This authentic recipe for Colombian Arroz Con Coco (Coconut Rice) is a classic dish native to the Carribean coastal regions of Colombia. It’s traditionally served with meat or seafood.
Although I’m Puerto Rican, I have a deep love for Colombian food. My husband is half Puerto Rican, and half Colombia. After meeting him, he introduced me to all kinds of delicious Colombian recipes that I’d never had before. One of his favorite foods is Colombian arroz con coco (coconut rice). Being Puerto Rican, naturally my response was “Oh, like rice pudding?” He laughed a little, then said, “No, it’s usually eaten with fish or meat.”
Cue the WTF look on my face! I couldn’t wrap my head around the thought of eating coconut rice with something savory, but this is very common in the Caribbean Coast of Colombia, where his paternal relatives are from. I was pleasantly surprised the first time I worked up the nerve to try some arroz con coco at a family gathering, it’s absolutely divine!
Ever since then, I’ve been indulging my hubby with one of his favorite childhood food memories. This recipe takes a bit of time and work, but it’s my belief that anything related to love should always take time and work. So set aside some time to make this extraordinary tropical dish, because it’s totally worth it!
This rice recipe uses coconut milk that is reduced until it forms a toasty, caramelized coconut paste on the bottom of the pot. This concentrated coconut paste are called titoté in Colombia, so this recipe can also be called arroz con titoté. The concentrate can be found in jars in Colombia, which makes preparation easier, but trust me, making this from scratch is totally worth it!
Coconut rice is a dish prepared by cooking white rice in coconut milk or coconut flakes.
What to Serve with Colombian Arroz Con Coco?
Traditionally, arroz con coco is served with fried or stewed seafood, as well as fried plantains (tostones) or patacones, as they’re known in Colombia. Here are some recipes that would pair perfectly with this dish:
How to Make Easy Coconut Rice | The Stay At Home Chef
FAQ
What is the botanical name of coconut rice?
What is Colombian coconut rice made of?
What culture eats coconut rice?
What is coconut rice?
Coconut rice is a rice dish that is used in cuisines such as Caribbean, Tropical (Hawaiian!) as well as South East Asian foods such as Thai and Malaysian foods. But don’t let “rules” restrict you. Use it as you wish – and I promise you, it’s so delish, you can even eat it plain, straight out of the pot! Hope you enjoy! – Nagi x
Which type of rice is best for which recipes?
Forbidden rice, which is also known as black rice, is one of the healthiest rice varieties you can buy and make salads or mix it with vegetables and meat. Other healthy rice varieties are wild rice and brown rice, including types like brown jasmine rice and brown basmati rice, that are good to prepare fried rice, curries, or risottos.
Which rice is best for coconut rice?
Thai Jasmine Rice – long-grain rice is ideal for coconut rice. Technically you could make this recipe with other long-grain white rices, but I strongly advise using Thai jasmine rice for this recipe. The quality will vary, and some will be more naturally fragrant than others.
What to eat with coconut rice?
Coconut Rice – soon to be one of your go-to side dishes! It pairs perfectly with a tropical meal, a Thai main dish, or seafood. It’s super easy to make, it has a delicious and rich, natural coconut flavor and it compliments so many flavors. Plus kids and adults alike love it!