Main Dishes

Arroz Con Coco (Colombian Coconut Rice)

At its core, arroz con coco is a pilaf—rice grains toasted in oil before being steamed, but in this case the oil comes directly from coconut milk. You start by dumping a can of coconut milk in a pot, and slowly boiling it off until all of the water content is removed, the coconut oil breaks out, and the solids begin to brown. From there, it's a slow process of stirring and toasting until they are a deep, crunchy golden brown before finally adding sugar, salt, and rice.

Arroz Con Coco (Colombian Coconut Rice)
Servings 4
Difficulty Medium

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. 1

    Heat coconut milk in a 2-quart heavy-bottomed saucepan over high heat until simmering. Reduce to medium-low and cook, stirring frequently with a wooden spoon until reduced to a couple of tablespoons (see notes). Continue to cook, stirring and scraping constantly until coconut oil breaks out and coconut solids cook down to a deep, dark brown, about 20 minutes total.

  2. 2

    Add rice, sugar (more or less to taste), and salt. Increase heat to medium and cook, stirring constantly until rice grains begin to turn translucent and golden, about 2 minutes. Add raisins (if using) and stir to combine.

  3. 3

    Add water and stir to combine. Bring to a simmer over high heat, reduce to lowest possible setting, cover, and cook for 15 minutes. Remove from heat and let rest 15 minutes longer. Fluff with a fork, and serve.

  4. 4

    Look for coconut milk with no stabilizers such as crystalline cellulose or xanthan gum. If you can&

  5. 5

    2-quart heavy-bottomed saucepan