Arabic Rice

1/2 cup vermicelli (cut into 1 inch pieces)

1/4 cup unsalted butter (or clarified butter)

1 1/2 cups rice

1/2 tsp. salt

3 cups water

Brown vermicelli with butter in saucepan.  Add rice stirring over medium heat for 1 minute.  Stir in salt and water.  Turn to high heat and bring to a boil.  Turn heat to simmer; cover and cook for 20-25 minutes or until rice is tender.

   *when rice is tender, there may be some liquid at the bottom of the pan.  After it has cooked, let rice sit for 10-15 minutes to absorb and liquid and "set" the rice.  Cooking time varies.

   *Garnish with toasted pine nuts, pomegranate seeds, and parsley.