
Toasted vermicelli noodles in fluffy basmati rice
Prep Time
5 min
Cook Time
20 min
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4
4 cups
Difficulty
Easy
Cost
Budget
$
Toasted vermicelli noodles in fluffy basmati rice
Fragrant basmati rice studded with golden toasted vermicelli noodles. This simple, elegant side dish accompanies nearly every Middle Eastern meal and elevates plain rice to something special.
5m
Prep Time
20m
Cook Time
25m
Total Time
4
Servings
Easy
Difficulty
Budget $
Cost
(Updated )
Arabic rice with vermicelli is the foundation of Middle Eastern home cooking. Toasting the noodles in butter until golden before adding the rice creates a nutty depth that transforms simple rice.
Rinse basmati rice in several changes of water until the water runs clear. Drain well.
Melt butter and olive oil in a pot over medium heat. Add vermicelli and toast, stirring constantly, until deep golden brown, about 3 minutes.
Add rinsed rice and stir to coat in the butter for 1 minute.
Add water and salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce to the lowest heat, cover tightly, and cook 15 minutes.
Remove from heat and let stand covered for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork and serve.
Serve with crusty artisan bread for dipping
Finish with a drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil
Pair with a simple arugula salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette
Slightly stickier but still fragrant
Even nuttier flavor and higher smoke point for toasting
Test Kitchen Pick
Olive Oil
Helpful Pantry Staple
On recipes like this, olive oil is not just a background fat. A better bottle gives you cleaner flavor and a better finish.
This is one of the few pantry upgrades that keeps paying off every time you cook in this lane.
A good bottle of olive oil is one of the safest pantry upgrades for Mediterranean and Italian cooking.
Shop olive oil for this recipeWatch the vermicelli closely—it goes from golden to burnt in seconds.
Don't lift the lid while the rice cooks. Steam is essential for fluffy results.
Refrigerate for up to 4 days.
Sprinkle with water, cover, and microwave or reheat in a covered pot on low.
Per serving (10mg) · 4 servings
A moderate-calorie serving · based on a 2,000 cal daily diet
Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.
Sarah Chen is a professional recipe developer and food editor with over a decade of experience in test kitchens and food media. She trained at the Culinary Institute of America before spending six years developing and testing recipes for national food publications, where she honed her ability to translate restaurant techniques into approachable home cooking. At RecipePool, Sarah leads recipe development, ensuring every dish is tested at least three times for clarity, accuracy, and genuine deliciousness. When she is not in the kitchen, she is browsing farmers markets and collecting vintage cookbooks.
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Mediterranean
Mediterranean

Mediterranean

Mediterranean
Mediterranean

Mediterranean