Assyrian Vermicelli Rice

Vermicelli Rice is a staple in the Assyrian diet, is served as a side with most meals. Rice is served alongside stew, kababs, and sometimes as the main meal, such as Biryani. Somehow, we Assyrians manage to sneak rice into the menu. 😉

Vermicelli rice is one of my favorite Assyrian rice recipes. And yes, it reminds me of my mom, who was a rice-cooking boss! She cooked this rice at least a few times a week.

It took me many years to learn how to make rice that mom approved of. Part of the problem was that I always added more water than necessary. I think that's a common mistake. 

Mom eventually showed me what I was doing wrong. She taught me that you can always add more water if needed, but you can't do anything to redeem mushy rice.

Why This Recipe Works

This is an easy recipe to master, as long as you resist the urge to add more water than the recipe calls for.

Vermicelli Rice is delicious as is, but even better when smothered with stew, or sprinkled with Sumac and topped with Kabobs.

What Goes Into This Recipe

Recipe Ingredient Notes and Substitutions

• Rice — My favorite rice to make Vermicelli Rice is Jasmine rice, however, sometimes Basmati rice is used. Feel free to use either one.
• Vermicelli Noodles — Vermicelli noodles sometimes come in coils, while at other times they come in 2"-3" sections. Either will work.
• Water — I usually use water to make rice, however, broth is another excellent option. Just keep in mind that broth is sometimes seasoned, so you may want to use less salt.

How to Make Vermicelli Rice

Step 1 | Fry Vermicelli

Add vegetable oil and vermicelli to a medium-sized saucepan. Stir over medium heat, until the vermicelli noodles are browned. Be careful not to burn them. They can go from perfect to burned in a matter of seconds.

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Step 2 | Wash And Add Rice

Wash and drain rice then add to the same saucepan and mix to combine. Add butter.

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Step 3 | Add Water

Add hot water and salt and stir to combine. Bring to a boil, then cover and cook for 20 minutes. Stir the rice half way through. Serve with kababs, stew, or chicken. 

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Recipe Expert Tips

• Most Middle Eastern families and restaurants, for that matter, cook with basmati rice. My mom being the rebel that she was, used jasmine rice to make this vermicelli rice recipe. I proudly follow in her footsteps and prefer jasmine over basmati.
• Basmati rice comes from India and is very fragrant. In fact, in Hindi, "basmati" means "fragrant." Basmati is thinner and longer in appearance than jasmine.
• The difference in appearance is more evident once they're cooked. Grown primarily in south-east Asia, jasmine rice is also considered fragrant rice.
• When cooked, jasmine is stickier than basmati and smoother in texture. Try both to make this vermicelli rice and see which one you prefer, but as for me and mom, jasmine wins every time!

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