Christmas in Trinidad wouldn’t be complete without a vibrant colorful Christmas Rice.

Growing up, I remember always seeing this festive rice on the table, a true symbol of the holiday season. With its unique blend of colors and flavors, Christmas Rice brings joy to any Christmas spread.

This dish is easy to make and fun to eat, pairing perfectly with all your favorite holiday sides.

What is Christmas Rice?

Christmas Rice is a festive dish popular in Trinidad and throughout the Caribbean.

It’s named for its eye-catching colors; green, red, and yellow similar to Christmas decorations and holiday cheer.

The dish involves cooking portions of rice in food coloring and mixing them with aromatic spices, vegetables, and a dash of sweetness from dried cranberries.

Christmas Rice has flavors like fresh pimentos, ginger, garlic, and mixed vegetables creating a mouthwatering experience with every bite.

Trinidad Christmas Rice Recipe

Ingredients

2 cups rice, divided into 5 parts
1 part boiled in red food coloring
1 part boiled in yellow food coloring
1 part boiled in green food coloring
2 parts boiled plain (no color)
1 tbsp grated ginger
1 tbsp grated garlic
¼ cup chopped pimento peppers
¼ cup dried cranberries
½ cup frozen peas and carrots
½ cup frozen corn
1 tbsp fried rice seasoning (or to taste)
2 tbsp cooking oil (vegetable or coconut oil works well)
1 tbsp Golden Ray margarine (optional but adds a rich, buttery flavor)

Instructions

Divide the rice into 5 equal parts. Boil one part with red food coloring, one with yellow, and one with green. The remaining two parts will be boiled plain. Cook all parts of the rice until al dente, then drain and set aside.

Heat the cooking oil and Golden Ray margarine over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the grated ginger, garlic, and chopped pimentos. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes until fragrant and the garlic turns golden.

Add the frozen peas and carrots as well as the corn to the skillet. Stir-fry for another 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are tender but still bright.

Add all portions of the cooked rice, including the colored rice, into the skillet. Toss in the dried cranberries. Gently stir everything together, being careful not to mash the rice, until the colors are evenly distributed.

Sprinkle the fried rice seasoning over the rice, mixing well to incorporate. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.

Once everything is well combined and heated through, your Trinidad Christmas Rice is ready to serve! It’s best enjoyed warm.

Christmas rice and Trini Christmas lunch

How to Store Christmas Rice

Refrigeration: Place any leftover rice in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to eat, reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water to restore its moisture.
Freezing: Christmas Rice also freezes well. Portion it out into freezer-safe bags or containers, and it will keep for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating Tips: To bring back the fluffiness when reheating, add a teaspoon of water and cover the rice with a damp paper towel in the microwave. If reheating on the stovetop, use a non-stick skillet and stir gently to avoid breaking the rice grains.

What to Eat with Christmas Rice

Roast Chicken or Turkey: Christmas Rice complements roast meats wonderfully. The flavors and colors bring out the richness of roast chicken, turkey, or even pork.

Callaloo: A popular Caribbean spinach and okra dish, callaloo is a tasty side that’s perfect with Christmas Rice. The earthy greens balance out the sweetness of the cranberries and the bold flavors of the rice.

Stewed Vegetables: Stewed pumpkin, sweet potatoes, or carrots bring a touch of sweetness that pairs nicely with the savory rice.

Curry or Stew: Curry chicken, stew beef, or oxtail are classic Caribbean dishes that go well with the rice, adding a saucy element that complements the texture of the Christmas Rice.

Pastelles: Traditional Trinidadian pastelles, cornmeal pies filled with meat or vegetables—are another festive dish that pairs beautifully with Christmas Rice, creating a holiday meal filled with Caribbean flair.

Trinidad Christmas Rice is a holiday treat that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. It’s a perfect addition to any Christmas meal, offering a blend of color, flavor, and Caribbean flair that’s sure to impress.

Serve it alongside your favorite holiday dishes, or enjoy it as a star on your table, it’s bound to make your Christmas extra festive!