Rating: 4.8/5 based
Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Brush up your rice offering by learning how to make coconut rice if you have the passion for more tropical flavors to your dish. Being rich in tasteful and creamy flavor, free from any special complications, coconut rice would be a great option to taste. This you can take it with different forms of curry dishes or preferably with grilled fish and other seafood dishes or as it is.
History of Coconut Rice
Coconut rice is used in many countries of the world including Asian countries and some countries of Caribbean area. Here’s a quick glimpse into its rich history:
- Southeast Asia: Coconut rice originates from southeast Asia and is mostly taken with spicy curries, and barbecue.
- Africa: Also referred to in Swahili as “Wali wa nazi” this dish is common in most coastal areas of East Africa.
- Caribbean: To others coconuts rice popular side dish is taken with beans and is frequent on most Caribbean festive tables.
- India: Coconut rice is a staple delicacy especially among some communities of southern India, which they prepare to celebrate festivals and other religious ceremonies.
Read more: Authentic Japanese Hayashi Rice Recipe
Now, let’s dive into the recipe!
Ingredients for Coconut Rice
To prepare the perfect coconut rice, you’ll need a few simple ingredients:
- 2 cups of basmati rice
- 1 can (400 ml) of coconut milk
- 1 ½ cups of water
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil or vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon sugar (optional for added sweetness)
- 2-3 curry leaves (optional, for added flavor)
- Freshly grated coconut for garnish (optional)
How to Make Coconut Rice
Step 1: Rinse the Rice
Wash the basmati rice with cold water until the water you rinse the rice with runs clear. This also aids in helping to release the starch a bit and prevent your coconut rice from becoming sticky. Let it boil for about 10 minutes then allow it to soak for some other 10 minutes.
Step 2: Heat the Oil
Coconut oil is then heated in large saucepan over medium heat. If you are using curry leaves add them now as they fry to give out their scent.
Step 3: Reduce Coconut Milk and Water
After the curry leaves are aromatic, add the washed rice to the pan &, stir fry for 2- 3 minutes. Then add the coconut milk and the water into the pot. Stir in the salt and sugar.
Step 4: Cook the Rice
Let it come to a simmer and then leave to gently simmer for a good five minutes. Place the lid on the pan and let it cook on low heat for 15-20 minutes until rice is cooked and the liquid is absorbed.
Step 5: Fluff and Serve
When it is done, turn the rice around the pot gently using the fork. Optional garnishing can be freshly grated coconut you can also add cinnamon to it if you prefer. Littlecraft has been brought to you, now it’s time to cook your coconut rice.
Nutritional Value (Per Serving)
- Calories: 310 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Protein: 5g
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sodium: 320mg
Tips for the Best Coconut Rice
- Use Fresh Coconut Milk: It is desirable to use the coconut milk, which was just extracted in order to get a more intense taste.
- Add Aromatics: This is especially good if you want to make your bread spicy, or add a more fragrant taste, think of cinnamon or cardamom.
- Serve with: Coconut rice can do well when combined with curries, chicken and grilled dishes or any seafood.
Why Coconut Rice?
Coconut rice is not just delicious but it is also healthy! Medium-chain fatty acids that coconut is loaded with are famous for their ability to provide energy at an alarming rate and also improve the overall health of the heart. Furthermore, Rice is also known to contain carbohydrates in its food composition making it an all day energy giving crop.
If you are planning for a dinner party or just looking for a change from the regular lunch menu, this is what you need – coconut rice. It is so creamy and aromatic due to the use of sweet enriched coconut milk and fragrant rice accompanied by easily accessible spices. So why wait? Try it today and bring a flavor of the tropics to your home!
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