Vermicelli Rice (Mediterranean Rice Pilaf)
This vermicelli rice is a fluffy Mediterranean rice pilaf with nutty, buttery flavor from toasted vermicelli noodles. This rice dish makes the perfect side to any main dish with just 3 main ingredients.
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ⅓ cup vermicelli noodles 1-2 inch pre-cut pieces*
- 1 cup medium-grain rice such as Calrose or Arborio, rinsed**
- 1 ¾ cups water
- ½-1 teaspoon salt to taste
- Toasted pine nuts or slivered almonds optional, for garnish
- Finely chopped parsley optional, for garnish
Instructions
- In a 2-quart pot over medium-low heat, add the olive oil. Once hot, add the vermicelli. Stir frequently and toast for about 1-3 minutes, until golden brown. Keep a close eye, as vermicelli can burn quickly.***1 tablespoon olive oil, ⅓ cup vermicelli noodles
- Stir in the rinsed rice, coating it in the oil and toasted noodles. Toast for 1 minute.1 cup medium-grain rice
- Add the water and salt. Stir, then bring to a boil. Cover, reduce heat to low, and simmer for about 13-15 minutes, or until all the water is absorbed and the rice is fluffy.1 ¾ cups water, ½-1 teaspoon salt
- Let the rice rest off of the heat, covered, for 5 minutes.
- Remove from heat and let sit covered for 5 mins. Then, fluff with a fork. Optionally, garnish with toasted nuts and chopped parsley. Serve and enjoy!Toasted pine nuts or slivered almonds, Finely chopped parsley
Notes
*Alternatively, use angel hair pasta, and break it into small pieces.
**This method works best with medium-grain rice, but alternatively, you can adapt it for long-grain rice (reduce water to 1 ½ cups per 1 cup long-grain rice).
***Toast the vermicelli noodles until golden, not brown. Watch closely, as they can brown quickly. They will smell nutty, but not burnt. If you notice a burnt smell, it will be best to start over.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water to steam. Vermicelli rice also freezes well. Freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat from frozen in the microwave or thaw overnight in the fridge and steam on the stovetop with a little water.
Nutrition
Serving: 1cupCalories: 311kcalCarbohydrates: 62gProtein: 7gFat: 4gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gSodium: 298mgPotassium: 87mgFiber: 2gCalcium: 13mgIron: 3mg
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