Turkish Rice with Vermicelli
When I first tried this rice with vermicelli in a Turkish fast food restaurant, I had a bit of a 'Wow!' feeling and I said I was definitely going to make it at home. Beside the fact that it's easy to cook and the combination is interesting, you will also discover it's surprisingly tasty. The cooked fideo has a toast and butter-like flavour which is then transferred to all the ingredients. This is just a short description for you to imagine what it tastes like.
Many people call it rice dish (pilaf) with vermicelli/fideo, as a meal in itself, though I would say it's more like a side dish. Of course, you can also consider it as a meal in itself if you don't have anything else beside. It combines perfectly with any vegetable dish, fish, meat etc.
This is what the recommended vermicelli/fideo should look like.
It's store-bought, pick any brand, any price you like.
Melt the butter in a heavy-bottomed pot or a deep saucepan.
Stir in the vermicelli/fideo, toast over medium heat and mix frequently.
This is what it looks like when it's ready, you'll know when you feel the flavour.
Don't go too far, it cooks very quickly.
Meanwhile, measure the rice and wash it 2-3 times.
Add the rice to the toast vermicelli in the pot, stir and cook together for another 2-3 minutes.
Now pour 400ml water in the saucepan, add salt.
Mix well and cook over high heat until it comes to a boil.
Then turn heat down, put the lid on and simmer for about 10-15 minutes.
After that, you'll see how the rice takes in all the water.
Now turn heat off, but don't touch the pot - don't take the lid off, don't stir.
Let it cook like this for 30-60 minutes. It will cook 'passively' in the steam inside the pot and all the flavours will blend.
Before serving, stir well and spread with a big spoon.
It's just wonderful and you can serve it beside a vegetable dish, meat or fish.
Enjoy!
