Coconut Basmati Rice Recipe

Introduction

Coconut Basmati Rice is a fragrant and creamy side dish that elevates any meal with its delicate coconut flavor. Perfectly cooked basmati rice combined with coconut milk makes it a wonderful companion for a variety of dishes.

Ingredients

• 1 cup basmati rice
• ⅔ cup canned coconut milk
• 1 ¼ cup water
• Salt, to taste
• Fresh cilantro and scallions, for garnish

Instructions

1. Step 1: Thoroughly rinse the rice through a fine strainer until the water runs clear.
2. Step 2: Add the rinsed rice, coconut milk, water, and salt to a small saucepan.
3. Step 3: Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, then reduce the heat to a gentle simmer and cover the pan with a lid.
4. Step 4: Let the rice cook for 10 to 15 minutes, or until all the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender.
5. Step 5: Remove the pan from heat and let the rice sit covered for about 5 minutes to steam.
6. Step 6: Fluff the rice gently with a fork, garnish with chopped fresh cilantro and scallions, and serve.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, toast the basmati rice lightly in the saucepan before adding the liquids.
• Use full-fat coconut milk for a richer taste or light coconut milk for a lighter version.
• Add a pinch of turmeric or a cinnamon stick while cooking for subtle aroma and color.
• Pair the rice with dishes like Sticky Tofu, Red Lentil Dahl, or your favorite curry.

Storage

Store leftover coconut basmati rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, sprinkle a little water over the rice and microwave or warm it gently on the stove to restore moisture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular milk instead of coconut milk?

Regular milk won’t provide the same coconut flavor or richness, but you can substitute with a non-dairy milk for a different taste. The texture and flavor will change accordingly.

Do I need to rinse the basmati rice before cooking?

Rinsing is recommended to remove excess starch, which prevents the rice from becoming sticky and helps achieve fluffy, separate grains.

Coconut Basmati Rice Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 136 reviews

This Coconut Basmati Rice recipe offers a fragrant and flavorful twist to plain rice by cooking basmati rice with creamy coconut milk and water. It’s a simple yet elegant side dish that pairs perfectly with a variety of mains such as Sticky Tofu or Red Lentil Dahl.

• Author: Nora
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Indian
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Rice

• 1 cup basmati rice
• ⅔ cup canned coconut milk
• 1 ¼ cup water
• Salt, to taste

For Garnish

• Fresh cilantro, chopped
• Scallions, sliced

Instructions

1. Rinse rice thoroughly: Place the basmati rice in a fine strainer and rinse under cold running water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch and prevent clumping.
2. Combine ingredients: In a small saucepan, add the rinsed basmati rice, canned coconut milk, water, and salt to taste. Stir gently to mix.
3. Cook the rice: Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low to maintain a gentle simmer, cover the saucepan with a lid, and let the rice cook undisturbed for 10 to 15 minutes until all the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender.
4. Let the rice rest: Remove the saucepan from heat and keep it covered. Let the rice sit for about 5 minutes to allow steam to finish cooking and to enhance fluffiness.
5. Fluff and serve: Use a fork to gently fluff the rice, separating the grains. Garnish with fresh cilantro and sliced scallions before serving. This coconut-infused basmati rice pairs wonderfully with dishes like Sticky Tofu and Red Lentil Dahl.

Notes

• Rinsing basmati rice is key to achieving light, fluffy rice without clumps.
• Adjust salt according to taste preference; the coconut milk adds natural sweetness.
• Use full-fat canned coconut milk for richer flavor and creamier texture.
• Resting the rice off the heat allows it to finish cooking gently and improves texture.
• This rice works well as a side for various vegetarian and vegan dishes.

Keywords: coconut basmati rice, coconut rice, basmati rice recipe, vegetarian side dish, Indian cuisine, coconut milk rice