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Burkinabè Riz Gras

Yields6 ServingsPrep Time25 minsCook Time1 hrTotal Time1 hr 25 mins

A comforting one-pot meal of rice cooked in seasoned tomato sauce with chicken.

Burkunabe ris gras is rice cooked in seasoned tomato sauce with chicken

Ingredients
 1 ½ lbs bone-in chicken thighs, cut into serving pieces
 3 cups long-grain white rice, rinsed and drained
 3 tbsp neutral cooking oil
 1 medium yellow onion, diced
 4 cloves garlic, minced
 4 medium ripe tomatoes, blended or finely chopped
 3 tbsp tomato paste
 1 medium red bell pepper, diced
 2 medium carrots, sliced
 2 cups green cabbage, roughly chopped
 5 cups low-sodium chicken stock or water, heated
 1 tsp dried thyme
 2 whole bay leaves
 1 whole habanero or Scotch bonnet pepper, left whole, optional
 1 ½ tsp fine salt, plus more to taste
 ½ tsp ground black pepper
 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped, for serving
Directions
1

Pat the chicken dry and season it with 1/2 teaspoon salt and the black pepper.

2

Heat the oil in a large heavy pot over medium-high heat. Brown the chicken on both sides, working in batches if necessary, then transfer it to a plate.

3

Reduce the heat to medium. Add the onion and cook for 5 minutes. Stir in the garlic and tomato paste and cook for 1 minute.

4

Add the tomatoes, bell pepper, thyme, bay leaves, and optional whole chile. Cook uncovered for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring often, until the sauce thickens and the raw tomato aroma fades.

5

Return the chicken to the pot. Add the carrots, cabbage, hot stock, and remaining salt. Bring to a simmer and cook for 15 minutes.

6

Stir in the rinsed rice. Return to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover tightly, and cook for 20 to 25 minutes without stirring, until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.

7

Remove the pot from the heat and rest it, covered, for 10 minutes. Remove the bay leaves and whole chile, fluff the rice gently, adjust the seasoning, and garnish with parsley.

Notes

Riz gras means fat rice and describes the rich, seasoned cooking method rather than an excessively oily dish. Rinse the rice until the water runs mostly clear so the grains stay distinct. Keep the pot tightly covered during the final simmer. Refrigerate leftovers for up to 4 days.

Nutrition Facts

6 servings

Serving size

2 cups

Amount per serving
Calories610
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 18g24%

Saturated Fat 4g20%
Trans Fat 0g
Cholesterol 85mg29%
Sodium 760mg34%
Total Carbohydrate 83g31%

Dietary Fiber 6g22%
Total Sugars 9g
Includes 0g Added Sugars0%
Protein 30g

* The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.