How to cook the perfect Vegan vermicelli rice

Are you tired of eating mushy or clumpy vermicelli rice every time you try to cook it? Well, say goodbye to these days my friend, because in this blog post, I will show you how to master cooking the perfect vegan vermicelli rice.

From choosing the proper rice to enhancing flavor with seasonings, we will walk you through each step of the process. Get ready to impress your guests with fluffy and flavorful vermicelli rice every single time! But first, let’s find out what vermicelli rice is.

What is Vermicelli rice?

It is called ” Riz bil sha’irriyah” in the Arabic language. It is a very common way of cooking rice in the Middle East, especially in the Levant region (countries like Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, and Palestine), traditional vermicelli rice is prepared by frying the vermicelli, which is a type of pasta, in butter (or a combination of olive oil and butter). Then the rice, salt, and water are added. it’s a popular side dish in Arabic cuisine and is served mainly with stews.

What type of rice to choose?

One key element in achieving the perfect vermicelli rice is choosing the right type of rice. With countless varieties available, it can be overwhelming to determine which one will give you the desired texture, and taste. Different types of rice have varying levels of starch content and cooking properties, making it essential to select the ideal rice for your vermicelli rice dish.

The best option is basmati rice, which originates from the Indian subcontinent and is characterized by its long grains and aromatic qualities. Basmati rice creates light and fluffy vermicelli rice that is perfect for absorbing flavors.

Basmati rice is the one widely used to make vermicelli rice and honestly, using basmati rice the right way will always give you the best vermicelli rice that is fluffy and flavorful.

Another option that I have personally used is the short gain rice, in the Middle East we call it Egyptian rice and you can use it to make vermicelli rice, however, the techniques used, rice to water ratio, and soaking methods will differ if you will use it rather than basmati rice.

In this recipe, I have used White basmati rice which always gives me the perfect vermicelli rice!

Vegan vermicelli rice Ingredients:

• White rice
• Vermicelli: our key ingredient in this recipe, use the tiny vermicelli pasta that is broken into small sticks.
• Olive oil
• Vegetable bouillon: I used Homemade Vegetable Bouillon powder. The recipe I found on Pinterest long ago, and I have been using it since then. It has a turmeric powder, hence my rice has a slight yellowish hint to it. Feel free to use any vegetable bouillon powder you can access, or substitute with a vegan stock.
• Salt
• Optional ingredients: cinnamon powder it is optional but highly recommended to add it, toasted almonds, and fresh chopped parsley, both for garnish.

How to make vermicelli rice?

Follow these steps to make the perfect rice:

1. Wash, drain, and soak the rice for 20-30 minutes, this step is crucial before cooking the rice, so it cooks much faster if pre-soaked, and the rice will be fluffy.
2. In a measuring jug add 1.5 cups of hot water and dissolve the bouillon powder. Set it aside for later.
3. Put the pan on the stove on high heat, once heated lower the heat to medium-high and add the olive oil, then add the vermicelli and start stirring it on medium-high heat for 5 minutes until golden brown. Be careful not to overcook your vermicelli as it can quickly burn and turn black, so keep an eye on it while stirring.
4. Drain the soaked rice, and add it to the pan with the vermicelli and stir to combine, mix for 1 minute before adding the water to the pan. Add salt and some of the cinnamon powder if using and reserve the rest for garnishing at the end.
5. Let the water boil for a minute on high heat. Lower the heat, put the lid on, and let it simmer for 15 minutes undisturbed.
6. After 15 minutes, open the lid, fluff the rice with a fork, and turn the heat off. let the rice rest for 5 minutes with the lid closed before you serve it.

How to serve your rice?

There are many ways to enjoy vermicelli rice, mostly served as a side dish to your main, whether it’s a plant-based main, like this potato stew, or these delicious Lentil Koftas. Also can be served with any meaty dish.

You can also enjoy it as a main with roasted veggies, vegan mince, or topped with this delicious mushroom stroganoff for a comforting meal.

How to store leftovers?

For those times when you find yourself with more vegan vermicelli rice than you can finish in one sitting, it’s important to store the leftovers properly to maintain their taste and texture.

First, let the rice cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Once cooled, place the rice into a clean, dry container with a tight-fitting lid.

Next, store the container in the refrigerator, you can store it for up to 3 days. However, do not store it for more than three to four days as the texture and taste may start to deteriorate.

When ready to enjoy the leftovers, simply reheat them in a microwave or stovetop. If the rice seems dry, add a splash of vegetable broth or water to moisten it. Just be cautious not to overheat it, as this can result in a mushy consistency.

Following these tips and tricks, you can consistently create delicious vegan vermicelli rice that will leave everyone asking for your recipe. Start experimenting with different flavors and serving ideas and you will enjoy the result.

Recommended Vegan recipes to try next:

• Vegan roasted tomato soup.
• Vegan chicken salad with potatoes.
• Vegan freekeh risotto.
• Arayes.
• Zaatar Salad recipe.