Coconut Rice

Welcome to Stevie's Curry Magic! Today, we're delving into a delightful tropical treat: Coconut Rice. This fragrant, creamy dish is a perfect complement to curries and spicy dishes, offering a subtle sweetness and rich coconut aroma that elevates any meal. Made with simple ingredients like jasmine or basmati rice and coconut milk, it's easy to prepare yet bursting with flavour. Whether you're hosting a dinner party or looking to add a touch of the tropics to your weeknight dinner, coconut rice is sure to become a new favourite in your culinary repertoire. Stay tuned as we explore the recipe and tips to perfect this luscious side dish!

Serves 4 

 Preparation time 10 minutes,  Cooking time around 40 minutes,  Overall time  50 minutes.

Recipe Difficulty level - Beginner-Friendly

Special equipment - None

Heat level - Medium

Nutrition values for Coconut Rice.

Expand for nutritional values

Coconut rice typically contains approximately 200-250 calories per cup serving, with about 8-12 grams of fat, primarily from coconut milk which provides healthy fats like medium-chain triglycerides. It also offers around 3-4 grams of protein, 40-50 grams of carbohydrates, and about 2-3 grams of fiber, depending on the recipe and portion size. Keep in mind that these values can vary based on the specific ingredients and quantities used, so for precise nutritional info, it's best to check the recipe or product labels.

Coconut Rice

A little Coconut Rice History

Coconut rice has a rich history rooted in tropical and coastal regions where coconuts are abundant, particularly in South Asia, Southeast Asia, the Caribbean, and parts of Africa. In these cultures, coconut rice is a traditional dish often served during festivals, celebrations, or as everyday comfort food, reflecting the local availability of coconuts and rice. Its origins are tied to the agricultural practices of these regions, where coconut palms and rice cultivation have coexisted for centuries. Over time, coconut rice has evolved into various regional variants, incorporating local spices and ingredients, and has gained popularity worldwide as a flavourful, aromatic dish highlighting the versatility of coconuts in culinary traditions.

Coconut Rice Recipe

Ingredients:

1 cup of basmati or jasmine rice

1 cup of canned coconut milk

½ cup of water

1 teaspoon of salt

A large knob of butter

Cilantro or shredded coconut for garnish

a squirt of lemon (optional)

Cooks tip: Why not add some pineapple cubes for a very tropical twist or cardamon and cinnamon for the taste of Zanzibar

How to make Coconut Rice

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Instructions:

1. For soft fluffy coconut rice, rinse 1 cup of basmati or jasmine rice until the water runs clear, then drain.

   
   

2. In a saucepan with a lid, melt the butter then add the salt then add the washed drained rice stir well and let the butter coat all of the grains

   
   

3. Then add the cup of coconut milk and the 1/2 cup of water and combine thoroughly. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, then reduce the heat to very low and give it one last stir then cover with the lid, and simmer for about 15 minutes or until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender.

   
   

4. Turn off the heat and let it sit, covered, for another 15 minutes without lifting the lid.

5. Fluff with a fork and optionally garnish with toasted shredded coconut or chopped cilantro for added flavour. This creates a rich, fragrant coconut rice perfect as a side dish!

   
   
   
   

Goes well with:

Chicken and pineapple balti

Garlic Naan

Mushroom Bhaji

Frequently asked questions for Coconut Rice

What is coconut rice?

Coconut rice is a flavourful dish made by cooking rice with coconut milk, giving it a rich, creamy texture and a subtle coconut flavor. It is popular in many tropical regions and often served as a side dish.

How do I make coconut rice?

Can I use canned coconut milk for coconut rice?

Is coconut rice sweet or savory?

What are some common variations of coconut rice?

How do I prevent the rice from becoming too sticky or mushy?

Can I make coconut rice ahead of time?

What are some serving suggestions for coconut rice?

Is coconut rice suitable for vegans and vegetarians?

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Conclusion

Coconut rice is a delicious and versatile dish that brings a touch of tropical flavour to any meal. Its creamy texture and subtle coconut aroma make it a perfect accompaniment to a variety of curries, grilled meats, or seafood. Easy to prepare and customizable with herbs and spices, coconut rice is a satisfying side that can elevate your dining experience. Whether served as a main or side dish, it's sure to delight your taste buds and add a tropical flair to your table.

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Cheers Steve.