Coconut Rice/ Simple Coconut rice recipe

We, the people from coastal Karnataka use coconut in our daily cooking. In general, at least one item in our daily menu is coconut based! We usually have coconut trees in every house garden, if there is little space around one’s house😊. So, it is something, we eat what we grow that way!!

 

Coming to the benefits of coconut, they are rich in nutrients. Be it tender coconut water or coconut flesh (tender/ matured) they are good sources of vitamins, minerals and other nutrients. Coconut flesh, is a good source of dietary fiber as well. They improve digestion and good for skin & hair health.

My today’s post is the recipe of coconut rice. Though we use coconut in our daily cooking, coconut rice is not very common in our region. There is a different method of making this delicious & easy rice item. Common ways to make them are using coconut milk or just with fresh grated coconut. The first method is definitely better in taste, whereas the 2^nd one is quick & easy. Taste is good too. I love this rice for the reasons - its taste, serving options & important one - easy to make. This is a quick fix for the daily question of what to prepare for kids’ lunch box! This rice is loaded with carbs & other goodness of coconut.

Preparation time: 15 mins

Cooking time: 30 mins (total)

Serves: 2

Ingredients:

White rice (sona masoori/ basmati) – 1 cup

Fresh grated coconut – ¼ cup

Salt – to taste

Coconut oil – 1 tbsp

Mustard seeds – ½ tsp

Urad dal – 1 tsp

Channa dal/ gram dal – 2 tsp

Cashew nuts – 1 tbsp (10-15)

Raisins/ dry grapes – 15

Green chillis – 1-2, adjust as per the liking

Curry leaves – 1-2 sprig

Spices – Cinnamon, Clove – small pieces

Pepper powder – ¼ tsp

Sugar – 1 tsp (optional)

Ghee – 1-2 tsp

 

Method:

• Wash rice clean and cook with 2.5 cups of water using a pressure cooker. If using Basmati rice, follow the instructions. Let the pressure to release.
• Keep grated coconut ready.
• Heat a thick bottomed wok/ pan with the oil.
• Add dals, mustard, allow spluttering.
• Add the spices, cashews and raisins.
• Add slit green chillis, curry leaves too.
• Stir once and add the grated coconut.
• Add salt, sugar and fry for couple of minutes, until you get nice aroma.
• Switch off the heat. Add rice and mix everything well.
• Add ghee and mix again.
• Serve coconut rice with your choice of side dish such as dal, korma or simple sauce.

Notes:

• Optionally you can add grated carrot with coconut to make carrot - coconut rice.
• Chopped & fried onions can be added to enhance the taste.