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Coconut Basmati Rice Recipe

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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