Lebanese Rice
Lebanese Rice, also known as 'Riz bi Dfeen' or simply Lebanese-style rice, is a fragrant and flavorful pilaf that serves as a staple side dish in Lebanese and broader Middle Eastern cuisine. It typically features long-grain rice cooked with vermicelli noodles, which are toasted in butter or oil until golden, then simmered in a savory broth with warm spices like allspice or cinnamon.
🍽️ Nutrition at a glance
This dish is primarily a carbohydrate-rich food, providing energy from the rice and vermicelli, with a moderate amount of fat from the butter or oil used in toasting. A standard serving (about 1 cup) generally contains around 200-250 calories, offering some B vitamins and minerals like iron from the fortified rice or broth.
Nutrition breakdown
| Calories | 260 kcal |
| Protein | 5.5 g |
| Carbs | 42 g |
| Fat | 8.5 g |
| Fiber | 1.5 g |
| Sugar | 1 g |
| Sodium | 350 mg |
| Potassium | 130 mg |
| Iron | 1.5 mg |
| Magnesium | 25 mg |
| Phosphorus | 80 mg |
| Manganese | 0.8 mg |
| Selenium | 12 mcg |
| Thiamin (B1) | 0.2 mg |
| Folate | 35 mcg |
Per 1 cup (185 g) · estimated, varies by recipe
💡 What's interesting
What makes Lebanese Rice unique is the toasted vermicelli, which adds a nutty flavor and delightful texture contrast to the fluffy rice—a technique that reflects the resourceful and flavor-focused nature of Levantine home cooking. Nutritionally, the use of broth and spices not only enhances taste but also infuses the dish with subtle anti-inflammatory compounds.
