Sephardic Rice with Vermicelli, also known as ‘Sephardic Pilaf,’ is a beloved dish originating from the rich culinary traditions of the Sephardic Jews, who have roots in the Mediterranean. This dish is a beautiful blend of simple ingredients—long-grain rice and thin vermicelli noodles—cooked to perfection in a savory broth, offering a delightful texture and flavor. Often served as a side dish during Shabbat or festive holidays, this recipe shines with its unique combination of nutty vermicelli and fluffy rice, making it a comforting and versatile accompaniment. Made with vegetable broth it’s pareve and goes well with fish or vegetables; made with chicken broth, serve it with meat or poultry rather than fish. If you enjoy this, you might also like exploring dishes like ‘Lebanese Mujadara’ or ‘Israeli Couscous,’ which share similar Mediterranean flavors and cooking techniques.

Ingredients
Method
- Heat olive oil in a medium-sized pot over medium heat. Add the vermicelli noodles and toast them, stirring frequently, until they are golden brown.
- Add the rinsed rice to the pot with the vermicelli and stir to combine. Cook for another minute to allow the rice to absorb the flavors.
- Pour in the broth, then add salt and pepper. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 15-18 minutes, or until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is cooked through.
- Remove from heat and let the rice sit, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff the rice with a fork before serving.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving. Enjoy your flavorful Sephardic Rice with Vermicelli!
Notes
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