Wednesday, May 28, 2008

Cooking rice like a Brazilian

Rice is a staple here in Brazil and everyone knows how to cook it. Depending on where you live you stir-fry first with oil before adding the water. That's how I like it and I learned to cook rice this way from my mom.
  • When cooking rice add a few drops of lime for an extra flavor.
  • To cook 1 cup dried rice, add 2 cups water.
Ingredients:

2 cups long-grain white rice
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 tablespoon olive oil (optional)
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon salt
4 cups boiling water (or chicken broth)

Directions:

1) Heat oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add garlic and sautée for a minute, until fragrant.

2) Add rice, let it sit for 10 seconds, then stir to coat the grains with the oil, season with salt and stir-fry about 2 minutes.

3) Add the boiling water. Cover and cook over low heat for about 15 to 20 minutes or until the water is absorbed. Turn off the heat, remove the lid, fluff it with a fork and add the lime juice if using any. Put the lid back on and let it sit for about 10 minutes before serving.

4 comments:

Elle said...

This is how my mother in law makes rice, as well. She's from Honduras. This technique makes rice just that more delicious!

TBC said...

Rice is a staple in India too, especially the southern parts of India. At home, my mom would cook it over the stove in a method almost similar to yours.
I take the easy way out here and make my rice in the microwave! :D

Andrea Meyers said...

I love rice for a simple lunch, and this sounds perfect!

Nando Cuca said...

Hey, check out my video of how to prepare white rice - the brazilian way at http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=WfTwLIwq-Yc