Lebanese Rice Pilaf With Vermicelli Food

LEBANESE RICE PILAF WITH VERMICELLI

Steps:

• In a large pot, melt the butter and add the vermicelli pasta until it is golden brown. Vermicelli pasta goes very quickly from golden brown to being burnt. Refer to the pictures to see the exact golden brown colour we are aiming for.
• Add the rice, and stir it so that it toasts for a few moments (about 30 seconds).
• Then add the water, salt and pepper. Bring to a boil and let the water boil until there is little to no water left. See pictures below.
• Reduce heat to the lowest and cover.
• Cook for about 5-7 minutes.
• Remove from heat, and run a fork through the rice to fluff it up.
• Garnish with pine nuts and slivered pistachios before serving.

LEBANESE RICE PILAF

Steps:

• Saute the spaghetti in the clarified butter or olive oil until light brown. Stir constantly to avoid burning.
• Stir in the uncooked rice, then add the boiling water. Stir and allow to come back to a boil. Cover, turn the heat to low, and simmer until the rice is cooked, about 20 minutes.
• Uncover and fluff the rice gently with a fork. Place in a serving dish and top with the pine nuts and a light sprinkle of ground cinnamon.

RICE PILAF WITH VERMICELLI

Steps:

• Place rice in medium bowl and add enough water to cover by 2 inches; using hands, gently swish grains to release excess starch. Carefully pour off water, leaving rice in bowl. Repeat four to five times, until water runs almost clear. Using a colander or fine mesh strainer, drain water from rice; place colander over bowl and set aside.
• Bring 3 1/4 cups water to boil, covered, in small saucepan over medium-high heat. Add salt and season with pepper; cover to keep hot. Meanwhile, heat 1 1/2 tablespoons butter in large saucepan over medium heat until foam begins to subside; add vermicelli and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned, about 3 minutes.
• Remove to small bowl and set aside. Add remaining 1 1/2 tablespoons butter to pan and heat until foam begins to subside; add onion and sauté until softened but not browned, about 4 minutes. Add garlic, cumin, coriander, and allspice to sautéed onion; cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds longer.
• Add vermicelli and rice and stir to coat grains with butter; cook until edges of rice grains begin to turn translucent, about 3 minutes. Stir hot seasoned water into rice; return to boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer until all liquid is absorbed, about 16-18 minutes. Off heat, remove lid, and place kitchen towel folded in half over saucepan; replace lid. Let stand 10 minutes; fluff rice with fork and serve.