Brazilian Christmas Rice - Champagne Rice with Raisins and Cashews
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
10 mins
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Cook Time
15 mins
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Total Time
25 mins
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Servings
6 servings
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Course
Side Dish
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Cuisine
South American, Brazilian
Brazilian Christmas Rice - Champagne Rice with Raisins and Cashews
Description
This recipe begins by soaking raisins in champagne for up to an hour, allowing them to absorb flavor and plump. Onions and garlic are sautéed in olive oil until softened and golden, forming the aromatic base. Rinsed rice is added to the pan and cooked briefly to coat grains with oil and flavor.
Champagne (without raisins) is then added and cooked down to reduce before water is added. The rice simmers covered until tender and liquid is absorbed. After cooking, the soaked raisins are stirred in and the pot is left covered to allow steam to complete the absorption and soften the raisins.
Cashews, roughly chopped, are mixed into the finished rice adding a pleasant crunch. Salt seasoning is adjusted during cooking for balance. The dish presents a combination of tender, fluffy rice; sweet, plump raisins; and buttery nuts, enhanced by the unique notes from champagne. It’s ideal as a holiday side dish or celebratory meal component.
Ingredients
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 onion sliced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup rice rinsed, uncooked
- 3/4 cup champagne
- 1/2 cup raisins
- 1.25 cup water
- 1/2 cup cashew roughly chopped
- salt about ½ tsp to a tsp per cup of rice, to taste
Instructions
- Soak the raisins in the champagne, and set aside for 30 mins to an hour
- In a medium sauce pan, heat up the oil
- Add the onions and cook until soft and transparent
- Add the garlic and cook until fragrant and light gold
- Add the rice, season with the salt and stir
- Cook for about a minute, stirring
- Then drain the champagne into the pan (reserve the raisins for later), and cook until it is reduced/evaporated
- Add the water and bring to a gentle boil
- Reduce to a simmer, cover and let it cook until all water has been absorbed and the rice is cooked and firm (try not to peak – we don’t want to lose steam that’s precious for the next step!)
- Turn off the heat and add the raisins to the rice and cover the pan. Let the rice pot sit covered for another ~10 mins – steam
- When you are ready to serve, add the cashews and stir everything to combine and serve
Bom Apetite!
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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