Lebanese Rice Pilaf
Lebanese Rice Pilaf, known as Riz bi Sha'riyeh, is a comforting and aromatic dish from Lebanon and the broader Levant region. It features fluffy rice cooked with thin, toasted vermicelli noodles, often enriched with butter or ghee, and seasoned simply with salt and pepper.
🍽️ Nutrition at a glance
This dish is primarily a high-carbohydrate food, providing quick energy from the rice and vermicelli, with a moderate amount of fat from the butter or ghee used in cooking. A typical serving offers a good source of energy and some B vitamins, with a rough calorie count of around 300-400 calories per cup.
Nutrition breakdown
| Calories | 245 kcal |
| Protein | 5.5 g |
| Carbs | 40 g |
| Fat | 7.5 g |
| Fiber | 1.5 g |
| Sugar | 1.2 g |
| Sodium | 480 mg |
| Iron | 2.1 mg |
| Potassium | 120 mg |
| Phosphorus | 95 mg |
| Magnesium | 25 mg |
| Niacin (B3) | 2.8 mg |
| Folate | 60 µg |
| Thiamin (B1) | 0.2 mg |
| Zinc | 0.9 mg |
Per 1 cup (200 g) · estimated, varies by recipe
💡 What's interesting
Culturally, the toasting of the vermicelli until golden brown is a key step that adds a unique nutty flavor and visual appeal, distinguishing it from plain rice. Nutritionally, it serves as a versatile, energy-dense staple that pairs well with protein-rich stews, grilled meats, or legumes in a traditional Lebanese meal.
