Vegan Rice with Vermicelli

Elevate your weeknight meals with this aromatic and wholesome Vegan Rice with Vermicelli, a plant-based twist on a beloved Middle Eastern classic. Fluffy basmati rice is perfectly complemented by golden, toasted vermicelli, all infused with the warm flavors of cumin and a hint of cinnamon. Sautéed onions and garlic add depth, while fresh parsley and zesty lemon brighten every bite. Cooked in rich vegetable broth, this dish is as nourishing as it is flavorful. Ready in just 35 minutes, this versatile recipe makes an excellent side dish or a standalone centerpiece for any vegan feast. Perfect for meal prep or serving fresh, its simplicity and bold flavors make it a must-try.

Nutriscore Rating: 70/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:35 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 cup basmati rice
• 0.5 cup vermicelli
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion
• 2 garlic cloves
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This helps remove excess starch and prevents the rice from becoming sticky.

Step 2

Finely chop the onion and garlic cloves, and set them aside.

Step 3

In a large saucepan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the vermicelli and toast it, stirring constantly, until golden brown. Be careful as it can burn quickly. Transfer the toasted vermicelli to a bowl and set aside.

Step 4

In the same saucepan, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Add the cumin seeds and cinnamon stick, and let them sizzle for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 5

Add the chopped onion to the saucepan and sauté until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.

Step 6

Stir in the garlic and cook for an additional minute.

Step 7

Add the rinsed basmati rice, toasted vermicelli, vegetable broth, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine and bring to a boil.

Step 8

Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan with a tight-fitting lid, and let everything simmer for about 15 minutes or until the rice is cooked and all the broth has been absorbed.

Step 9

Remove the saucepan from heat and let it sit, covered, for another 5 minutes. This helps the rice to steam and become fluffy.

Step 10

Fluff the rice with a fork, then stir in the chopped parsley and lemon zest for a fresh finish.

Step 11

Remove the cinnamon stick before serving.

Step 12

Serve warm as a side dish or as a savory main course.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(944.4g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	861.6

Total Fat 34.0g	0%
Saturated Fat 5.5g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 4.1g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 3500.3mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 124.0g	0%
Dietary Fiber 12.3g	0%
Total Sugars 19.0g
Protein 18.8g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 219.3mg	0%
Iron 9.1mg	0%
Potassium 1324.8mg	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: 34.9%

Protein: 8.6%

Carbs: 56.5%