How to make Arroz con Coco

Why cooks start here

Arroz con Coco is cooked the way Caribbean coast cooks it — salt judged by hand, fat used generously, and the table set for sharing. This is the home version, written down the way a colombian family cook actually puts it on the table.

Arroz con Coco is a beloved staple along Colombia's Caribbean coast, where the rhythm of the waves seems to seep into the cooking. It's a dish that finds itself on the table for special family meals, often accompanied by grilled fish or plantains. The salt is judged by hand, and the coconut fat is used with generosity, reflecting the region's abundance and warmth. This dish should taste like the sun-drenched coast itself, with the creamy sweetness of coconut milk and panela perfectly balancing the slight chew of raisins. Each grain of rice is infused with a rich, tropical flavor, inviting you to savor every bite. It's a dish best shared, inviting conversation and connection.