Easy Lebanese Rice and Vermicelli

This is a quick and simple Middle eastern dish that is a great side for any Mediterranean meal. Made from only rice and vermicelli, quick and easy.

TOTAL TIME:      40 mins 

Prep time:               10 mins

Cook time:              30 mins

CUISINE:              Middle eastern

Course:                  Side Dish

Guests:                   4

INGREDIENTS

·     ¾ - 1 cup basmati rice (depends on how much rice you want.

·     2- 3 tablespoons olive oil. (Just enough to coat the bottom of the pan)

·     1/3 cup vermicelli

·     1 teaspoon salt

·     2 cups water or chicken or vegetable broth. (Depends on the amount of rice you want. If you decrease the amount of rice by ¼ cup, decrease the water by the same amount)

Decoration:

·     toasted pine nuts

·     chopped fresh parsley or dill

INSTRUCTIONS

1.     Rice: Rinse the rice and soak in water for about 15 - 30 minutes. Soaking helps the rice to cook faster.

2.    Vermicelli: In a medium skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil until it starts to simmer. Then pour the vermicelli into the pan and stir until it starts to brown. 

3.    Rice: Drain the water from and then add to the vermicelli. Cook for 2-3 minutes. 

4.    Broth/Water: Add the pan with some salt then bring to a boil.

5.    Once the broth/water begins to boil, reduce heat to medium and simmer until water is mostly gone.

6.    Once the water is gone, cover and reduce heat to low and cook for another 10 minutes or so.

7.    Remove rice from heat, stir and fluff the rice, then cover and let it sit for another 10 minutes to cool.

8.    Serve: Pour rice into your favorite serving bowl and serve. Decorate with pine nuts, fresh parsley or dill.

9.    Enjoy