Riz Gras - Burkina Faso - Fat Rice

Servings: 4

Author: Chef Connie

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Fat Rice "Riz Gras" - Burkina Faso

Prep time: 15 MinCook time: 40 MinTotal time: 55 Min

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Ingredients

• 2 cups of rice
• 1 lb chicken, cut into chunks
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 2 large tomatoes, chopped (or 1 can of crushed tomatoes)
• 2-3 tbsp tomato paste
• 1-2 hot peppers (optional, for spice)
• 4 cups chicken or beef broth
• 2-3 tbsp vegetable oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp thyme
• 1 bay leaf
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Season and Sear the Meat: Season the chicken with salt and pepper. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the meat and cook until browned on all sides. Remove and set aside.
2. Sauté Vegetables: In the same pot, add a little more oil if needed and sauté the onions, garlic, and bell peppers until they’re soft and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Add Tomatoes and Tomato Paste: Stir in the chopped tomatoes (or crushed tomatoes) and tomato paste. Cook for another 5 minutes until the tomatoes break down and the mixture becomes a thick, rich sauce.
4. Season the Sauce: Add the paprika, thyme, and bay leaf to the pot. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If using hot peppers, add them whole to infuse the spice without breaking them up too much (or slice them if you prefer more heat).
5. Return Meat to the Pot: Add the browned chicken back to the pot and stir to combine with the sauce.
6. Add Rice and Broth: Stir in the rice, making sure it’s well coated with the sauce. Pour in the broth, stir again, and bring to a simmer.
7. Cook the Rice: Lower the heat, cover the pot, and let it cook for about 20-25 minutes or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
8. Finish and Serve: Once the rice is cooked, fluff it with a fork, garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve hot.

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Riz gras, meaning "greasy rice" in English, is a traditional dish from Burkina Faso, a landlocked country in West Africa. This flavorful and comforting meal is made with rice cooked in a tomato-based sauce with onions, peppers, and a variety of spices such as ginger, garlic, and hot chili peppers. Often, riz gras is prepared with meat such as chicken, beef, or fish, though vegetarian versions are also common. This hearty dish is popular in Burkina Faso and other West African countries, and its rich flavors and satisfying texture make it a beloved staple in local cuisine.

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