Arroz Navideño

Christmas Rice, or Arroz Navideño (ah-RROHS nah-bee-DEH-nyoh) is popular throughout Latin America. Each country has its own style, and each family has its own variation. This recipe from Ecuador has an unexpected ingredient: cola!

Yield: 6 servings
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp. unsalted butter 
• 4 tbsp. canola oil 
• 1 white onion, chopped 
• 1 each of red, yellow and green bell pepper, chopped 
• 3 cups extra-long-grain rice 
• 1½ cups cola 
• 2½ cups water 
• salt to taste 
• ½ cup raisins 
• ½ cup walnuts, chopped 
• ½ cup ham, diced

Directions

1. On medium heat, melt butter in large pot. Add canola oil. Sauté onion and half of the chopped peppers for 2-3 minutes. 
2. Add rice, and sauté for another 1-2 minutes. 
3. Add cola and water. Add salt to taste. Raise heat to high and bring to boil. 
4. Cover pot and reduce heat to medium low. Simmer for another 10-15 minutes. When rice is cooked, remove from heat. 
5. Mix in walnuts, raisins and ham. Garnish with remaining chopped peppers.