Savory Rice and Vermicelli Medley
Experience a delightful homemade take on the classic Rice-A-Roni with this Savory Rice and Vermicelli Medley. This budget-friendly dish combines perfectly toasted vermicelli and rice, providing a satisfying blend of textures and flavors in every bite. The inclusion of savory chicken gravy mix enhances the overall taste, while the frozen diced onions and fresh parsley add depth and aroma. This dish is not only quick to prepare but also allows for meal prep versatility—make a big batch of the rice and vermicelli mix ahead of time and enjoy it whenever you need a comforting side or a hearty base for your favorite proteins. Enjoy a wholesome, homemade alternative to store-bought mixes that will become a family favorite!
1
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
rice
3/8 cup (uncooked)
vermicelli
3/8 cup (broken into 2-inch pieces)
butter
2 tablespoons (unsalted)
water
2 cups (filtered)
chicken gravy mix
2 tablespoons (dry powder)
onion
1 tablespoon (frozen, diced)
dried parsley
1 teaspoon (dried)
Instructions
1
In advance, create a large batch of the rice and vermicelli blend by combining equal amounts of uncooked rice and broken vermicelli pieces. Store it in an airtight container.
2
When you are ready to cook, measure out 3/4 cup of the rice and vermicelli blend into a pyrex measuring cup, with the rice filling up to the halfway mark and the rest filled with the vermicelli.
3
In a medium skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the 3/4 cup rice and vermicelli mixture and sauté until golden brown, approximately 2 to 3 minutes, stirring frequently to ensure even cooking.
4
Pour in 2 cups of water, then add the chicken gravy mix, frozen diced onion, and dried parsley. Stir to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
5
Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet and allow it to simmer for 15 minutes, or until the rice and vermicelli are tender and have absorbed the liquid.
6
Fluff with a fork before serving, and enjoy the delicious home-cooked goodness!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Rice and Vermicelli Medley?
It is a homemade alternative to store-bought boxed rice mixes, featuring toasted vermicelli, rice, and a savory chicken-flavored seasoning.
How do I prepare the rice and vermicelli mix in advance?
Combine equal amounts of uncooked rice and broken vermicelli pieces and store them in an airtight container for future use.
What is the correct ratio for the rice and vermicelli blend?
The blend uses equal parts rice and vermicelli; for a 3/4 cup measurement, fill the rice to the halfway mark and the rest with vermicelli.
How long should I sauté the rice and vermicelli?
Sauté the mixture in melted butter for approximately 2 to 3 minutes until it turns golden brown.
What type of butter is recommended for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter.
How much water is needed for one serving?
You will need 2 cups of filtered water for the 3/4 cup rice and vermicelli mixture.
What flavoring provides the base for the sauce?
A dry chicken gravy mix is used to provide the savory base flavor.
Can I use frozen onions in this dish?
Yes, the recipe specifically uses 1 tablespoon of frozen diced onions for convenience and depth of flavor.
What type of parsley should I use?
The recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of dried parsley.
How long does the rice need to simmer?
The mixture should simmer covered on low heat for 15 minutes.
What is the final step before serving?
Fluff the rice and vermicelli medley with a fork to separate the grains and ensure a light texture.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, you can create a large batch of the dry mix ahead of time to make preparation faster whenever needed.
How do I prepare the vermicelli?
The vermicelli should be broken into 2-inch pieces before being mixed with the rice.
What temperature should I use for sautéing?
Sauté the rice and vermicelli over medium heat to ensure even browning without burning.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 7 main ingredients including rice, vermicelli, butter, water, chicken gravy mix, onion, and dried parsley.
How many servings does this specific recipe produce?
As written, this recipe is portioned for 1 serving.
Why should I stir the mixture frequently during sautéing?
Stirring frequently ensures that the rice and vermicelli brown evenly and do not burn.
What is the benefit of making this at home?
It is a budget-friendly, wholesome alternative to store-bought mixes that allows for better control over ingredients.
Can I use this dish as a base for other proteins?
Yes, it serves as a hearty base for your favorite proteins like chicken, beef, or tofu.
Should the water be at a specific temperature when added?
The recipe does not specify temperature, but it will be brought to a rolling boil after being added.
What should I do if the liquid is not fully absorbed after 15 minutes?
If the rice is tender but liquid remains, you can let it sit covered for a few extra minutes off the heat.
Can I substitute the chicken gravy mix?
While the recipe calls for chicken gravy mix, you could experiment with other gravy flavors or bullion, though it will change the profile.
Is the rice used in this recipe cooked or uncooked?
The recipe starts with 3/8 cup of uncooked rice.
How should I store the dry rice and vermicelli blend?
Store the dry blend in an airtight container in a cool, dry place.
What kind of texture can I expect?
The dish offers a satisfying blend of textures with soft rice and slightly firmer, toasted vermicelli.
What heat setting is used for the simmer?
Once the mixture reaches a boil, the heat should be reduced to low for the simmering process.
Do I need to wash the rice first?
The recipe does not specify washing, which helps the rice toast better in the butter during the sauté step.
Is this a quick meal?
Yes, it is designed to be a quick preparation, taking about 20 minutes total from sautéing to finishing.
What tags describe this recipe?
Tags include rice, vermicelli, homemade, side dish, comfort food, quick meal, and budget-friendly.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, you can easily scale the ingredients up to serve more people, ensuring you use a large enough skillet.