b'Holiday Riz Gras (Burkinab Fat Rice)Serves 6In Burkina Faso, Riz Gras or fat rice is the beloved national comfort food, a staple for family gatherings and embellished for the holidays. Meat or fish is the focus of the dish, slowly simmered in a rich tomato base that infuses every grain of rice. To make it is to share it.Ingredients1 pound chicken, beef, fish or goat, cut into bite-sized pieces cup vegetable oil (or half oil, half butter for richness)23 ripe tomatoes, chopped1 medium onion, finely chopped (plus more for garnish)2 garlic cloves, peeled1 small habanero or jalapeo pepper (optional)2 tablespoons tomato paste3 cups chicken or beef broth or 3 cups water plus 1 bouillon cube2 cups long-grain white rice1 teaspoon salt, or to tasteFreshly ground black pepper12 ripe plantains, sliced and fried, for servingOptional garnish: fresh parsley or green onionInstructions1.Blend the base: In a blender or food processor, combine the chopped tomatoes, onion, garlic and hot pepper (if using). Blend until smooth.2.Build the sauce: Heat oil in a large, heavy pot over medium heat. Add tomato paste and cook for 1 minute to deepen flavor. Pour in blended tomato mixture and cook, stirring often, for 8 minutes until thickened and aromatic.3.Sear the meat: Add protein to the sauce. Season with salt and pepper, then cook for 57 minutes, until the meat is fully seared and coated with the tomato mixture.4.Simmer: Pour in broth (or water with bouillon). Bring to a gentle boil, then lower heat and simmer for 10 minutes so fla-vors blend and the meat begins to tenderize.5.Add the rice: Rinse rice until the water runs clear, then stir it into the pot. Make sure grains are evenly mixed with the sauce. Cover tightly and cook over low heat for 2030 minutes, until rice is tender and has absorbed the liquid.6.Fluff and serve: Gently fluff the rice mixture and taste for seasoning. Serve garnished with chopped parsley and/or sliced onion and hot sauce on the side. The meal is typically served with fried plantains, Obe Ata (West Af-rican pepper sauce) and drinks such as Bissap (hibiscus tea) or Dolo (millet beer).Holiday Notes:Use bone-in meat (like chicken thighs, short ribs or oxtails) for deeper flavor.Stir in some butter or coconut milk before serving for extra richness.Garnish with toasted nuts or caramelized onions.food matters /39'