Coconut milk rice is aromatic and tastes good. Adding coconut milk to dishes improves tastes and serves many health benefits. It is an alternative for lactose free food, boosts immunity, rich in Vitamin E, B and C. It is also considered as a healthy fat that supports health heart.

When incorporating coconut milk into your diet, opt for unsweetened varieties to avoid added sugars. Best is to prepare coconut milk at home by grinding freshly grated coconut.

Ingredients:

1.        Basmati rice (or any long-grain rice) – 1 cup

2.        Coconut milk – 1.5 cup

3.        Water – 1 cup

4.        Medium onion, finely chopped -1

5.        Garlic clove -2 (minced)

6.        Ginger – 1 tsp (minced)

7.        Green chili, slit (optional for heat) – 1 or 2

8.        Cooking oil – 1 Tbsp (coconut oil preferred)

9.        Cumin – 1 tsp

10.   Mustard – ½ tsp

11.   Bay leaf – 1

12.   Cinnamon -1-inch stick

13.   Salt – as per taste

14.   Chopped coriander – ½ cup

15.   Curry leaves – few

Preparation:

1.        Rinse the rice under cold water. Soak the rice in water for about 15-20 minutes, then drain.

2.        Chop the onion, mince the garlic and ginger, and slit the green chili.

3.        In a large saucepan, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the cumin seeds, bay leaf, and cinnamon stick. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

4.        Add the chopped onion to the pot and sauté until it becomes translucent. Add the minced garlic, ginger, curry leaves and slit green chili. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

5.        Coconut milk preparation: Grate one coconut and grind with ½ cup water – strain and collect the coconut milk. Alternatively, you can use store bought canned unsweetened coconut milk.

6.        Add the soaked and drained rice to the cooking vessel. Stir well to coat the rice with the oil and spices.  Pour in the coconut milk and water. Add salt to taste.

7.        Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the lid and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and the liquid is absorbed.

8.        Once the rice is cooked, turn off the heat and let it sit, covered, for another 5-10 minutes. This allows the rice to steam and become fluffy. Garnish with fresh cilantro.

9.        Serve the coconut milk rice with your 

Image credit: Coconut Image by manueltapi from Pixabay (Free for use under Pixabay content license)

Coconut milk rice image credit:  www.werindia.com (Copilot Designer August 4th 3:56 pm)