Easy Vermicelli Rice Recipe | A Perfect Side to Serve with Whole Chicken Roast

Are you tired of the same old rice dishes and looking for something new and exciting? Look no further than Vermicelli Rice (also known as Lebanese rice), a delicious and easy-to-make rice dish that only requires 5 basic pantry staples to get the dinner ready with minimal fuss.

Simple to make as it can be made from simple ingredients such as rice, vermicelli, oil, cardamom, and salt. This dish packs a flavor punch in every bite. With its combination of crispy vermicelli noodles, fluffy rice, and aromatic spices, Vermicelli Rice is a savory treat that will satisfy your appetite and have you coming back for more.

Whether you’re a seasoned pro in the kitchen or a beginner cook, this vermicelli rice recipe is perfect for anyone looking for an indulgent twist on rice recipes.

Long-grain rice and vermicelli noodles are the backbone of this Middle Eastern staple and are used as a base to which the other ingredients are added. The vermicelli noodles are thin, delicate noodles made from rice flour. Long-grain rice and vermicelli noodles are tossed in a pan coated with oil over medium-high heat alongside herbs and spices and cooked to fluffy perfection.

Oil gives them a nice, crispy texture and adds an extra layer of flavor, while cardamom imparts a unique, sweet, and aromatic flavor that adds depth to the dish.

What is Vermicelli Rice?

Vermicelli Rice is a popular dish in Middle Eastern and South Asian cuisine. It is made by cooking vermicelli noodles and long-grain basmati rice in oil until crispy, along with various spices such as cardamom and cinnamon, and seasoned with salt creating a perfect balance of flavors and textures.

Whether serving it as a side dish with delicious roasted chicken, Vermicelli Rice will surely create a buzz among your guests. It’s an ideal weeknight side meal that can also be served at special occasions and can be paired with various meats, vegetables, or legumes. So, gather your ingredients, and let’s start cooking up this delicious Middle Eastern delicacy!

Ingredient you’ll need to make vermicelli rice

Here’s the breakdown of ingredients you’ll need to make the vermicelli rice recipe:

Rice – Long-grain white Basmati Rice or brown rice are traditionally used, as they have a delicate, fragrant aroma and a distinct texture. Basmati rice is preferred because of its fast and efficient cooking.

Vermicelli Noodles –Made from wheat or rice flour, the crispy vermicelli noodles mixed with the fluffy rice make a perfect balance of flavors and textures in the dish.

Oil – Used to fry the vermicelli noodles and rice before adding other ingredients. Frying vermicelli noodles in oil is essential in making Vermicelli Rice because it adds a nice, crispy texture and flavor to the dish. It also helps the vermicelli absorb the flavors of the spices and prevents the vermicelli from becoming mushy.

Spices – Spices are used in Vermicelli Rice to add flavor, warmth, and depth to the dish, and it is a traditional and authentic way of seasoning this rice recipe. You can use saffron, cardamom, cinnamon, and nutmeg in this vermicelli rice recipe; however, I prefer using cardamom, which adds a unique sweetness and nuttiness to the dish.

Salt – Salt is a crucial ingredient that enhances the flavors of other ingredients.

Water –A key ingredients essential for cooking the rice. The rice-to-water ratio will vary depending on the rice you use.

Nuts (Optional) – Nuts such as cashews, almonds, or pistachios are often used as a garnish for extra crunch and flavor.

How to make Vermicelli Rice

In a large pan, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the vermicelli noodles and stir them around for about 2-3 minutes or until golden brown. Careful not to burn them.

Add the cardamom powder and fry for a few seconds until fragrant. Then add soaked rice and salt and stir a little to combine the rice and vermicelli noodles.

Add water, ensuring it soaks the rice and vermicelli noodles, and bring the mixture to a boil.

Turn the heat down to low, cover the pan, and let it simmer for 15 minutes.

Once the rice is cooked, remove the pan from the heat source and let it sit covered for about 10 minutes. Fluff the rice with a fork and stir in the crispy vermicelli noodles.

Serve the Vermicelli Rice hot with your favorite chicken, meat, or seafood main dishes for a more substantial meal.

Recipe Tips:

• Use good quality long-grain Basmati rice for the best flavor and texture.
• Soak the rice in cold water for at least half hour before cooking for tender and fluffy rice.
• Be careful while frying vermicelli as it tends to burn quickly; fry it until golden brown and crispy.
• Use a tight-fitting lid when cooking the rice to ensure that the steam is trapped inside and the rice cooks evenly.
• Use a fork to fluff the rice after it has cooked to separate the grains and prevent them from sticking together.
• Be sure to cook the dish on low flame and keep stirring gently since the rice may stick to the pan if left unattended.

Serving Suggestions:

Here are some serving suggestions for Vermicelli Rice:

Meat Or Seafood – Meat or seafood is often paired with vermicelli rice because it adds a protein source to the dish, making it more substantial and satisfying as a main course. Additionally, the rich, savory flavors of meats and seafood complement the nutty, toasted flavor of the vermicelli noodles and the fragrant, long-grain Basmati rice. Combining the two ingredients creates a unique and delicious flavor that is perfect for a hearty and satisfying meal.

Vegetables – Vegetables such as bell peppers, carrots, and peas are often used as they provide a crunchy texture and fresh taste that complements the nutty, toasted flavor of the vermicelli noodles and the fragrant, long-grain Basmati rice. Sautéing or steaming the vegetables before adding them to the vermicelli rice can also add flavor.

Stews – Serving vermicelli rice as a topping on a bowl of stews, like lentil or chickpea stew, can make the dish more filling and satisfying. Vermicelli rice provides a light and fluffy contrast to the thick and hearty texture of the stew. The vermicelli rice can absorb the flavorful broth and spices from the stew, complementing its rich and savory taste.

Vermicelli Rice Recipe FAQ’s

What is the difference between vermicelli noodles and vermicelli pasta?

Vermicelli noodles and vermicelli pasta are both thin, spaghetti-like strands of pasta, but they are made from different types of grains and are used in different kinds of cuisine.

Vermicelli noodles are typically used in salads, stir-fries, and as a garnish or topping for soups. Vermicelli pasta is typically used in soups, salads, and dishes such as spaghetti aglio e olio.

Can I use other types of rice instead of Basmati rice?

Yes, you can use other types of long-grain rice, such as jasmine rice, but remember that long-grain basmati rice adds a distinctive nutty flavor to this vermicelli rice recipe. Using different rice varieties may not result in a flavorful dish synonymous with this Middle Eastern staple.

Can I use other types of noodles instead of vermicelli noodles?

Yes, you can substitute vermicelli noodles with other types of pasta or grains to make vermicelli rice. Angel hair pasta is a thin and delicate pasta that can substitute for vermicelli noodles. It is similar in texture and can be used in the same way as vermicelli noodles.

How to store vermicelli rice?

Storage –Allow the vermicelli rice to cool completely at room temperature before storing it. Once cooled, transfer them to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.

Reheat – To reheat, transfer the rice to a microwave-safe container and heat it in the microwave for a few minutes or until it’s heated. You can also reheat it on the stovetop by adding oil or water and cooking it over medium heat until it’s heated.