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Arroz a Grega (Brazilian Greek Rice Pilaf)

Arroz à Grega is a Brazilian Greek Rice Pilaf that is not really Greek! Despite the interesting (and somewhat misleading) name, it is a delicious, colorful and festive side dish that will bring joy to your holiday table.

Prep Time
5 mins
Cook Time
5 mins
Additional Time
15 mins
Total Time
45 mins
Servings: 6 to 8
Calories: 155 kcal
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: Brazilian

Ingredients

  • 2 cups [Carolina® Basmati Rice]
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 small onion minced
  • 1 large carrot peeled and finely diced
  • 1 red bell pepper seeded and finely diced
  • 1 yellow or orange bell pepper seeded and finely diced
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 cup peas frozen or fresh
  • 1/2 cup golden raisins
  • Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
  • 3 cups hot water
  • Optional: 1 bay leaf
  • 1/3 cup chopped parsley
  • 2 green onions chopped

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Place the rice in a fine mesh sieve and rinse until the water runs clear. Reserve to dry.
  2. In a large pot, over medium heat, heat the oil and butter. Once the butter has melted, add the onion and sauté for a couple minutes, until translucent. Then, add the carrot and bell peppers, and continue sautéing until they begin to soften, about 2-3 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for a minute, until fragrant.
  3. Add the the peas and raisins and mix to combine.
  4. Stir in the rice and sauté for a couple of minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
  5. Pour in the hot water and give it a good stir. Taste the water to check the seasoning and adjust as needed. Add the bay leaf, if using, and bring to a boil.
  6. Once boiling, lower the heat to a simmer, cover and cook for 15 minutes.
  7. Turn the heat off and crack the lid open. Let it sit, untouched, for another 15 minutes. Then, fluff with a fork and stir in the chopped herbs.
  8. Transfer to a nice platter and serve!

Notes

  • You can make this rice pilaf ahead, let it cool and refrigerate for a couple of days before serving.
  • - To reheat individual portions, use the microwave.
  • - To reheat a larger portion, I like to use a double boiler. If you don’t have a double boiler, set a saucepan full of water to boil, and then place a large bowl (larger than the saucepan) with the rice pilaf on it. Let it heat, stirring the rice every now and then, until hot!
  • Keep leftovers stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days.
  • You can freeze Arroz à Grega for up to 3 months!

Nutrition Information

Serving 1g Calories 155kcal (8%) Carbohydrates 26g (9%) Protein 3g (6%) Fat 5g (8%) Saturated Fat 2g (10%) Polyunsaturated Fat 3g Cholesterol 8mg (3%) Sodium 49mg (2%) Fiber 2g (8%) Sugar 9g (18%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 6to 8

Amount Per Serving

Calories 155

% Daily Value*

Serving 1g
Calories 155kcal 8%
Carbohydrates 26g 9%
Protein 3g 6%
Fat 5g 8%
Saturated Fat 2g 10%
Polyunsaturated Fat 3g 18%
Cholesterol 8mg 3%
Sodium 49mg 2%
Fiber 2g 8%
Sugar 9g 18%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.