Egyptian Rice

Egyptian rice, known in Lebanon as riz masri, is a short-grain rice with rounded grains that turn soft and slightly sticky when cooked. It is a staple in many Lebanese kitchens and is commonly used for stuffing vegetables such as zucchini and eggplant, for rolled vine leaves and cabbage rolls, and for sweet dishes like riz bi haleeb, the familiar rice pudding. It can also be cooked as a simple side to serve with stews. At Dekenet Al Nes, a package-free grocery store in Baaqline, in the Chouf, this rice is sold by the kilo, and customers are encouraged to bring their own containers to refill, which cuts down on plastic waste and single-use packaging. Dekenet Al Nes is a solidarity initiative that aims to keep basic necessities affordable for families and individuals.