Description
This Indian coconut rice recipe is a fragrant, flavorful, and family-friendly dish that brings warmth and comfort to weeknight dinners, promising a satisfying meal with its gently spiced coconut aroma. It is an effortlessly delicious and easy solution for busy times.
Ingredients
- 200 g (1 cup) basmati rice
- 400 ml (1 can, 13.5 oz) full-fat coconut milk
- 120 ml (0.5 cup) water
- 15 ml (1 tablespoon) cooking oil
- 5 ml (1 teaspoon) black mustard seeds
- 8–10 fresh curry leaves
- 1–2 dried red chilies (optional)
- 2.5 g (0.5 teaspoon) fine sea salt
Instructions
- Rinse and Soak Rice: Rinse 200 g (1 cup) of basmati rice thoroughly under cold water until it runs clear. Soak the rice in fresh water for 15-20 minutes, then drain very well to ensure perfectly fluffy grains.
- Prepare Tempering Spices: In a medium pot or saucepan, heat 15 ml (1 tablespoon) of cooking oil over medium heat. Add 5 ml (1 teaspoon) of black mustard seeds and let them splutter. Quickly add 8-10 fresh curry leaves and 1-2 dried red chilies (if using), stirring for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the drained rice to the pot and stir gently to coat the grains with the spices. Pour in 400 ml (1 can, 13.5 oz) of full-fat coconut milk and 120 ml (0.5 cup) of water. Stir in 2.5 g (0.5 teaspoon) of fine sea salt. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
- Simmer Rice to Perfection: Reduce the heat to its lowest setting, cover the pot tightly with a lid, and simmer for 15-18 minutes, or until all the liquid is absorbed and the rice appears tender. Avoid lifting the lid during cooking to maintain steam for optimal results.
- Rest and Fluff: Remove the pot from the heat and let it rest, still covered, for 5 minutes. Gently fluff the Indian coconut rice with a fork before serving. Do not stir the rice too much once it’s covered, as this can break the grains.
Notes
For a quick prep, you can skip soaking the rice, though soaking helps achieve extra fluffy and distinct grains. For a healthier alternative, use light coconut milk instead of full-fat. Avoid lifting the lid during cooking and do not stir too much after covering, as this maintains steam and prevents grain breakage.
- Prep Time: 22 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Indian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe (approx 170 g)
- Calories: 405 calories
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 290 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 16 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 42 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg