Coconut Rice Recipe
Coconut Rice is a fragrant dish made by cooking rice with grated coconut, which adds a rich, creamy flavor. Seasoned with spices like mustard seeds, cumin, and curry leaves, it may also include green chilies and fried nuts. Often served as a side with curries or as a standalone meal, it offers a delightful tropical taste and aroma.
Ingredients
- 1 Cup Basmati rice (or any long-grain rice)
- 1 Cup Coconut milk (fresh or canned)
- 1 Cup Water
- ½ Cup Grated fresh coconut (or desiccated coconut)
- 2 tablespoon Coconut oil (or ghee)
- 1 teaspoon Mustard seeds
- 1 teaspoon Cumin seeds
- 1 tablespoon Urad dal (split black gram)
- 1 tablespoon Chana dal (split chickpeas)
- 2 Green chilies (slit)
- 8-10 Curry leaves
- ¼ teaspoon Turmeric powder
- ¼ Cup Cashews (optional)
- Salt to taste
- Fresh coriander leaves for garnish
Instructions
Prepare the Rice:
- Start by rinsing the rice until the water runs clear, removing excess starch for that perfect, fluffy texture. Then, cook it in a pot, rice cooker, or with the absorption method. This ensures every grain cooks perfectly!
Tempering the Spices:
- Next, heat ghee or coconut oil in a pan. Then, add mustard seeds, urad dal, curry leaves, and dried red chilies. Allow them to splutter, infusing the oil with delightful aromas. This step creates the flavorful base for your dish!
Add Aromatics:
- Once the spices are sizzling, add finely chopped ginger and green chilies. Sauté for a brief moment until they release their fragrant oils—your kitchen will smell divine!
Grated Coconut and Rice:
- Now, add freshly grated coconut (or desiccated coconut) to the tempering. Let it cook for a minute to release its oils. Then, gently mix the cooked rice into this aromatic coconut-spiced mixture. The rice will absorb all those amazing flavors!
Season and Serve:
- Finally, season with salt to taste and squeeze in a bit of fresh lemon juice for that perfect tang. Garnish with coriander leaves or cashews for an added crunch. Serve and enjoy this comforting dish!
Notes
Creative Variations of Coconut Rice
1. Coconut Rice Pilaf: To elevate your coconut rice, cook it with a spiced broth and add dry fruits like raisins or sultanas. This creates a delightful sweet and savory combination that takes the dish to the next level! 2. Vegan Coconut Rice: If you're going vegan, simply swap ghee for coconut oil and use non-dairy yogurt or skip it for a lighter version. This makes it equally delicious and plant-based! 3. Spicy Coconut Rice: Craving a spicy kick? Start by adding green chilies or red chili powder to the tempering. For an extra boost, toss in some chili flakes. Your taste buds will surely thank you for the fiery flavor! 4. Coconut Rice with Vegetables: For a more colorful and nutritious dish, toss in carrots, peas, or beans. You can also add roasted cashews or almonds for a rich, crunchy texture. 5. Coconut Milk Rice: Want a creamier twist? Cook the rice in coconut milk instead of water. This makes the rice rich and decadent with an amazing coconut depth. 6. Coconut Rice with Tamarind: For a tangy twist, simply add tamarind paste or lemon zest. This adds a refreshing, zesty contrast that perfectly balances the rich coconut flavor.Tips for Perfect Coconut Rice
1. Balance the Spices: Adjust the amount of spice to suit your taste. Coconut rice should have a subtle, fragrant spice profile—not too overpowering, but just enough to complement the coconut. 2. Fresh Coconut vs. Desiccated Coconut: Ideally, use freshly grated coconut for the best texture and flavor. However, if you're short on time, desiccated coconut can be a great alternative, giving you a similar taste in a pinch. 3. Don't Overcook the Rice: Be sure to cook the rice just right—light and fluffy, not too mushy. Overcooking can lead to a sticky, clumpy texture, which we definitely want to avoid. 4. Toast the Coconut: For an extra burst of flavor, lightly toast the grated coconut before adding it to the rice. This brings out a nutty, richer taste that will elevate the dish.Nutrition
Nutrition Facts
Coconut Rice Recipe
Amount per Serving
Calories
1800
% Daily Value*
Fat
90
g
138
%
Saturated Fat
65
g
406
%
Polyunsaturated Fat
7
g
Monounsaturated Fat
15
g
Sodium
800
mg
35
%
Potassium
800
mg
23
%
Carbohydrates
220
g
73
%
Fiber
10
g
42
%
Sugar
4
g
4
%
Protein
25
g
50
%
Vitamin A
200
IU
4
%
Vitamin B1
0.5
mg
33
%
Vitamin B2
0.3
mg
18
%
Vitamin B3
5
mg
25
%
Vitamin B5
2
mg
20
%
Vitamin B6
0.4
mg
20
%
Vitamin C
4
mg
5
%
Vitamin E
2
mg
13
%
Vitamin K
10
µg
10
%
Calcium
100
mg
10
%
Iron
5
mg
28
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
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