Wedding Rice
Wedding Rice is a fragrant, sweet and savory dish featuring vermicelli, almonds, dates, and coconut, perfect for celebrations or special occasions, offering rich textures and flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Melt butter in a medium saucepan.
- Crunch up vermicelli pasta into approximately 1-inch lengths.
- Saute pasta in butter until golden brown.
- Add chicken broth to the butter and vermicelli.
- Bring to a boil.
- Add rice and cover; simmer for 10 minutes.
- Add toasted almonds, chopped dates, and coconut to the rice.
- Continue to simmer for 10 more minutes.
- Remove rice from stove.
- Let stand, covered, for 5 minutes.
- Fluff with a fork and serve immediately.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using homemade chicken broth instead of store-bought. If you can't find vermicelli, broken spaghetti or angel hair pasta can work as substitutes. Toasting the almonds enhances their flavor, so don't skip that step. For added sweetness, try incorporating dried apricots alongside the dates, which can complement the dish nicely. Pair this with Mediterranean recipes for a complete meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Wedding Rice as a delightful side dish alongside grilled meats or roasted vegetables. It pairs wonderfully with chicken recipes, making it a perfect accompaniment to dishes like Polly'S Chicken With Black Olives. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for added color and flavor. This dish also makes a lovely addition to festive gatherings and celebrations.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of water or chicken broth to the rice and microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating. You can also reheat on the stove over low heat, adding a bit of liquid as needed to prevent sticking.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Wedding Rice contains roughly 744 calories, with 7g protein, 73g carbohydrates, and 51g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (28% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and iron. It also contributes 8g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the rice ahead of time. Cook it as directed, then let it cool completely before storing it in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, reheat gently while adding a little broth to restore moisture. This makes it convenient for meal prep or entertaining guests.
Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
Absolutely! To make a vegetarian version, simply replace the chicken broth with vegetable broth. You can also add more vegetables, such as peas or bell peppers, to enhance the texture and nutritional value. This adjustment makes it suitable for vegetarians without compromising on flavor.
Can I freeze Wedding Rice?
Yes, you can freeze Wedding Rice for future meals. Let it cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or bag. It should maintain its quality for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat as mentioned before for the best results.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).