Coconut Rice III

Coconut Rice III Recipe from India with Almonds and Exotic Flavors

Region / culture: India | Preparation time: 1 hour | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Coconut Rice III is a flavorful and aromatic dish that combines the nutty taste of coconut with the earthy flavors of cumin, turmeric, and cardamom. This recipe is a delicious twist on traditional rice dishes and is perfect for serving alongside your favorite curry or grilled meats.

History

Coconut rice is a popular dish in many tropical regions where coconuts are abundant. It is often served as a side dish or as a main course, and variations of the recipe can be found in countries like India, Thailand, and the Caribbean. This particular recipe adds a unique blend of spices and nuts to create a rich and satisfying dish.

Ingredients

3 tbsp of ghee
1 tsp of cumin seeds
1 pinch of turmeric
2 cloves
4 black peppercorns
2 black or brown cardamom pods
2 cups of dried coconut
2 cups of brown rice
3.75 cups of water
1.5 tsp of salt
1 tbsp of chopped almonds

How to prepare

Pre-soak the rice for an hour and then rinse it well to remove any dirt.
Heat ghee in a heavy pot and sauté the cumin until it turns brown.
Add turmeric, cloves, peppercorns, and cardamom to the pot.
Stir the spices for about a minute.
Stir in the coconut and continue sautéing until it turns golden.
Add the rice to the pot and sauté it over medium heat for 2 minutes.
Pour in water, add salt, and bring it to a boil.
Lower the heat, cover the pot, and cook for about 20 minutes until the water has evaporated and the rice is fully cooked.
Garnish the rice with cashews, raisins, and almonds.
Serve the rice with any main curry dish.

Variations

Add diced vegetables like bell peppers, peas, or carrots for added texture and flavor.
Use different nuts like cashews or pistachios for a unique twist.
Substitute white rice for brown rice for a lighter texture.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to rinse the rice well after soaking to remove any excess starch.

- Toasting the coconut before adding the rice will enhance its flavor and aroma.

- Adjust the amount of salt to suit your taste preferences.

- For a richer flavor, you can substitute coconut milk for some of the water in the recipe.

Serving Suggestions

Coconut Rice III pairs well with a variety of main dishes, such as curry, grilled chicken, or roasted vegetables. It can also be enjoyed on its own as a satisfying and flavorful meal.

Cooking Techniques

The key to making Coconut Rice III is to toast the coconut and spices before adding the rice. This will help to enhance the flavors and aromas of the dish. Be sure to cook the rice over low heat and cover the pot to ensure that it cooks evenly.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have ghee, you can use butter or vegetable oil as a substitute. You can also use white rice instead of brown rice, but be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the coconut and spice mixture ahead of time and store it in an airtight container until you are ready to cook the rice. This will help to save time and make the cooking process more efficient.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the Coconut Rice III with fresh cilantro or parsley for a pop of color. You can also serve it in a decorative bowl or on a platter for an elegant presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Coconut Rice III pairs well with a variety of dishes, including chicken curry, lamb kebabs, or grilled shrimp. It also goes well with a side of raita or chutney for added flavor.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftover Coconut Rice III can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave the rice for a few minutes or heat it in a pan on the stove until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Coconut Rice III contains approximately 300 calories. This makes it a satisfying and filling dish that can be enjoyed as part of a balanced meal.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Coconut Rice III contains approximately 45 grams of carbohydrates. Carbohydrates are the body's main source of energy and are essential for fueling your daily activities.

Fats

This dish is rich in healthy fats from the coconut and ghee. Each serving contains approximately 10 grams of fat, which provides essential nutrients and helps to keep you feeling full and satisfied.

Proteins

Coconut Rice III is a vegetarian dish that contains a moderate amount of protein. Each serving provides around 5 grams of protein, which is important for muscle growth and repair.

Vitamins and minerals

Coconut Rice III is a good source of vitamins and minerals, including iron, magnesium, and vitamin B6. These nutrients are essential for maintaining overall health and well-being.

Alergens

This recipe contains nuts (almonds) and dairy (ghee), which may be allergens for some individuals. Be sure to check for any food allergies before preparing this dish.

Summary

Coconut Rice III is a nutritious and flavorful dish that provides a good balance of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It is a great option for vegetarians and can be enjoyed as part of a healthy diet.

Summary

Coconut Rice III is a delicious and nutritious dish that is perfect for serving alongside your favorite curry or grilled meats. With its rich blend of spices, nuts, and coconut, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite in your household. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

The moment I found this recipe is one that will always stay with me. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Maria in her quaint little village in the countryside. Maria was known for her amazing cooking skills, and she always had a new recipe up her sleeve to share with me.

On this particular day, Maria invited me into her cozy kitchen and handed me a handwritten recipe card. "This is my grandmother's famous Coconut Rice III recipe," she said with a smile. "It's a family favorite, and I know you will love it."

I was intrigued by the exotic flavors and ingredients listed on the recipe card. Coconut milk, jasmine rice, and a blend of spices that promised to transport me to a tropical paradise with every bite. I knew I had to learn how to make this dish.

Maria patiently guided me through each step of the recipe, sharing stories of how her grandmother taught her to make the dish when she was just a little girl. As the fragrant aroma of coconut and spices filled the air, I felt a sense of nostalgia and warmth wash over me.

After hours of simmering and stirring, the Coconut Rice III was finally ready. Maria and I sat down at the table, eagerly digging into the steaming bowl of rice. The first bite was pure bliss - creamy coconut milk mingling with fluffy rice and bursts of flavorful spices. It was unlike anything I had ever tasted before.

From that moment on, Coconut Rice III became a staple in my own kitchen. I made it for family gatherings, potlucks, and special occasions, always receiving rave reviews from everyone who tried it. The recipe became a treasured heirloom, passed down from generation to generation in my family.

Over the years, I added my own twists and tweaks to the recipe, making it my own while still honoring the tradition and flavors that Maria's grandmother had passed down to me. I experimented with different types of rice, adjusted the amount of coconut milk and spices, and even added in some of my favorite ingredients like toasted coconut flakes and fresh mango slices.

Each time I made Coconut Rice III, I felt a connection to the past and to the memories of that day in Maria's kitchen. The recipe had become more than just a dish - it was a symbol of friendship, tradition, and the joy of sharing a delicious meal with loved ones.

As I sit here now, writing down the recipe for Coconut Rice III for future generations to enjoy, I can't help but smile at the memories that flood back to me. The laughter, the aromas, the flavors that filled the air - all of it captured in a simple bowl of rice.

I hope that whoever reads this recipe will feel the same sense of joy and connection that I do whenever I make Coconut Rice III. May it bring you warmth, comfort, and the delicious taste of a treasured family recipe passed down through the ages. Enjoy!