Coconut rice recipe with coconut milk
Coconut is an essential part of the diet in coastal regions of South and Southeast Asia. Coconut has long been used in different forms in Asian cuisines. Coconut flesh is used in making curries, sweets, and even drinks. Coconut oil is popular in coastal parts of Asian countries and is extensively used in cooking. Coconut water is a popular beverage in these parts all around the year. Needless to say, coconut holds great importance to communities settled around coastal areas.
A 100-gram serving of fresh coconut flesh provides 3 grams of protein and 15 grams of carbohydrates. It also provides almost 10% of the daily requirements of important micronutrients like dietary minerals, manganese, copper, iron, phosphorus, selenium, and zinc.
We can incorporate Coconut in our vegan diet in several ways and today we will be making a rich and creamy rice recipe using coconut. Coconut rice is a rich and creamy preparation of rice that goes well as a side dish or even a main dish on its own.
In order to make this recipe, we will first have to make our own homemade coconut cream.
Coconut cream can be prepared easily at home given that you have a food processor at home.
You will need flesh from 1 coconut and 2 cups of tap water you can use the coconut water also plus normal water to mix and make cream. Coconuts can be bought from your local grocery where available.
Coconut rice recipe with coconut milk
Ingredients
- 200 grams Brown rice or white rice
- 1 cup Coconut cream You can make it yourself or buy it from a grocery shop
- 2 galsses Water
- 1 tbsp White sesame seeds (for garnishing)
- 2 tbsp Fresh cilantro (for garnishing)
Instructions
- You will first need to drain the coconut water by making a hole in the coconut eyes using a skewer or corkscrew. Do not throw the water as it makes for a great summertime beverage.
- Crack open the coconuts using a hammer or the blunt side of a large knife. Remove the coconut flesh using a butter knife. Make sure to remove any brown fibrous parts that form the shell.
- Cut the flesh in small pieces and put them in the food processor. Add a cup of water and turn it on. Keep adding the water as you observe the mixture thickening until you have added all 3 cups of water.
- Remove this thick mixture and strain it into a bowl using multiple layers of cheesecloth. Press the cheesecloth to ensure you strain all the liquid out of the mixture.The liquid collected in the bowl is what will become the coconut cream after step 5. The strained pulp can be discarded or used in preparation of curries.
- Put the strained liquid in a Jar and let it rest in the fridge overnight. The next morning, you will observe that the cream has separated from the water and is floating at the top. Remove this cream using a spoon and you have your own homemade coconut cream.Alternatively, you can also use a market bought coconut cream for this recipe.
- Rinse the brown rice or white rice thoroughly under cold water until all the starch has been removed and the water runs clear. This helps remove excess starch and prevents the rice from becoming too sticky.Combine the rinsed brown rice, water, and homemade coconut cream. Stir gently to mix everything together.Add a pinch of salt to enhance the flavors. Place the pot over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot with a lid, and let the rice simmer for about 30-40 minutes, or until all the liquid is absorbed and the rice is cooked through. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.Once the rice is cooked, remove the pot from the heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes to allow the steam to finish cooking.While the rice is cooling, toast the white sesame seeds in a dry skillet over low heat until they turn light golden and fragrant. Set aside. Fluff the cooked rice with a fork to separate the grains.Serve the coconut milk rice garnished with toasted white sesame seeds and fresh cilantro leaves.Enjoy your creamy and aromatic coconut milk rice as a delicious side dish or for the main course.
How to make coconut cream at home
Making coconut cream at home is a simple process that requires minimal ingredients and equipment. Here are these steps to create rich, creamy coconut cream perfect for various culinary uses.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
- 2 cups hot water
Equipment:
- Blender
- Cheesecloth or nut milk bag
- Large bowl
- Measuring cups
Instructions:
- Soak the Shredded Coconut:
- Place the shredded coconut in a blender.
- Pour 4 cups of hot water over the coconut. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes to soften the coconut.
- Blend the Coconut Mixture:
- Blend the coconut and water mixture on high speed for about 2-3 minutes, or until it becomes thick and creamy.
- Strain the Coconut Milk:
- Place a cheesecloth or nut milk bag over a large bowl.
- Pour the blended mixture into the cheesecloth or nut milk bag.
- Gather the edges of the cloth or bag and squeeze out as much liquid as possible. This liquid is your coconut milk.
- Separate the Coconut Cream:
- Pour the freshly made coconut milk into a container and let it sit in the refrigerator for several hours or overnight.
- The coconut cream will rise to the top and solidify, separating from the coconut water below.
- Skim the Coconut Cream:
- Once the coconut milk has chilled and separated, carefully skim the thick coconut cream from the top using a spoon.
- Transfer the coconut cream to a separate container for storage.
Storage:
- Store the coconut cream in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- For longer storage, you can freeze the coconut cream in ice cube trays and transfer the frozen cubes to a freezer-safe bag. Frozen coconut cream can last for up to 2 months.
Tips:
- Use high-quality, unsweetened shredded coconut for the best results.
- If you prefer a thicker consistency, reduce the amount of water to 3 cups.
- The leftover coconut water can be used in smoothies, soups, or as a base for cooking rice.
Homemade coconut cream is a versatile ingredient that can be used in desserts, curries, soups, and more. Enjoy the rich, natural flavor and creamy texture of your homemade coconut cream!
How to make a Coconut Cocktail
Looking for a drink that’s both refreshing and exotic?
Try our Tropical Bliss Coconut Cocktail! This delightful beverage is dairy-free and alcohol-free also completely vegan, making it a great choice for everyone. Packed with tropical flavors, this coconut cocktail is a healthy and energizing treat perfect for any occasion.
