Brazilian Arroz de Festa (Confetti Rice)

This is a traditional dish in my family at Christmas and other special occasions. It's nothing more than just dressing up our very simple but tasty Brazilian white rice and giving it a savory and sweet spin. Enjoy!

• Preparation Time: 10 mins
• Cooking Time: 25 mins
• Total Time: 35 mins
• Calories: 359 Calories

Ingredients

• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ cup raisins
• ¼ cup golden raisins
• ½ cup dried cranberries
• ¼ cup minced onion
• 1 (15.25 ounce) can whole kernel corn, drained
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 4 cups hot water
• 2 ½ tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
• 3 large cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups basmati rice, rinsed and drained
• 2 tablespoons butter, divided (Optional)

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Heat oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Cook and stir onion for 1 minute. Add garlic; cook until golden brown, about 1 minute. Add rice and salt; cook rice until it starts to brown, 3 to 5 minutes. Pour in hot water. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer until water has been absorbed, 20 to 25 minutes.

Step 2

Place carrots in a saucepan with enough water to cover. Cook over medium-high heat for 5 minutes. Add green bell pepper and red bell pepper. Cook until just tender, about 5 minutes. Drain.

Step 3

Combine corn and 1 tablespoon butter in a microwave-safe bowl. Cook in the microwave until heated through, about 2 minutes.

Step 4

Soak raisins, cranberries, and golden raisins in a bowl of hot water until puffed up, about 10 minutes. Drain.

Step 5

Remove rice from heat and let stand for 5 minutes. Transfer to a large pot. Add carrot-bell pepper mixture, corn, and raisin mixture. Toss to distribute. Stir in remaining 1 tablespoon butter.