251kcal (13%) Carbohydrates 48g (16%) Protein 3g (6%) Fat 3g (5%) Sodium 173mg (7%) Potassium 53mg (2%) Calcium 15mg (2%) Iron 0.5mg (3%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 8servings

Amount Per Serving

Calories 251

% Daily Value*

Calories 251kcal 13%
Carbohydrates 48g 16%
Protein 3g 6%
Fat 3g 5%
Sodium 173mg 7%
Potassium 53mg 1%
Calcium 15mg 2%
Iron 0.5mg 3%

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