Low Sodium Armenian Rice Pilaf

This Low Sodium Armenian Rice Pilaf is a delightful twist on a traditional Middle Eastern favorite, offering rich, nutty flavors with a heart-healthy edge. Featuring golden, buttery vermicelli noodles paired with tender, fluffy rice gently simmered in low-sodium chicken broth, this dish is infused with the subtle warmth of cinnamon and a hint of garlic for a perfectly balanced flavor profile. A quick sauté of onion adds depth, while freshly chopped parsley provides a bright, herbaceous finishing touch. Ready in just 40 minutes, this easy, one-skillet recipe is a perfect side dish for grilled meats or roasted vegetables — or can be savored all on its own. It's a wholesome, flavorful choice for those seeking a lower-sodium alternative without sacrificing taste.

Nutriscore Rating: 67/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:40 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 cup Long grain white rice
• 0.5 cup Vermicelli noodles, broken into 1-inch pieces
• 2 tablespoons Unsalted butter
• 2.5 cups Low sodium chicken broth
• 0.25 cup Yellow onion, finely chopped
• 1 clove Garlic, minced
• 0.25 teaspoon Black pepper
• 0.125 teaspoon Cinnamon
• 2 tablespoons Fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the rice in a fine-mesh strainer under cold running water until the water runs clear. This removes excess starch and prevents the rice from becoming sticky.

Step 2

In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Add the broken vermicelli noodles and cook, stirring frequently, until they are golden brown. Pay careful attention to avoid burning, about 2-3 minutes.

Step 3

Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and continue to cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 4

Add the rinsed rice to the skillet and stir well to coat the rice and noodles with the butter and aromatics.

Step 5

Carefully pour in the low sodium chicken broth, and season with black pepper and cinnamon. Stir to combine all the ingredients.

Step 6

Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low, and cover the skillet with a tight-fitting lid.

Step 7

Allow the pilaf to simmer for 18-20 minutes, or until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender. Do not uncover the skillet during this time to ensure even cooking.

Step 8

Once cooked, remove the skillet from the heat and let it sit, covered, for an additional 5 minutes to allow the steam to finish cooking the rice.

Step 9

Fluff the rice pilaf with a fork, and garnish with freshly chopped parsley, if using, before serving. Enjoy your flavorful, low sodium Armenian rice pilaf!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(877.0g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	530.4

Total Fat 24.7g	0%
Saturated Fat 14.2g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0g
Cholesterol 62mg	0%
Sodium 1398.4mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 64.2g	0%
Dietary Fiber 2.1g	0%
Total Sugars 3.2g
Protein 14.7g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 111.2mg	0%
Iron 5.1mg	0%
Potassium 731.6mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 41.3%

Protein: 10.9%

Carbs: 47.7%