Brazilian Rice

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We had the great opportunity to host an amazing Au Pair from Brazil for a year.  An Au Pair is nanny who comes from another country and helps out with childcare and some basic household needs.  Aside from the typical nanny work, there is also a cultural exchange.  She learned about American culture, and in return we learned about Brazilian culture.  With that, we learned about Brazilian cuisine.  Our Au Pair cooked some very tasty meals for us from time to time.  Such meals included; meat, rice, and beans; Brazilian Stroganoff, Brazilian hot dogs, and some desserts such as brigadeiro, and Brazilian carrot cake.

Brazil is famous for its cuisine.  Some of the best food you will ever taste comes from Brazil.  Just look at the average cost of food at any Brazilian Steakhouse, $$$, and for good reason.  Brazilian food is very good, and very good food is expensive.

Today we will be focusing on a common side dish, Brazilian Rice.  It typically pairs with another side dish, Brazilian Beans.  So, it would be a good idea if you prepare this dish, and the Brazilian Beans together in the same meal.  You might be tempted to think “well, rice and beans are so basic and boring!” And yes, you are right!  Rice and beans are as boring as hell, UNLESS they are Brazilian Rice and beans!  They figured out how to make it work and these recipes will have you running back for seconds, thirds, and maybe fourths!  I guarantee it!  So be open-minded, and follow this recipe as well as the beans recipe and prepare to be amazed.  Also, don’t forget the meat.  Rice and beans are usually eaten with meat.  Chicken, beef, or pork would work just fine.  To be honest though, it you cut out the meat, you’ll still get plenty of good flavors from the rice and beans.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 medium onions finely chopped (food processor works)
•  8 cloves of garlic minced (food processor works)
• 1/4 cup of avocado oil
• 1 tsp salt
• 2 cups of long grain rice
• 4 cups chicken broth or chicken stock

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Directions

1. Finally chop onions in a food processor or by hand
2. Mince the garlic cloves in a food processor or by hand
3. Preheat pan at medium heat
4. Add the avocado oil to the pan
5. Add chopped onion to the pan and cook 2 minutes
6. Add minced garlic to the pan and cook until onion is translucent, take care that garlic does not burn
7. Add rice and mix into the garlic and onion, and cook for 2 minutes
8. Pour chicken broth into the mixture.  Add salt, and mix everything around.
9. Bring to a boil, and then lower to a simmer.  Simmer 30 minutes or until rice is just done
10. Enjoy!