Arroz con Coco
Colombian Coconut Rice
A beloved Colombian side dish from the Caribbean coast, this Arroz con Coco is a delightful balance of sweet and savory, with tender rice infused with the rich flavor of coconut milk.
🧂 Ingredients
- 2 cups Long-grain white rice(Rinsed thoroughly under cold water until the water runs clear, then drained.)
- 400ml (1 can) Full-fat coconut milk(Use good quality coconut milk for best flavor and oil separation.)
- 2 tablespoons Granulated sugar(Adjust to taste; can be increased for a sweeter dish.)
- 60g (about 1/2 cup) Raisins(Optional, can be omitted for a simpler version.)
- 1 teaspoon Salt(Or to taste.)
- 1 cup Water(May need slightly more or less depending on rice and coconut milk.)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Prepare the coconut milk base: Pour the coconut milk into a medium saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally. Continue to simmer for about 10-15 minutes, or until you notice the coconut milk starting to separate and a layer of coconut oil appears on the surface. This process, known as 'titoté,' concentrates the coconut flavor and adds a subtle richness.
⏱️ 10-15 minutes - 2
Toast the rice: Add the rinsed and drained rice to the saucepan with the coconut milk. Stir well to coat the grains and toast the rice for about 2-3 minutes over medium heat, stirring constantly. The grains should become slightly translucent around the edges.
⏱️ 2-3 minutes - 3
Add liquids and seasonings: Pour in the 1 cup of water. Add the salt and sugar. Stir everything together until the sugar and salt are dissolved. Bring the mixture to a boil.
⏱️ 2 minutes - 4
Cook the rice: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan tightly with a lid, and let the rice simmer gently for 18-20 minutes, or until most of the liquid has been absorbed and the rice is tender. Avoid lifting the lid during this time to allow the steam to cook the rice evenly.
⏱️ 18-20 minutes - 5
Incorporate raisins and rest: Remove the saucepan from the heat. Gently fold in the raisins, if using. Replace the lid and let the rice rest, covered, for 5-10 minutes. This allows the residual steam to finish cooking the rice and makes it fluffy.
⏱️ 5-10 minutes - 6
Fluff and serve: Uncover the rice and gently fluff it with a fork to separate the grains. Serve hot as a delicious side dish.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓The 'titoté' step is crucial for developing the authentic flavor of Arroz con Coco. Don't skip it!
- ✓The balance of sweet (sugar, raisins) and savory (salt) is key. Taste and adjust seasonings before covering to cook.
- ✓This dish is a staple on the Caribbean coast of Colombia, often served with fish or chicken.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- For a simpler version, omit the raisins.
- Increase the sugar to 3-4 tablespoons for a distinctly sweeter rice.
- Add a pinch of cinnamon or a bay leaf to the cooking liquid for extra aroma.