Celebrate the New Year with Healthy Riz au Gras (Fat Rice) from the Ivory Coast

Rice au Gras, also known as “fat rice,” is a specialty of the Ivory Coast in West Africa. I learned this recipe from my sister-in-law, who makes it every New Year for her family. It’s a traditional celebratory dish that, true to its name, usually has a lot of fat! To make this recipe healthier but still tasty, I’ve substituted the vegetable shortening for olive oil and reduced the amount of fat while still maintaining flavor.

DREA'S FAT RICE

Serves 4-6

Ingredients:

• 3 tbsp olive oil

• 1 small onion, chopped

• 3 green onions, chopped

• 4 cloves garlic, crushed

• 1 red bell pepper, seeded and cut into large pieces

• 1 green bell pepper, seeded and cut into large pieces

• 1 yellow bell pepper, seeded and cut into large pieces

• 1 Italian eggplant, cubed 1/4 cut cabbage

• 3 New York steaks (or your choice of beef), trimmed and cubed

• 1 cup white rice

• 2 cups broth or water

• 1/3 cup El Pato tomato sauce

• 1/4 cup tomato paste

• 1 tsp oregano

• 1/2 tsp chili powder

• Kosher salt & coarse black pepper

Directions:

1. Mix beef with tomato paste, tomato sauce, garlic, onions (green and white), and seasonings with salt and pepper (about 1 tbsp each). Optional: you can do this step ahead of time.

2. Heat deep pot over medium high heat. Add olive oil to hot pan. and Add beef mixture and cook until meat is brown and onions are slightly translucent and fragrant.

3. Add rice and mix to coat the rice in the meaty goodness.

4. Place peppers with 1/4 cup broth in blender and blend until ingredients make a sauce. Add to pot with remaining broth or water and mix.

5. Bring to a boil, then add eggplant and cabbage, pushing the ingredients into the broth.

6. Cover and lower temperature to medium low or low. Simmer for 10 minutes.

7. Check to see if rice is cooked. Enjoy!