Coconut Rice (Regular)
| Ingredients | Nutritional Information | Instructions |
|---|---|---|
| Main Ingredients |
- 2 cups long-grain rice | Calories per serving: 250-300 | 1. Rinse the rice thoroughly under cold water until the water runs clear.
- 1 can (400ml) coconut milk | Carbohydrates: 50g | 2. In a medium-sized pot, add the rinsed rice and pour in the coconut milk.
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil or butter | Proteins: 4g | 3. Add 2 cups of water to the rice mixture. Stir to combine.
- 1 teaspoon salt (to taste) | Fats: 9g | 4. Season with a pinch of salt and mix well to distribute evenly.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric (optional, for color) | Fiber: 1g | 5. Add 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric for a beautiful golden hue (optional).
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger (optional) | Sugar: 1g | 6. Stir in ground ginger for a warm, aromatic flavor (optional).
- 1 bay leaf (optional) | Sodium: 500mg | 7. Add a bay leaf to the mixture for added fragrance and flavor (optional).
Additional Ingredients | | - 2 cups water | |
Preparation Time: 5 minutes | Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes | Total Time: 30-35 minutes
Instructions:
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Prepare the rice: Begin by rinsing the rice thoroughly under cold running water until the water runs clear. This step removes excess starch, ensuring your rice is fluffy and not sticky. Place the rinsed rice in a medium pot, ready to be cooked.
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Combine coconut milk and water: Pour the coconut milk into the pot with the rice, then add 2 cups of water. This mixture will form the base for the dish, giving it a rich and creamy texture. Stir the rice, coconut milk, and water together to ensure they are well combined.
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Season the rice: Add the salt to taste, then stir to evenly distribute. You can adjust the amount of salt based on your personal preference, but this amount works well for most. If you’d like, you can also add a touch of ground turmeric for a vibrant golden color and an earthy flavor. Ground ginger can also be added for an aromatic touch, but it is entirely optional.
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Optional add-ins: For an extra layer of flavor, add a bay leaf to the pot. This gives the rice a subtle fragrance that complements the coconut milk’s richness.
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Cooking the rice: Place the pot on medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Once it starts to boil, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it cook for about 25-30 minutes. Avoid stirring the rice while it’s cooking, as this can cause it to become sticky. Check towards the end of cooking time to ensure the liquid has been absorbed, and the rice is tender.
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Fluff and serve: After the rice has cooked, remove the pot from the heat. Let it sit, covered, for an additional 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Then, gently fluff the rice with a fork to separate the grains.
Serving Suggestions:
Coconut rice is a versatile side dish that pairs beautifully with a variety of main courses. It’s a perfect accompaniment to grilled chicken, fish, or even spicy stews. The creamy texture of the rice complements bold flavors, making it a fantastic base for rich, flavorful dishes.
Nutritional Benefits:
This coconut rice recipe is a wholesome and healthy side dish, providing a balance of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. The coconut milk adds healthy fats and a delicious creaminess, while the rice provides energy-sustaining carbs. For those looking to elevate their meals with a traditional and savory dish, this coconut rice is a go-to.
Region:
This dish is a staple in Southern Nigeria, where it is often served with a variety of stews, meats, and seafood. It embodies the flavors of the region, incorporating the richness of coconut and the aromatic spices typical of Nigerian cuisine.
Price Range: Affordable – You can prepare this dish without breaking the bank, as the ingredients are widely available and cost-effective.
Enjoy this comforting and flavorful coconut rice at your next family meal, and savor the rich, tropical taste that it brings to your table.
