5 from 10 votes
Brazilian Christmas Rice - Champagne Rice with Raisins and Cashews
Brazilian Christmas Rice is a festive dish combining fragrant rice cooked with champagne, raisins soaked in the same, sautéed onions and garlic, and finished with crunchy cashews. The champagne adds subtle acidity and unique flavor to the fluffy rice, while sweet raisins and toasted nuts provide texture contrast. This rice is hearty and flavorful, suitable for holiday meals or special occasions.
Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
15 mins
Total Time
25 mins
Servings:
6
servings
Course:
Side Dish
Cuisine:
South American, Brazilian
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
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