Delicious Brazilian Rice Recipe for Your Family Dinner
Welcome to my easy Brazilian White Rice recipe! As a chef specializing in Brazilian cuisine, I know that rice is a staple of Brazilian cuisine. In Brazil, we eat rice with pretty much everything, from feijoada (a traditional Brazilian dish made with beans and sausage) to steak, chicken, and even vegetarian dishes.
What makes this recipe special is its simplicity and authenticity. This is the traditional Brazilian way of cooking white rice—the way our grandmothers and great-grandmothers used to do it. I’ve tweaked a few things to make it a bit healthier, but the flavors remain true to their roots.
Trust me when I say that once you try this rice, you’ll never go back to your old white rice recipe. The combination of onion, garlic, and dried herbs gives it a depth of flavor that is irresistible. And the addition of frozen spinach makes it not only delicious but also nutritious.
So let’s get started on cooking up some Brazilian basics with my easy Brazilian White Rice recipe!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Are you tired of the same old bland rice dishes? Step up your game with the Brazilian Rice Recipe. With its unique blend of herbs and spices, this dish will take your taste buds on a journey to Brazil without leaving your kitchen.
What makes this recipe stand out among others is its use of dried rosemary, thyme, and marjoram. These herbs are rich in flavor and add depth to the dish. And let’s not forget about the low-sodium Worcestershire sauce – a secret ingredient that gives it that extra oomph.
But what really puts this dish over the top is its versatility. Whether you’re a steak lover or vegetarian, this side dish will pair well with anything. It can be served alongside traditional Brazilian cuisine like feijoada and farofa or as a stand-alone side with chicken, beef, sausage or any other main course.
Not to mention, it’s one of the easiest recipes to make. All you need is cooked brown or white rice, frozen spinach, onion, garlic, olive oil, nonfat milk, fat-free mozzarella cheese and a handful of other ingredients. In no time at all, you’ll have a delicious and nutritious meal that caters to your dietary needs.
So what are you waiting for? Join Brazilians in their love for rice as a staple food by trying out this Brazilian Rice Recipe. It’s an easy way to bring Brazil into your kitchen while treating your taste buds to something new and flavorful.
Ingredient List
Let’s take a look at the list of ingredients you need to make this delicious Brazilian Rice Recipe:
- 2 cups of cooked brown rice \
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp of olive oil
- 1 tsp of dried rosemary
- 1 tsp of dried thyme
- 1 tsp of dried marjoram
- 1 tbsp of low-sodium Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup of frozen spinach, thawed and drained
- ½ cup of non-fat milk
- 1 cup of fat-free mozzarella cheese, grated
You can find most of these ingredients in your pantry. However, you might have to make a quick trip to the grocery store to get some fresh spinach or low-sodium Worcestershire sauce. Don’t worry; these are easy-to-find ingredients that will not require you to travel far and wide. The combination of the herbs gives the Brazilian rice an incredible aroma and flavor that you will love!
The Recipe How-To
Now that we have all of our Brazilian Rice ingredients ready, it’s time to start cooking. Let’s dive into the step-by-step guide on how to cook this delicious Brazilian side dish.
Step 1: Preparing the Onion and Garlic
The first step in making the Brazilian Rice is to prepare the onion and garlic. Grab a medium onion and chop it finely. Then, peel 3 garlic cloves and chop them as well.
Step 2: Sautéing the Onion and Garlic
The second step is to sauté the onion and garlic in a medium saucepan with 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat until they are translucent, but not browned. This should take around 4-5 minutes.
Step 3: Adding Rice
After the onions and garlic are sautéed, it’s time to add in 1 cup of white rice (long grain). Stir the mixture until the rice is fully coated in oil.
Step 4: Adding Water
Then, add 2 cups of water to the saucepan, stir well with a spoon and let it come to a gentle boil over high heat.
Step 5: Lowering Heat and Covering
Once at a gentle boil, lower the heat to the lowest setting, cover the pan with a tight-fitting lid and let it simmer for about 20 minutes. Do not uncover while simmering.
Step 6: Adding Frozen Spinach
After 20 minutes of simmering, add ½ cup of frozen spinach to top of the rice in piles. This will allow steam from cooking rice to cook spinach.
Step 7: Stemming Simmer
Cover pan letting spinach stem with covered heat for an additional 5 minutes.
Step 8: Fluffing the Rice
Finally, after simmering we have arrived at the most satisfying part of the process: fluffing the rice. Use a fork to fluff and separate rice grains, then add 1 tablespoon of dried Rosemary, dried Thyme, and dried Marjoram. Add salt and pepper to taste.
Congratulations, you’ve just cooked a traditional Brazilian side dish! Now, let’s move on to some variations of this recipe to help bring your cooking game to a new level.
Substitutions and Variations
As a chef, I always encourage my readers to experiment with ingredients in their recipes to find their perfect blend of flavors. Here are some substitutions and variations that you can try with this Brazilian rice recipe.
First, you can swap out the spices used in this recipe. Instead of dried rosemary, thyme, and marjoram, you can use fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for a different taste. Or, you can add a pinch of cumin or turmeric for some extra warmth and color.
If you prefer a vegetarian option, simply omit the sausage and replace the low-sodium Worcestershire sauce with soy sauce for umami flavor. You can also add diced vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or zucchini for more texture and color.
For a heartier version of this dish, add cooked chicken breast or beef strips to the recipe. Alternatively, you can throw in some grilled steak on top of the rice to make it a complete meal.
To make this dish even more traditional Brazilian cuisine, serve it with feijoada (bean stew) and farofa (toasted cassava flour). These side dishes are usually served together in Brazil and will elevate your meal to another level.
Don’t forget that rice is a staple in many cultures around the world. With that said, Brazilian cuisine adapts quite well to any dietary need so don’t hesitate to customize it according to your own taste preferences. Your palate and values should guide your culinary journey!
Serving and Pairing
As a native of Brazil, I can confidently say that rice is a staple food in Brazilian cuisine, and it’s commonly paired with almost any dish on the table. This Brazilian rice recipe is versatile enough to complement any main dish, whether it’s a juicy steak, succulent chicken breast or flavorful sausage.
If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, you can serve it alongside a delicious vegetable stir-fry or roasted vegetables. The addition of frozen spinach in the recipe provides a healthy serving of greens to your meal.
If you want an authentic Brazilian dining experience, I’d recommend pairing this Brazilian white rice with a traditional Brazilian dish like feijoada – a stew of beans and beef or pork – and farofa – toasted cassava flour with nuts or spices. The combination of feijoada and white rice with farofa is one of the most beloved meals in Brazil.
For those who enjoy wine, a light-bodied red wine like Pinot Noir pairs beautifully with this simple yet flavorful Brazilian rice recipe. Alternatively, if you prefer beer, a light lager or pilsner would be my go-to choice.
Overall, the serving options for this easy Brazilian rice recipe are endless. You can add your own twist by changing up the herbs and spices in the recipe to suit your taste buds. Whatever you choose to pair it with, you cannot go wrong with this classic Brazilian side dish at your dinner table.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Now that you’ve made this delicious Brazilian rice recipe, you might want to save some for later. Fortunately, it stores and reheats well!
To make ahead, simply cook the recipe as directed and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. When you’re ready to eat, reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.
If you have leftovers that you know you won’t eat within 5 days, you can also freeze the rice. Place it in a freezer-safe container or resealable bag for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight and then reheat using your preferred method.
When reheating rice, it’s important to add a small amount of water to prevent it from drying out. If using a microwave, simply add a tablespoon of water and cover with a damp paper towel before reheating. If using the stovetop or oven, place the rice in an oven-safe dish with some water on the bottom and cover with foil or a lid.
Whether you’re making this recipe for meal prep or to serve a crowd, it’s good to know that it can be stored and enjoyed later without losing any of its flavor or texture. So go ahead and make an extra batch – your future self will thank you!
Tips for Perfect Results
Now that you know how to cook Brazilian rice, let me share some tips with you to get the desired results. Cooking rice may seem like an easy task, but sometimes, it can be difficult to achieve perfect results. Here are some tips that can help you cook the perfect Brazilian rice.
Firstly, always use long-grain white rice or Brazilian white rice. The texture of these two types of rice is perfect for Brazilian rice recipes. You can use other types of rice, but the result may not be as good.
Secondly, rinsing the rice before cooking is essential. Rinsing helps remove excess starch from the rice and prevents it from sticking together.
Thirdly, if you want to add additional flavors, try adding dried rosemary, thyme or marjoram when cooking your Brazilian rice. This will add flavor without overpowering the dish.
Fourthly, consider using low-sodium Worcestershire sauce instead of regular Worcestershire sauce. By doing so, you can control the amount of sodium added to your dish.
Fifthly, don’t hesitate to try different combinations of ingredients in your Brazilian Rice recipe. You could add cooked brown rice or even beans and sausage for a more complete meal.
Sixthly, be careful with the quantity of liquid used in the recipe. Adding too much liquid can make the dish mushy and unappetizing.
Lastly, remember that cooking times vary depending on the type of stove and pan used. Be mindful of this when cooking and adjust accordingly to ensure perfect results.
By following these tips, you’ll be cooking Brazilian rice like a pro!
FAQ
Now that you have all the important details to make a delicious Brazilian rice recipe, it’s time to clarify some common questions about this dish. In this section, I will answer your frequently asked questions with detailed explanations and tips to ensure a perfect result every time. So let’s dive into the most common concerns and find out how to overcome them.
What do Brazilians eat with rice?
In Brazil, rice is a ubiquitous staple food that is commonly consumed in daily meals. The go-to meal for many Brazilians consists of rice, beans, meat (either beef or chicken), accompanied by salad and occasionally, some french fries.
What is the rice in Brazil called?
Rice holds a significant place in Brazilian gastronomy, particularly the white rice commonly referred to as arroz branco. It is widely used in many traditional Brazilian dishes, either incorporated into the recipes or served as a complementary side dish. This is evident in the high consumption rate of rice in Brazil, making it one of the top countries in the world that heavily rely on the grain.
What do Brazilians eat with rice and beans?
Rice and beans plays a significant role in Brazilian cuisine and can be found on almost every menu. It is typically accompanied by a selection of meat, such as chicken or beef, as well as vegetables and salad.
Is rice popular in Brazil?
In Brazil, rice is a common dietary staple, although it is not unusual for people to opt for pasta instead. It is typically consumed in conjunction with beans and served alongside a salad, a protein source (usually beef or chicken), and a complementary side dish such as polenta, potatoes or corn.
Bottom Line
:
In conclusion, this Brazilian Rice Recipe is a must-try for anyone who wants to experience the flavors of Brazilian cuisine. With its aromatic blend of dried herbs and the slight tanginess of low-sodium Worcestershire sauce, this dish is sure to leave your taste buds in a state of euphoria.
Whether you’re a meat lover or a vegetarian, you can enjoy this dish as a side for steak, chicken, beef, sausage, or even on its own as a main course. It’s easy to prepare and can be customized with other ingredients like beans and spinach.
Most importantly, this Brazilian Rice Recipe is an excellent representation of what Brazilians eat daily. Brazilians have a deep cultural connection with rice and consider it a staple food in their diet. Not only does it taste amazing, but it’s also packed with healthy nutrients.
So go ahead and whip up this traditional Brazilian dish in your own kitchen using these easy-to-follow steps. We hope you enjoy the experience and savor every bite of this comforting and flavorful meal. Give it a try today!
Brazilian Rice Recipe
Ingredients
- nonstick vegetable cooking spray
- 24 ounces boxed frozen spinach, thawed
- 1 cup cooked brown rice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup liquid, egg-white substitute
- 3/4 cup shredded fat free mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup nonfat milk
- 1/2 medium onion, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon low-sodium worcestershire sauce
- 1/4 teaspoon dried marjoram
- 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon dried rosemary
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
- Spray a 2-quart baking dish with vegetable oil spray.
- Place thawed spinach in a colander and press to remove excess water.
- Place the spinach in a large mixing bowl and add remaining ingredients. Mix until combined.
- Transfer the mixture to the baking dish and place in the preheated oven. Bake for 30 minutes.
- Cut the casserole into eight squares and serve.
Add Your Own Notes
Nutrition
Recommended Recipes Just For You
None found
Dora
Dora is a chef well-versed in Brazilian and American cuisine. After a hard day's work in the kitchen of her restaurant, she finds the time to jot down recipes for her food blog. Her recipes are sure to delight foodies everywhere, as she strives to make each one unique and enjoyable to read.