South Sudanese Red Rice

Bring the vibrant flavors of Juba to your table with this South Sudanese Red Rice recipe. This hearty, one-pot meal combines the fluffy texture of Al-Farasha Rice with a rich, savory tomato base. Perfectly spiced and nutrient-dense, it’s a staple for family gatherings and traditional celebrations.

Recipe Overview

• Prep time: 10 minutes

• Cook time: 25 minutes

• Servings: 4–6 People

• Dietary Info: Gluten-Free, Vegetarian-Friendly (can add meat)

Ingredients for Flavorful Red Rice

The secret to non-sticky, vibrant red rice is using high-quality long-grain rice and concentrated paste:

• The Grain: 2 cups Al-Farasha Rice (thoroughly rinsed).

• The Color: 3 tbsp Al-Farasha Tomato Paste (for that signature deep red hue).

• Vegetables: 1 large onion (finely diced), 2 red bell peppers (blended or finely chopped), 2 cloves of garlic (minced).

• Fats: 3 tbsp vegetable oil or clarified butter (Samen).

• Spices: 1 tsp smoked paprika, ½ tsp cardamom, 1 bay leaf, salt, and black pepper to taste.

• Liquid: 3 ½ cups meat stock or boiling water.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

1. Sauté the Aromatics: Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onions and cook until they are translucent and slightly sweet. Stir in the garlic and red bell peppers, cooking for another 3 minutes.

2. Bloom the Tomato Paste: Add the Al-Farasha Tomato Paste to the center of the pot. Stir it into the oil for 2 minutes—this “frying” step removes acidity and develops a rich, savory “umami” flavor.

3. Toast the Rice: Add the rinsed Al-Farasha Rice to the pot. Stir well to ensure every grain is coated in the red tomato base. Toasting the rice for 1–2 minutes helps keep the grains separate and fluffy.

4. Simmer: Pour in the stock or water and add your spices (paprika, cardamom, bay leaf). Bring to a rolling boil, then reduce the heat to the lowest setting.

5. Steam: Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid and cook for 15–18 minutes. Once the liquid is absorbed, turn off the heat and let the rice sit (undisturbed) for 5 minutes.

6. Serve: Fluff with a fork and serve hot. It pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, lamb, or a side of fresh greens.

Why Choose Al-Farasha Rice?

For South Sudanese Red Rice, the texture is everything. Al-Farasha Rice is carefully selected and processed to ensure consistent grain length and purity. Our rice is free from impurities and broken grains, ensuring that your Red Rice looks professional and tastes authentic every time.