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Close-up high-angle shot of Homemade Rice-A-Roni in an off-white ceramic bowl, glistening with butter and flecked with parsley.
FL Recipes

Homemade Rice-A-Roni: The Ultimate Golden Vermicelli and Herb Pilaf

Master the art of Homemade Rice-A-Roni with this chef-perfected recipe. Featuring fluffy long-grain rice, buttery toasted vermicelli, and a savory chicken broth reduction for a side dish that outshines the boxed classic in every way.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 cups
Course: Dinner, Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 210
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

Rice Pilaf Components
  • 1 cup (185g) Long-grain white rice Rinsed until water runs clear
  • 1/2 cup (50g) Vermicelli pasta Broken into 1-inch pieces
  • 3 tbsp (42g) Unsalted butter Divided use
  • 1/4 cup (40g) Yellow onion Finely minced
  • 2 cups (480ml) Chicken broth High-quality, low sodium preferred
  • 1 tsp (0.5g) Dried parsley flakes
  • 1/4 tsp (0.5g) Ground turmeric For visual golden tint
  • 1/2 tsp Sea salt Adjust to taste

Equipment

  • 1 Heavy-bottomed 3-quart saucepan Essential for even heat distribution.
  • 1 Silicone spatula For constant stirring during the toasting phase.

Method
 

Sauté and Toast
  1. Melt 1 tbsp butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Sauté the minced onions for 3-4 minutes until translucent and soft.
  2. Add the remaining 2 tbsp butter. Once bubbling, add broken vermicelli. Stir constantly for 3-5 minutes until the pasta reaches a deep golden-brown mahogany color.
Simmer and Steam
  1. Add the rice to the pan and stir for 1 minute to coat in butter.
  2. Pour in chicken broth, turmeric, and parsley. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover tightly.
  3. Simmer for 15-18 minutes without lifting the lid. Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes.

Nutrition

Calories: 210kcalProtein: 4gFat: 9gFiber: 1g

Notes

Rinse the rice thoroughly to prevent stickiness.
Use a fork to fluff the rice to maintain grain integrity and the buttery sheen.
Keyword Golden Rice Pilaf,Homemade Rice-A-Roni,Toasted Vermicelli

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