Night Jasmine & Creamy Coconut Rice Recipe
Introduction:
Night Jasmine, or Parijata as it is called in some regions, holds a special place in both mythology and culinary traditions. Known for its delicate fragrance and vibrant white flowers, Night Jasmine (also known as Ganga Shiuli in Odiya) is a favorite of Lord Krishna. Traditionally used in many parts of India and Southeast Asia, this beautiful flower is often incorporated in various culinary delights. In this recipe, we introduce Night Jasmine in a deliciously fragrant, creamy coconut rice that is sure to evoke all your senses. Combining the richness of coconut milk, the subtle sweetness of raisins, and the aromatic touch of cardamom, this dish is perfect for a cozy dinner, or even as an elegant side dish.
Cuisine: Asian
Course: Dinner
Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Jasmine Rice | 1 cup |
| Night Jasmine (Flower stem) | 1/4 cup |
| Coconut Milk | 1/2 cup |
| Cashew Nuts | 1 tablespoon |
| Sultana Raisins | 2 tablespoon |
| Cardamom Powder (Elaichi) | 1 teaspoon |
| Sugar | 1 teaspoon |
| Butter (Salted) | 2 teaspoon |
| Water | 1 cup |
Preparation Time:
10 minutes
Cooking Time:
20 minutes
Instructions:
-
Soak the Rice:
Begin by soaking the jasmine rice in water for about 5 minutes. This helps soften the rice and ensures it cooks evenly. -
Fry Cashews and Raisins:
In a pan, heat a little ghee (clarified butter). Once the ghee is warm, add the cashew nuts and sultana raisins. Fry them together until the cashews turn a golden brown. Set aside the fried nuts and raisins for garnish later. -
Saute the Rice and Night Jasmine:
In the same pan, add the soaked rice along with the Night Jasmine flower stems. Sauté this mixture for about 2 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the rice separates and does not stick to the pan. -
Cook the Rice:
In another vessel, bring 1 cup of water to a boil. Once boiling, add the sautéed rice and Night Jasmine mixture into the boiling water. Allow it to cook for 5 minutes. -
Add Coconut Milk, Sugar, and Cardamom:
Once the rice has cooked for 5 minutes, add the coconut milk, sugar, and cardamom powder (elaichi). Stir everything together and let the rice continue cooking until all the liquid has evaporated, and the rice is fully cooked through. -
Garnish and Serve:
When the rice is ready, garnish with the fried cashew nuts and raisins that were set aside earlier. The combination of these add both texture and flavor to the dish.
Serving Suggestion:
Night Jasmine Creamy Coconut Rice pairs wonderfully with a spicy and flavorful vegetarian curry like Vegetarian Laksa Curry. The creamy coconut flavor beautifully complements the richness of the curry, making it a perfect combination for a weekend lunch or a special dinner.
Enjoy your meal!
This aromatic and flavorful rice dish not only fills your kitchen with a beautiful fragrance but also brings together the soothing, rich flavors of coconut, cardamom, and jasmine. It’s a perfect treat for all your senses, with a gentle balance of sweetness, spice, and creaminess.
