Coconut rice is a dish that’s very easy to make these days. This is a recipe I’ve shared with a number of my friends who wanted an easy but exotic rice recipe from Indian. My colleague and friend, Elizabeth Oloo, likes this recipe and makes better coconut rice than I do!
Many years ago, when I made coconut rice in India, just extracting the coconut milk was a cumbersome task. I had to first get a fresh coconut, grate it, extract the milk, strain it, and then start the process of making coconut rice. I only made it on special occasions – when I had plenty of time to spend in the kitchen. Now-a-days you can get coconut milk in a can. Oh, the joy of modern cooking!
Coconut Rice
2 cups Basmati rice
2 tablespoons ghee or vegetable oil
1 1-inch piece of cinnamon
2 green cardamoms, bruised
¼ cup diced onions
½ teaspoon turmeric
2 teaspoons salt
1 can coconut milk
2 cups of water
2 tablespoons fried cashew nuts
In a heavy bottomed pan add ghee. When it shimmers add the cinnamon, cardamoms, and diced onions. Sauté for a minute and when onions are transparent add the washed and drained basmati rice, turmeric and salt. Fry for two minutes. Add the coconut milk and two cups of water.
Bring the rice to a boil then turn heat to low, cover the dish and let it cook for 15 minutes. Do not open the dish or stir during the 15 minutes. Turn off the heat and keep the rice covered until you are ready to serve. Fluff rice gently with a fork. Garnish with fried cashew nuts and serve.
Dear Margaret, for sure I will try this one over the week-end. Carmelie
I think you will enjoy it. I am so happy to hear from you Hope all is well.
Mmm this sounds delicious!
Thanks for stopping by. Do visit again!
Dear Maggie – I will try your recipe for coconut rice. Usually, I just wash the rice in a rice cooker, add all the ingredients you mentioned (except onion). But, I add a table spoon of giner/garlic paste to help with any indestion some time caused by the rich coconut milk.
Hi Edna,
Yes, I like using the rice cooker too. I will try your recipe sometime.Thanks for your comment and I appreciate your visit. Keep safe during the storm. The winds are really strong in Germantown.
My dear Maggie – I tried your recipe for coconut rice yesterday for our New Year’s luncheon. It turned out just perfect. Everyone at the table enjoyed it and gave me so many compliments saying the rice came so fluffy, so favorful, etc., etc. Of course, I gave all the credit to you and referred them to your blog.
Thanks again for posting this recipe. Can’t wait for your next recipe.
Love,
Edna
My dear Edna – You are the best. Love your feedback especially because you are a fantastic cook. I appreciate it very much. Thanks for referring your friends and family to my blog.
Looks yummy..should try that this weekend!! Thanks dear Maggie!!
Hi Mini,
Always good to hear from you. Hope all is well with you. Hope your coconut rice will turn out beautifully for you.
Love you.