Rice Pilaf with Vermicelli
from Cook's Illustrated

Why: this recipe works:

This elegant version of rice pilaf combines rice with pieces of vermicelli that have been toasted in fat to add richness and a nutty flavor. In order to produce a rice pilaf with rice as perfectly cooked as the pasta, we had to get the rice and pasta to cook at the same rate. Soaking the rice in hot water for a mere 10 minutes softened its outer coating and let it absorb water quickly. Once the pasta and rice are cooked, we let the pilaf stand for 10 minutes with a towel under the lid to absorb steam. Then we fluff it with a fork and stir in fresh herbs.

Use long, straight vermicelli or vermicelli nests.

FMM: This recipe is of a Middle Eastern origin, perhaps Armenian or the Lebanese. Pine nuts are a popular addition.

1 1/2 cups basmati rice or other long-grain white rice
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 ounces vermicelli, broken into 1-inch pieces
1 onion, grated
1 garlic clove, minced
2 1/2 cups chicken broth
1 1/4 teaspoons salt
3 tablespoons minced fresh parsley

Place rice in medium bowl and cover with hot tap water by 2 inches; let stand for 15 minutes.

Using your hands, gently swish grains to release excess starch. Carefully pour off water, leaving rice in bowl. Add cold tap water to rice and pour off water. Repeat adding and pouring off cold water 4 to 5 times, until water runs almost clear. Drain rice in fine-mesh strainer.

Melt butter in saucepan over medium heat. Add pasta and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned, about 3 minutes.

Add onion and garlic and cook, stirring occasionally, until onion is softened but not browned, about 4 minutes.

Add rice and cook, stirring occasionally, until edges of rice begin to turn translucent, about 3 minutes.

Add broth and salt and bring to boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and cook until all liquid is absorbed, about 10 minutes. Off heat, remove lid, fold dish towel in half, and place over pan; replace lid. Let stand for 10 minutes.

Fluff rice with fork, stir in parsley, and serve.

Serves 4 to 6 as a side dish