Brazilian Tomato Rice

Name: Brazilian Tomato Rice
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: ½ cup yellow onion; 2 cloves garlic cloves; 1 cup ripe tomato; 3 tablespoons bacon drippings; 1 cup long-grain white rice; 2 cups boiling water; ½ teaspoon kosher salt; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley; Lime wedges

A little bacon drippings makes the tomato-scented rice especially savory. The grains cook up fluffy, ready to sit beside a pot of black beans.

By Betty Lou Gardner40 minUpdated 2026-08-25

Brazilian Tomato Rice is a simple, savory side dish built on the Brazilian method of cooking rice in a flavorful refogado before adding boiling water. Fresh tomato gives the rice gentle color and acidity, while bacon drippings give Betty’s version its distinctive richness. Serve it with black beans, grilled meats, roast chicken, or sautéed greens.

Betty Lou Gardner in a family archival photograph

Granny’s Kitchen Notes

From Betty Lou Gardner

I don't think rice needs much to be good if it's cooked properly. A little onion, a tomato, and a bit of bacon drippings can turn an ordinary pot into something people remember. When I make this, I almost always serve black beans with it because the two seem meant for one another, and there are never many leftovers when both are on the table.