Commentary by Ceci Martinez
Christmas is the most joyous celebration of the year in Latin America. After attending midnight mass everybody rushes home for “La cena de Navidad” – Christmas dinner. Impress your family and guests this holiday season with a dish that has all the amazing Latin flavors of Cartagena, Colombia. Colombian Coconut Rice is a savory-sweet recipe with a delicate and subtle aroma of coconut and couldn’t be easier to prepare! This rice goes well with meat, fish and/or vegetables.
Note: Coconut oil isn’t just for cooking. It is packed full of health and beauty-enhancing ingredients. The magic behind this oil are MCFA (medium-chain fatty acids). MCFAs, unlike LCFA (long-chain fatty acids) found in vegetable oil, have anti-microbial properties which are easier to digest and boost your energy level.
COLOMBIAN COCONUT RICE
Serves: 6
Ingredients:
2 tablespoons coconut oil
1 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon garlic
3 tablespoons brown sugar
2 cups organic coconut milk
2 cups water
2 cups high quality long grain rice (washed well)
1/2 cup raisins
Directions:
In a large saucepan over medium heat put coconut oil, salt, garlic and sugar. Stir until sugar dissolves. Add coconut milk and water and increase heat to medium high until milk/water starts boiling; add rice, raisins and stir to combine. Put lid on, bring rice to a simmer and cook until water evaporates, about 20 minutes. Remove from heat and let it rest for 15 minutes. Fluff with a fork and serve.
