Lebanese Rice Recipe

This Lebanese rice recipe offers a flavorful and easy-to-make side dish with a perfect balance of textures. The rice is combined with crispy, golden-brown rice vermicelli noodles and seasoned with salt and cinnamon for a rich, aromatic taste. Made with simple ingredients like long-grain white rice, extra virgin olive oil, and a dash of cinnamon, this dish is a great complement to Mediterranean and Middle Eastern meals. It’s also versatile, allowing for substitutions and variations based on your preferences. This Lebanese rice is a fantastic addition to family dinners, holiday feasts, or as a side dish to your favorite grilled meats and stews.

Ingredients:

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

Instructions:

1. Prepare the rice: Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Drain the rice well and set it aside.
2. Cook the vermicelli: In a medium non-stick pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the rice vermicelli and cook, stirring frequently, until the vermicelli is golden brown. Be careful to not let it burn.
3. Combine rice and vermicelli: Once the vermicelli is browned, add the rinsed rice to the pot. Stir to combine and coat the rice with the olive oil and vermicelli. Season with salt and a dash of cinnamon, if desired.
4. Cook the rice: Pour 4 cups of water into the pot, bring to a boil, and then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it cook for about 15 minutes, until the rice is fully cooked and the water is absorbed.
5. Let it steam: Remove the pot from the heat and allow the rice to steam, covered, for an additional 5 minutes.
6. Fluff and serve: After steaming, fluff the rice with a fork to separate the grains. Serve warm with fresh parsley and, if desired, toasted nuts.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Lebanese rice is a flavorful, simple side dish that complements a variety of Mediterranean and Middle Eastern dishes. The inclusion of crispy vermicelli noodles adds texture and a nutty flavor to the rice, while the light seasoning ensures it pairs well with everything from grilled meats to stews. Plus, it’s quick to make and easy to customize.

Tips, Variations, and Substitutions

• Vermicelli noodles: If you can’t find rice vermicelli, you can substitute with regular pasta or angel hair, but rice vermicelli is traditional and adds a unique texture.
• Cinnamon: The cinnamon is optional, but it adds a lovely depth of flavor. If you want a more savory dish, you can omit it.
• Herbs and spices: Feel free to experiment with adding spices like cumin, allspice, or a bay leaf for additional flavor.
• Nuts: For an extra touch, add toasted almonds or pine nuts as a garnish.
• Rice variety: While long-grain white rice is recommended, you can substitute it with basmati rice for a fragrant twist.

FAQs

• Can I use brown rice?: Yes, you can use brown rice, but keep in mind that it will require more cooking time and more water.
• How can I make this dish vegan?: This recipe is already vegan if you use olive oil and omit any animal-based toppings.
• Can I make this ahead?: You can prepare this rice in advance and reheat it. It also freezes well, so you can make a large batch to store for later.

Serving Suggestions

Lebanese rice is a versatile side dish that pairs well with a variety of meals. Serve it alongside grilled chicken, lamb, or beef for a complete Mediterranean-inspired meal. It also complements roasted vegetables or stews, making it a great choice for any occasion.