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–+ servings
bowl of parsley garnished garlic rice.
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5 from 1 vote

Garlic Vermicelli Rice Pilaf (DIY Rice a Roni)

Garlic Vermicelli Rice Pilaf is our recipe for homemade garlic Rice a Roni! Olive oil and garlic make this a perfectly flavored side dish to accompany any meaty entree.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time19 minutes
Total Time29 minutes
Course: Side Dishes
Cuisine: American, Middle Eastern
Servings: 6
Calories: 290kcal
Author: Kelly Bloom
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Equipment

Ingredients

  • 6 cloves Garlic fresh, minced
  • 2 teaspoon Olive oil extra virgin
  • ⅓ cup Vermicelli Fideo
  • 2 cup Basmati rice White, brown, or any long grain rice is fine.
  • 4 cup water
  • ½ teaspoon Salt more to taste
  • butter optional, for serving
  • 2 tablespoon Parsley chopped, for garnish
  • pin nuts toasted, or almonds OPTIONAL
US Customary - Metric

Instructions

  • Mince the garlic into a small mince. Use fresh garlic for the best flavor, jars of minced garlic tend to be less potent.
  • In a medium skillet that has a lid, heat the olive oil. Once the oil is hot, add the minced garlic and saute for 30 seconds, or until fragrant.
    2 teaspoon Olive oil, 6 cloves Garlic
  • Add the vermicelli and saute for an additional 3 to 4 minutes until both are golden.
    ⅓ cup Vermicelli
  • Add the rice and saute for another 2 to 3 minutes so that the rice gets a little color.
    2 cup Basmati rice
  • Add the water to the skillet of sauteed garlic, rice, vermicelli, and season with salt. Stir well and bring to a rapid boil.
    4 cup water, ½ teaspoon Salt
  • Reduce heat to low, cover with a lid, and cook for 16 to 18 minutes.
  • Remove from the stove, uncover, and fluff the rice. Serve with butter as a side dish while hot. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
    2 tablespoon Parsley, butter

Notes

  • Don't lift the lid on the rice while it's cooking. It needs the steam built up inside to cook properly.
  • Toast some pine nuts or almonds and add them to the rice pilaf for a crunchy texture.
  • Add a few thin pats of butter on top of the rice right after it's been fluffed. Game changer!

Nutrition

Calories: 290kcal | Carbohydrates: 61g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 2g | Saturated Fat: 0.3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 230mg | Potassium: 94mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 0.1g | Vitamin A: 113IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 32mg | Iron: 1mg