White rice is a staple food in Colombia that is enjoyed at any time of day, whether for breakfast (as a leftover calentado), lunch, dinner, or even as a dessert (arroz con leche). If you want to learn how to make this essential Colombian side dish so that it turns out perfect, fluffy, and full of flavor, you are in the right place.
Updated: June 2026
Jump to RecipeHaz clic en Arroz Blanco para la receta en español.
What is Colombian white rice?
So, what makes Colombian white rice so special? Unlike other versions, it is cooked with an extra aromatic to give it more character. Besides that, the texture is nice and fluffy, and there is always a quest to get that delicious, crunchy crust at the bottom of the pot (the famous pegao!). The rice gets its extra flavor thanks to key ingredients like scallions and garlic. Plus, it takes a generous amount of salt; in fact, there is a saying in Colombia that “the cook was happy” when the food is well-seasoned.
Ingredients
White rice: Long-grain rice to ensure it turns out fluffy.
Scallions: The key ingredient for that authentic Colombian flavor.
Garlic: Sliced to infuse the oil with aroma.
Sunflower oil: For sautéing and to keep the rice from sticking.
Salt: A generous amount to bring out all the flavors.
How to make Colombian-style white rice
Infuse the oil: Heat the vegetable oil in a pot and sauté the sliced garlic over very low heat for a couple of minutes. Be careful not to let it brown.
Add rice and water: Add the white rice and water (remember: twice as much water as rice) to the pot and stir well.
Cook: Add the whole green onion and the salt. Cover the pot, bring to a boil, then turn the heat down to low so the rice cooks until it has absorbed all the water.
Rest and serve: Turn off the heat and let the rice rest for ten minutes, covered with a lid. Finally, remove the whole green onion, fluff the rice with a fork to separate the grains, and it’s ready!
What to serve with Colombian white rice?
This white rice is the perfect canvas for any meal. It pairs beautifully with just about everything, but these are the most traditional and delicious ways to enjoy it:
- With beans: The star combination in Colombia. A nice plate of rice and beans is pure comfort food.
- With lentils: A daily classic in Colombian households. Stewed lentils served over this flavorful rice taste spectacular.
- With chickpeas: Another incredible option. Chickpeas stewed with a good hogao over this white rice make for a complete and flavorful lunch.
- As a breakfast calentado: If you have leftover rice, you can mix it with beans the next day to make a delicious calentado. It is the perfect traditional breakfast to start your day with plenty of energy.
You might also like
Patacones (Fried Green Plantains)
Colombian Salt Potatoes (Papas Saladas)
Easy Boiled Potatoes with Colombian Cream Sauce (Papas en Chupe)
Colombian Papas Chorreadas (Potatoes in Tomato-Cheese Sauce)
Colombian Rice with Vegetables (Arroz sin Pollo)
Arroz Con Leche Colombiano (Rice Pudding)
Looking for other Colombian side dishes? Check this out!
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Arroz Blanco (White Rice)
Ingredients
- 1 tsp sunflower oil
- 1 clove of garlic, sliced
- 1 cup white rice (long grain)
- 2 cups water
- salt to taste
- 1 scallion
Instructions
- Infuse the oil: Heat the vegetable oil in a pot and sauté the sliced garlic over very low heat for a couple of minutes. Be careful not to let it brown.
- Add rice and water: Add the white rice and water (remember: twice as much water as rice) to the pot and stir well.
- Cook: Add the whole scallion and the salt. Cover the pot, bring to a boil, then turn the heat to low and let the rice cook until it has absorbed all the water.
- Rest and serve: Turn off the heat and let the rice rest, covered with a lid. Finally, remove the whole scallion, fluff the rice with a fork to separate the grains, and it's ready!
