Aromatic and colorful, Brazilian Christmas Rice is a beloved holiday dish that tantalizes taste buds with its unique blend of flavors and textures. This flavorful rice dish is a staple of Brazilian Christmas feasts, offering a delightful combination of savory, sweet, and nutty flavors. It features fluffy rice cooked in a flavorful broth infused with the vibrant flavors of tomatoes, onions, garlic, and aromatic herbs. The dish is further enriched with the addition of tender chicken, smoky bacon, and a medley of colorful vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, and corn, adding a delightful crunch and vibrant hues. Complemented by the subtle sweetness of raisins and the nutty crunch of almonds, Brazilian Christmas Rice is a culinary masterpiece that captures the essence of Brazilian Christmas celebrations. From the classic Arroz de Natal recipe to variations that incorporate unique ingredients like sausage, shrimp, and dried fruit, this article presents a collection of Brazilian Christmas Rice recipes that cater to diverse preferences and guarantee a memorable holiday meal.
Here are our top 3 tried and tested recipes!
CRAZY RICE - BRAZILIAN
This is a recipe that I found in Steven Raichlen's "The Barbecue Bible" for Brazil. You can also make this in a vegetarian form by leaving out the bacon and increasing the oil to 2 tablespoons.
Provided by diner524
Categories Long Grain Rice
Time 45m
Yield 4 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 15
Steps:
- Place the rice in a large bowl and add cold water to cover by 3 inches. Swirl the rice around with your fingers until the water becomes cloudy, then pour through a strainer to drain. Repeat the process until the water remains clear. This will take 4 to 6 rinsings.
- Place the rice in a large, heavy pot. Add enough water to cover the rice by 3/4 inch (about 2 1/2 cups). Stir in the salt and butter and bring the rice to a boil over high heat. Tightly cover the pan, reduce the heat to low, and cook the rice until tender, about 18 minutes, but check after 15 minutes: If the rice is too wet, set the cover ajar to allow some of the liquid to evaporate; if too dry, add 2 to 3 tablespoons water. Remove the pot from the heat and let the rice stand, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff it with a fork and set aside.
- Meanwhile, prepare the flavorings. Heat the oil in a large sauté pan over medium heat. Add the bacon and cook until lightly browned, about 4 minutes. Pour off all but 2 tablespoons fat. Add the onion, garlic, bell peppers, corn, both raisins, and the parsley. Cook until the onion begins to brown, about 5 minutes. Stir the rice into the vegetable mixture and cook until thoroughly heated, about 2 minutes. Correct the seasoning, adding salt and black pepper as needed.
TRUE BRAZILIAN RICE
Rice is a part of life in Brazil, it is a part of the culture, and it is something you need to know how to cook when making Brazilian food. Rice in Brazil is seasoned differently to rice in the USA or Europe. Recipe is from A Taste of Brazil blog.
Provided by Lavender Lynn
Categories Rice
Time 35m
Yield 4 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 6
Steps:
- Wash the rice until the water runs clear and set aside to dry. Boil enough water for two cups. Chop the onions and garlic finely. Place a pan over medium heat and add the olive oil. Once olive oil is heated add the chopped onions and garlic.
- Sauté until fragrant; approximately 3 minutes. Add the dry rice to the pan and stir for an additional 3-4 minutes making sure that the rice does not stick to the bottom of the pan. Add the two cups of boiling water to the rice and the salt.
- Place a lid on the pan and cook on medium heat for 8 minutes. Decrease the heat to low and cook for another 10-15 minutes, or until the water has all evaporated. If the rice is not cooked yet, add a little bit more water!
Nutrition Facts : Calories 225.1, Fat 6.4, SaturatedFat 1, Sodium 589.2, Carbohydrate 37.9, Fiber 1.9, Sugar 1.1, Protein 4
BRAZILIAN WHITE RICE
White rice is the main side dish made in Brazil. This is the way my mom would make it and taught my sister and I. What makes this so different is that we fry it in oil with minced onion and garlic before adding water. You can also use part water, part chicken broth. The secret is to not let it overcook because it should come out loose and not sticky.
Provided by Nandabear
Categories Side Dish Rice Side Dish Recipes
Time 45m
Yield 8
Number Of Ingredients 6
Steps:
- Place the rice in a colander and rinse thoroughly with cold water; set aside.
- Heat the oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Cook the onion in the oil for one minute. Stir in the garlic and cook until the garlic is golden brown. Add the rice and salt and cook and stir until the rice begins to brown. Pour hot water over rice mixture and stir. Reduce heat to low, cover the saucepan, and allow to simmer until the water has been absorbed, 20 to 25 minutes.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 201 calories, Carbohydrate 37.5 g, Fat 3.7 g, Fiber 0.7 g, Protein 3.4 g, SaturatedFat 0.6 g, Sodium 296.8 mg, Sugar 0.2 g
Tips:
- Use high-quality ingredients for the best flavor. Choose fresh, ripe vegetables and fruits, and use good-quality olive oil and spices.
- Don't be afraid to experiment. There are many different ways to make Brazilian Christmas rice, so feel free to adjust the recipe to your own taste. Try using different types of rice, vegetables, and fruits, or adding different spices and herbs.
- Make sure to cook the rice until it is tender but still has a little bite to it. Overcooked rice will be mushy and unpleasant.
- Serve the rice hot or at room temperature. It can be served as a main course or a side dish.
Conclusion:
Brazilian Christmas rice is a delicious and festive dish that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. It is a traditional dish that is often served at Christmas dinner, but it can also be enjoyed at other times of the year. With its colorful ingredients and flavorful sauce, Brazilian Christmas rice is sure to be a hit at your next party or gathering.
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