Hey there! If you’ve never tried Lebanese rice before, you’re in for a treat! This fluffy, fragrant rice dish is a staple in many Middle Eastern households and pairs beautifully with just about any main course. The best part? It’s super simple to make and tastes absolutely divine. Let’s dive into the recipe!
Method
Washing the Rice
To achieve fluffy, non-sticky Lebanese rice, the first step is washing the rice thoroughly. Start by measuring 1.5 cups of basmati rice and placing it in a fine mesh sieve. Rinse the rice under cold running water, gently swirling the grains with your fingers. Continue rinsing until the water runs clear, which may take a few minutes. This step is crucial as it removes excess starch from the rice, preventing clumping during cooking. Once the water is clear, set the rinsed rice aside to drain.
Toasting the Orzo
Next, prepare the orzo noodles, also known as vermicelli, which add a delightful texture to the rice. In a medium-sized pot, heat 3 tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add ⅓ cup of orzo noodles. Stir constantly with a wooden spoon to ensure even toasting. The noodles will begin to turn a golden brown color within a few minutes. Be attentive during this step as the orzo can burn quickly if left unattended. Once they achieve a rich, golden hue, move on to the next step.
Coating the Rice
Now that the orzo is beautifully toasted, it’s time to add the rice. Carefully pour the drained, rinsed rice into the pot with the toasted orzo. Gently stir the mixture to coat the rice grains with the fragrant oil and orzo. This step not only infuses the rice with flavor but also helps keep the grains separate once cooked.
Adding Water and Seasoning
With the rice coated, it’s time to add the liquid and seasoning. Pour in 3 cups of water, then add 1 teaspoon of salt and the optional chicken bouillon cube. The bouillon cube enhances the flavor but can be omitted if you prefer a more neutral taste. Stir once to combine the ingredients, being careful not to overmix.
Cooking the Rice
Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. As soon as it reaches a rolling boil, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid. Let the rice cook undisturbed for approximately 10 minutes. During this time, the water will be absorbed, and the rice will steam to perfection. Resist the temptation to lift the lid as it will release steam and may interfere with the cooking process.
Fluffing and Serving
Once the cooking time has elapsed, remove the pot from the heat and let it sit, covered, for about 5 minutes. This resting period allows the rice to firm up and finish absorbing any remaining moisture. After 5 minutes, uncover the pot and gently fluff the rice with a fork. The grains should be separate, fluffy, and infused with the toasted orzo’s subtle nutty flavor.
Necessary Tools
- Medium-sized pot with a lid
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Fine mesh sieve (for rinsing rice)
- Fork (for fluffing)
Lebanese Rice Recipe
Cuisine: LevantineDifficulty: Easy4
servings5
minutes15
minutes20
minutesIngredients
1.5 cups basmati rice
3 cups water
3 tbsp vegetable oil
⅓ cup orzo noodles (or vermicelli)
1 tsp salt
1 chicken bouillon cube (optional)
Directions
- Wash the Rice: Rinse the basmati rice in cold water until the water runs clear. This step is crucial to remove excess starch and keep the rice from getting sticky.
- Toast the Orzo: In a medium pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the orzo noodles and stir frequently until they turn golden brown. Be careful not to burn them – they brown quickly!
- Coat the Rice: Add the rinsed rice to the pot and stir gently to coat the grains with the oil. This gives the rice a nice texture and flavor.
- Add Water and Seasoning: Pour in the water, add salt, and the chicken bouillon cube if using. Stir once to combine.
- Cook the Rice: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it cook for about 10 minutes or until all the water has evaporated.
- Fluff and Serve: Once cooked, remove from heat and let it sit covered for 5 minutes. Fluff the rice with a fork before serving.
Notes
- Always keep an eye on the orzo as it toasts it can go from golden to burnt in seconds!
- Make sure the rice is thoroughly washed to avoid stickiness.
- Avoid lifting the lid while the rice cooks to ensure even steaming.
Serving Suggestions
Lebanese rice pairs perfectly with grilled chicken, beef kebabs, roasted vegetables, or as a base for hearty stews. Add a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts or almonds on top for a little extra crunch.
Fun Fact
Did you know that orzo, also known as “rez bel sha’arieh” in Arabic, is often used to add a nutty flavor and texture to rice dishes in the Middle East? It’s a small pasta that resembles grains of rice!
Conclusion
There you have it! A simple yet delicious Lebanese rice recipe that’s sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re serving it with grilled meats or flavorful stews, this dish always impresses. Enjoy the delightful combination of fluffy basmati and crispy orzo in every bite!
