Coconut rice is a tasty, fragrant dish that is loved by many. It is soft, slightly sweet, and perfect for lunch, dinner, or special occasions. The best part? You can make it at home with simple ingredients. Here’s how!
Ingredients:
2 cups of long-grain rice
1 cup of coconut milk
2 cups of water
1 teaspoon of salt
1 tablespoon of vegetable oil or butter
1 small onion, chopped (optional)
1-2 cloves of garlic, minced (optional)
A few sprigs of fresh thyme or bay leaf (optional for extra flavor)
How to make Coconut Rice:
Rinse the rice:
Start by putting your rice in a large bowl. Add cold water and rinse it a few times until the water becomes clear. This helps remove extra starch and makes your rice fluffy, not sticky. Drain the water completely.
Prepare the coconut mixture:
In a pot, combine the coconut milk and water. Add salt and oil or butter. If you want extra flavor, you can also add the chopped onion, garlic, and thyme or bay leaf. Stir everything together.
Cook the rice:
Pour the rinsed rice into the pot with the coconut mixture. Turn the heat to medium-high and let it come to a gentle boil. Once it starts boiling, lower the heat to a gentle simmer and cover the pot with a lid.
Simmer and absorb:
Let the rice cook for about 15-20 minutes. Avoid opening the lid too often, because the steam inside helps the rice cook perfectly. After 15-20 minutes, check if all the liquid has been absorbed. The rice should be soft and slightly sticky but fluffy.
Fluff the rice:
Once the rice is cooked, turn off the heat. Use a fork to gently fluff the rice so the grains separate nicely. Remove any thyme sprigs or bay leaves if you added them earlier.
Serve and enjoy:
Your coconut rice is ready! Serve it with grilled chicken, fried fish, beef stew, vegetables, or even enjoy it on its own. Its fragrant coconut aroma makes it a favourite for family meals and celebrations.
Tips for perfect Coconut Rice:
Always rinse your rice first to avoid clumping.
Use good-quality coconut milk for a richer flavour.
If you like a sweeter taste, you can add a teaspoon of sugar while cooking.
For extra colour and aroma, you can fry a little sliced onion in oil before adding the rice and coconut mixture.
Coconut rice is best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in the fridge for up to two days. Reheat with a little water to keep it soft. Coconut rice is a dish that is both simple and special. Its creamy, fragrant flavour makes it a favourite at home or during parties. Once you try this recipe, you can experiment by adding vegetables, nuts, or spices to make it your own.