Golden Armenian-Style Rice Pilaf
This Golden Armenian-Style Rice Pilaf is a delightful blend of flavors and textures that comes from a treasured family recipe shared by Armenian friends. The key to achieving the perfect rice pilaf is in the toasty aroma of the vermicelli browned in rich butter and ensuring you resist the urge to peek while it cooks. This dish pairs beautifully with any main course, providing a savory and satisfying accompaniment that is both simple to prepare and truly authentic.
4
Servings
300
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
butter
1/3 cup (Use unsalted butter; avoid margarine for best flavor.)
vermicelli
2-3 bunches (Crumble into small pieces before cooking.)
Uncle Ben's converted rice
1 cup (Measure and set aside.)
Swanson chicken broth
1 can (Ready to pour.)
water
1/2 can (Use the empty chicken broth can for measurement.)
garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon (Measure and set aside.)
dried parsley
1 teaspoon (Measure and set aside.)
Instructions
1
1. In a 2-quart saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Ensure the butter is fully melted before proceeding.
2
2. Once the butter is melted, crumble the vermicelli into the saucepan. Stir frequently while cooking until the vermicelli turns a golden brown color, taking care not to burn.
3
3. Add the Uncle Ben's converted rice to the saucepan, stirring to coat the rice evenly with the buttery vermicelli.
4
4. Pour in the Swanson chicken broth and half-can of water. Stir gently to combine.
5
5. Sprinkle in the garlic powder and dried parsley, ensuring an even distribution.
6
6. Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a rolling boil.
7
7. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a low simmer, covering the saucepan with a tight-fitting lid.
8
8. Allow the rice pilaf to cook undisturbed for 25 minutes. Refrain from lifting the lid or stirring (do not peek) to maintain proper steam and cooking conditions.
9
9. After 25 minutes, remove the saucepan from heat. Let it sit, covered, for an additional 5 minutes before fluffing the rice with a fork.
10
10. Serve hot as an accompaniment to your favorite main dish and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
15g
Fat
40g
Carbs
5g
Protein
2g
Fiber
1.5g
Sugar
700mg
Sodium
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Golden Armenian-Style Rice Pilaf?
It is a delightful blend of flavors and textures based on a treasured family recipe shared by Armenian friends.
What is the secret to a perfect rice pilaf?
The key is achieving the toasty aroma of vermicelli browned in rich butter and ensuring you resist the urge to peek while it cooks.
Can I peek at the rice while it is cooking?
No, you must refrain from lifting the lid or stirring for 25 minutes to maintain proper steam and cooking conditions.
What type of rice is used in this recipe?
The recipe specifically calls for 1 cup of Uncle Ben's converted rice.
How much butter is required?
You will need 1/3 cup of unsalted butter.
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
It is recommended to use unsalted butter and avoid margarine for the best flavor.
What kind of vermicelli should I use?
The recipe uses 2-3 bunches of vermicelli crumbled into small pieces.
How do I prepare the vermicelli for cooking?
Crumble the vermicelli bunches into small pieces before adding them to the melted butter.
What brand of chicken broth is recommended?
The recipe suggests using one can of Swanson chicken broth.
How much water do I add to the recipe?
You should add a half-can of water to the mixture.
What is the best way to measure the water?
Use the empty Swanson chicken broth can to measure the 1/2 can of water.
What spices are used in this rice pilaf?
The pilaf is seasoned with garlic powder and dried parsley.
How much garlic powder is used?
The recipe calls for 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder.
How much dried parsley is used?
The recipe uses 1 teaspoon of dried parsley.
How long does the rice need to simmer?
The rice should cook undisturbed on a low simmer for 25 minutes.
Why is the recipe called 'Golden'?
The name comes from the golden brown color the vermicelli achieves when toasted in the butter.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes approximately 4 servings.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 300 calories.
Is this recipe considered vegetarian?
The recipe is tagged as vegetarian, but note that it uses chicken broth; you may substitute with vegetable broth for a strictly vegetarian version.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 15 grams of fat per serving.
How much sodium is in each serving?
Each serving contains 700mg of sodium.
Can I use regular white rice instead of converted rice?
The recipe recommends Uncle Ben's converted rice for the best results and traditional pilaf texture.
What should I do after the 25-minute cooking time is up?
Remove the saucepan from the heat and let it sit, covered, for an additional 5 minutes.
How should the rice be finished before serving?
After sitting for 5 minutes, fluff the rice gently with a fork before serving.
What are the best main dishes to pair with this pilaf?
It pairs beautifully with any main course, acting as a savory and satisfying accompaniment.
Is this an authentic Armenian recipe?
Yes, it is described as an authentic family recipe shared by Armenian friends.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 40 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
How much protein does this dish provide?
Each serving provides 5 grams of protein.
What size saucepan is best for this recipe?
A 2-quart saucepan is the ideal size for this quantity of rice pilaf.
At what heat should the butter be melted?
Melt the butter over medium heat until it is fully liquid before adding the vermicelli.