Riz Gras

Name: Riz Gras
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 65 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: Togolese
Ingredients: 500g long-grain rice; 300g chicken pieces (bone-in); 6 large tomatoes, blended; 2 large onions, sliced; 3 carrots, diced; 200g green beans, chopped; 3 tbsp vegetable oil; 2 tbsp tomato paste; 2 bay leaves; 1 tsp thyme; 1 Maggi cube; 3 cups chicken stock; Salt and pepper to taste

Riz Gras (ree GRAH)

Fat Rice

⏱ Prep Time 1 hour

📈 Difficulty Medium

👥 Servings

🔥 Calories 514 kcal

Togolese one-pot tomato rice cooked with vegetables, spices, and chicken or fish in a rich, oily tomato broth until every grain is flavored.

Nutrition & Info

Protein 22.0g

Carbs 66.0g

Fat 18.0g

Protein Carbs Fat

Dietary

dairy-free gluten-free nut-free

Equipment Needed

large heavy pot wooden spoon cutting board

Presentation Guide

Vessel: large serving platter

Garnishes: fried plantains, sliced cucumber

Accompaniments: fried plantains, salad

Ingredients

500g long-grain rice
300g chicken pieces (bone-in)
6 large tomatoes, blended
2 large onions, sliced
3 carrots, diced
200g green beans, chopped
3 tbsp vegetable oil
2 tbsp tomato paste
2 bay leaves
1 tsp thyme
1 Maggi cube
3 cups chicken stock
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1
Season chicken with salt, pepper, and thyme. Brown in oil for 5 minutes per side, remove.
2
In the same pot, fry onions until caramelized, about 8 minutes.
3
Add blended tomatoes and tomato paste, cook 12 minutes until thick and oil separates.
4
Add carrots, green beans, bay leaves, and Maggi cube. Cook 5 minutes.
5
Return chicken to pot, add rice and stock. Stir once to distribute evenly.
6
Cover tightly, cook on low heat 25-30 minutes without stirring until rice is tender and liquid absorbed.

💡

Did You Know?

Riz gras literally means fat rice in French — named for the generous amount of oil and tomato that makes every grain glisten.

Chef's Notes

Equipment Tips

large heavy pot
wooden spoon
cutting board

Garnishing

fried plantains, sliced cucumber

Accompaniments

fried plantains, salad

The Story Behind Riz Gras

Riz gras is Togo's festive rice dish, the centerpiece of celebrations, Sunday lunches, and holiday gatherings. The dish reflects the French colonial influence on Togolese cuisine, combining the West African one-pot rice tradition with French culinary aesthetics of layered flavors and proper technique. Unlike the more casual ayimolou, riz gras demands careful attention: the tomato base must be properly cooked until oil separates, the rice must be perfectly steamed, and the proteins well-seasoned. It is a dish that announces abundance and celebration.

🕐 Traditionally enjoyed lunch, celebrations 📜 Origins: Colonial era

Comments (0)

No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts!