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5 from 5 votes

Brazilian Christmas Rice - Champagne Rice with Raisins and Cashews

This Brazilian Christmas rice recipe is such a festive side dish to have at your holiday table, or an elegant meal. It's made with champagne, onions, cashews and raisins. This christmas rice is super easy to make, and pairs well with just about anything from turkey to meat roasts. 
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time15 minutes
Total Time25 minutes
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: Brazilian, Latin American
Keyword: cashews, dried fruit, raisins, rice with nuts
Servings: 6 servings
Author: Aline Shaw

Ingredients

  • 1 Tbsp of olive oil
  • 1/2 onion sliced
  • 2 cloves of garlic minced
  • 1 cup of uncooked rice rinsed
  • 3/4 cup of champagne
  • 1/2 cup raisins
  • 1.25 cup water
  • 1/2 cup of cashews roughly chopped
  • salt to taste about ½ tsp to a tsp per cup of rice

Instructions

  • Soak the raisins in the champagne, and set aside for 30 mins to an hour
  • In a medium sauce pan, heat up the oil
  • Add the onions and cook until soft and transparent
  • Add the garlic and cook until fragrant and light gold
  • Add the rice, season with the salt and stir
  • Cook for about a minute, stirring
  • Then drain the champagne into the pan (reserve the raisins for later), and cook until it is reduced/evaporated
  • Add the water and bring to a gentle boil
  • Reduce to a simmer, cover and let it cook until all water has been absorbed and the rice is cooked and firm (try not to peak – we don’t want to lose steam that’s precious for the next step!)
  • Turn off the heat and add the raisins to the rice and cover the pan. Let the rice pot sit covered for another ~10 mins – steam
  • When you are ready to serve, add the cashews and stir everything to combine and serve

Bom Apetite!