Brazilian Christmas Rice Recipes

BRAZILIAN WHITE RICE

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.

CHRISTMAS RICE

Steps:

• In a skillet, saute onion, celery and peppers in butter over medium heat for 2 minutes or until crisp-tender. Remove from the heat; set aside. , In a saucepan, bring broth to a full boil. Remove from the heat. Quickly stir in rice, celery mixture, pepper, and, if desired, salt. Cover and let stand for 6-7 minutes. Stir before serving.

CRAZY RICE - BRAZILIAN

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.