| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 20 mins – 25 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 230 | 7g | 1g | 38g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 6g | 3g | 4g | 0.4g |
I am excited to introduce you to a recipe that holds a dear place in my heart, the vibrant and flavorful Brazilian Pepper Rice. This will take your usual rice dish to an entirely new level. Bursting with southern vibes, this dish mirrors my lifelong experience as a Texan with its tantalizing combination of robust flavors, but with a delightful tropical twist that’s inspired by Brazilian cuisine.
An Exciting Fusion of Cultures
Brazilian Pepper Rice is a unique fusion dish that might just become your new favorite; it certainly is mine. Growing up in Texas, I’m no stranger to dishes that are a melting pot of flavors, just like the conventional Tex-Mex Arroz. However, the peppery and subtly sweet elements in this Brazilian Pepper Rice gives the conventional rice dish a unique spin, making it a standout in any menu.
An Unassuming Healthy Treat
At first glance, you might think that this is just another mouth-watering dish to indulge in. But let me tell you, it offers so much more than just an amazing gustatory experience. The colorful medley of fruits included in this recipe, such as pineapple, mango, and avocado, are not just for show. They are packed with vitamins and antioxidants which are great for boosting your immunity and your overall health. Using vegetable oil instead of the usual butter also makes this dish a healthier alternative.
The Brazilian Pepper Rice would be a fantastic match for lighter meat dishes. Pair it with something like grilled chicken for a truly satisfying meal. You’ll find that the tangy and peppery flavors of the rice create a perfect harmony with the savory taste of the meat. Trust me, you’re in for a feast!
It’s time for you to experience this tropical delight that mirrors Tex-Mex’s vibrance and Southern Charm. I hope you love the Brazilian Pepper Rice as much as I do, savor every slice of fruit, every grain of rice, and every burst of flavor. Who knows, you might even be inspired to create your own fusion recipes after this. Happy cooking and enjoy!
What You’ll Need
- 1.5 cups of long grain rice
- 3 cups of water
- 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 red pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 yellow pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh parsley
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 0.5 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1 cup of diced fresh pineapple
- 1 cup of diced fresh mango
- 1 large avocado, diced
- 1 tablespoon of fresh lime juice
- 1 tablespoon of Brazilian pepper sauce
Method
Step One
Start by washing the 1.5 cups of long grain rice thoroughly under cold running water until the water runs clear. This will help remove excess starch and prevent the rice from clumping together when it cooks.
Step Two
In a large pot, bring the 3 cups of water to a boil. Once the water is boiling, add in the washed rice. Lower the heat to a simmer, cover the pot, and let the rice cook for 18-20 minutes, or until all the water has been absorbed and the rice is tender.
Step Three
While the rice is cooking, heat the 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the finely chopped onion, minced garlic, thinly sliced red pepper, and thinly sliced yellow pepper. Cook until the vegetables are tender and the onions are translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent any of the vegetables from burning.
Step Four
Once the vegetables are tender, add the 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh parsley, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 0.5 teaspoon of black pepper to skillet. Stir to combine.
Step Five
Add the diced fresh pineapple and diced fresh mango to the skillet. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, until the fruit is heated through. This should be done just before finishing to preserve the fruit’s natural sweetness.
Step Six
Fluff the cooked rice with a fork to separate the grains. Add the rice to skillet, mixing well so all the ingredients are evenly distributed.
Step Seven
Add diced avocado, 1 tablespoon of fresh lime juice, and 1 tablespoon of Brazilian pepper sauce to rice mixture. Mix gently to combine. The heat from the rice will gently warm the avocado, and the lime juice and Brazilian pepper sauce will add a tangy, spicy kick.
Step Eight
Remove from heat and let it sit for a few minutes. This allows all the delicious flavors to meld. Enjoy your Brazilian Pepper Rice warm.
