Plav (Armenian Rice Pilaf with Vermicelli)
Local name: Փլավ
In short: Fluffy long-grain rice cooked with toasted vermicelli and butter, the everyday side dish served with stews, meat and fish. It takes about 40 min in total and makes 6 servings.
- Prep
- 10 min
- Cook
- 30 min
- Resting
- 30 min
- Total
- 40 min
- Servings
- 6
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 280 kcal
Plav is the Armenian rice pilaf and the most common side dish on the table, served with grilled meat, stews, fish and beans. The signature step is toasting broken vermicelli in butter until deep golden before the rice goes in, which gives a nutty flavor and a pretty mix of colors. Rinsing the rice and cooking it covered on the lowest heat gives separate, fluffy grains. A towel under the lid soaks up steam.
Instructions
- Rinse the rice in several changes of cold water until the water runs nearly clear. Cover with cold water and soak for 20 minutes, then drain well.
- Melt the butter in a heavy pot over medium heat. Add the vermicelli and stir for 2 to 3 minutes until deep golden brown, watching closely so it does not burn.
- Add the drained rice and stir for 1 minute to coat in the butter. Pour in the hot water and add the salt.
- Boil uncovered for 2 minutes, then reduce the heat to the lowest setting. Cover the pot with a clean towel under the lid and cook for 15 to 18 minutes, until the water is absorbed.
- Take the pot off the heat and rest it, still covered, for 10 minutes. Fluff with a fork and serve.
Tips
- Toast the vermicelli carefully, since it goes from golden to burnt in seconds. Pull the pan off the heat if it browns too fast.
- Put a clean towel between the pot and the lid to absorb steam. This keeps the rice fluffy instead of soggy.
Questions and answers
Can I use chicken stock instead of water?
Yes. It adds flavor, but the dish is then no longer vegetarian. Use the same amount of hot stock.
Can I make plav ahead of time?
Yes. It keeps for 3 days in the fridge. Reheat it covered with a splash of water.
What do you serve with plav?
Grilled meat, roast chicken, stews and fish all go well with it. It is also eaten with beans or cooked greens.
How long does it take to make Plav (Armenian Rice Pilaf with Vermicelli)?
About 40 min in total: 10 min of preparation and 30 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Plav (Armenian Rice Pilaf with Vermicelli)?
About 280 kcal per serving, with 5 g of protein, 47 g of carbohydrates and 8 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 280 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 5 g |
| Carbohydrates | 47 g |
| Fat | 8 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugar | 0 g |
| Sodium | 400 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
