Arroz con Coco (Colombian Coconut Rice)
In short: Toasty coconut rice from the Caribbean coast, cooked in reduced coconut milk with raisins and a little sugar, and served with fried fish. It takes about 50 min in total and makes 6 servings.
- Prep
- 5 min
- Cook
- 45 min
- Total
- 50 min
- Servings
- 6
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 365 kcal
On Colombia's Caribbean coast, coconut rice is the side dish that goes with fried fish, patacones and stewed meats. The trick is to boil the coconut milk until its oil separates and the solids turn golden brown, a step that gives the rice a nutty, toasted flavor. A little sugar and a handful of raisins make it faintly sweet against the salty fish. It takes patience at the start, then cooks like ordinary rice.
Instructions
- Pour the coconut milk into a wide, heavy pot and bring to a boil. Cook over medium heat, stirring often, for 15 to 25 minutes, until the liquid evaporates, the oil separates and the solids turn golden brown. This browned coconut is called titoté.
- Stir in the sugar and salt, then add the rice and stir to coat the grains in the coconut oil for 1 minute.
- Pour in the water and add the raisins. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to the lowest setting, cover and cook for 18 minutes, until the rice is tender and the water is absorbed.
- Turn off the heat and rest the rice, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork, scraping up the toasted bits from the bottom, and serve warm.
Tips
- Use full-fat canned coconut milk. Light coconut milk will not separate and brown properly, and the rice will taste pale.
- For extra flavor, leave the covered pot on very low heat for 5 more minutes so a golden crust forms on the bottom. Many people fight over it.
Questions and answers
What do you serve with coconut rice?
On the coast it goes with fried fish and patacones, or with stewed beef. It also works with grilled chicken, shrimp and a simple tomato salad.
Can I make coconut rice ahead of time?
Yes. Cool it within an hour, refrigerate for up to 3 days and reheat with a splash of water in a covered pan or the microwave until steaming hot.
Is Colombian coconut rice sweet?
Slightly. The sugar balances the salt and the raisins add small pockets of sweetness, but it should taste mainly of toasted coconut. Use less sugar if you prefer it savory.
How long does it take to make Arroz con Coco (Colombian Coconut Rice)?
About 50 min in total: 5 min of preparation and 45 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Arroz con Coco (Colombian Coconut Rice)?
About 365 kcal per serving, with 5 g of protein, 55 g of carbohydrates and 14 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 365 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 5 g |
| Carbohydrates | 55 g |
| Fat | 14 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugar | 12 g |
| Sodium | 400 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
