Lebanese Rice - Little Sunny Kitchen

Prep Time 5

Cook Time 15

Total Time 30

Properly wash the rice under running water until the water runs CLEAR to get rid of the starch, and then soak it in cold water for 15 minutes before using it.
Heat the olive oil on medium heat in a pot, when the oil is hot (but not smoking!) add the vermicelli pasta and keep stirring it with a heat-resistant spatula or a wooden spoon until the vermicelli is golden brown.
To the toasted Vermicelli, add the rinsed, soaked, and drained rice, salt, and cover with water. You want the water to cover the rice by 1/2 inch or 1cm.
Bring the water to a boil, then lower the heat down to the lowest setting possible, cover with the lid and set your timer to "10 minutes".
After 10 minutes, remove the pot from heat but don't remove the lid. Leave the pot undisturbed for 10 minutes. Remove the lid, and fluff the rice with a fork.

Press on the SAUTE button, and add the olive oil. When the oil is hot (but not smoking!), add the Vermicelli pasta and keep stirring it with a heat-resistant spatula or a wooden spoon until they're golden brown.
Add the rice, season with salt and cover with water so that it covers the rice by 1/2 inch. Secure the lid and set the vent to SEALING. Select the PRESSURE COOK/MANUAL setting and set the cooking time for 4 minutes at high pressure.
The Instant Pot will come to pressure and start cooking. When the cooking program ends, allow the steam to be naturally released for 10 minutes then release the rest of the steam. Remove the lid and fluff with a fork before serving.

The key to this rice with vermicelli recipe is to wash the rice VERY well. You need to get rid of the starch as much as possible.
This is a basic vegan version of this Lebanese rice, but feel free to cook this with stock or broth for extra flavor. Or add your favorite seasonings such as cumin, cinnamon, bay leaf.
When toasting the vermicelli, do NOT step away from the stove, as you need to make sure that the vermicelli noodles are toasted evenly and not burnt.
Serve this Lebanese rice with chicken shawarma, lamb kofta balls, Middle Eastern green beans, Bamya okra stew, and Molokhia.
This rice also goes so well with Indian and other authentic dishes, such as butter chicken, chicken tikka masala, coconut chicken curry, kidney bean curry, and cajun shrimp.