Healthy Food: Coconut Rice

For a flavorful and magical dish cook rice in coconut milk instead of water. Jasmine rice is cooked in cream of coconut and coconut milk and seasoned with sugar and salt in this recipe. The result is a sumptuous rice dish. It is perfect with curry dishes as well as fried fish or spicy seafood and meats. This makes a dinner or lunch extra special.

Jasmine rice is one of the most aromatic and flavorful rice available in the market. It is also known as Thai fragrant rice. It is a long-grain rice variety with a nutty aroma and a subtle flavor like pandan. Originally from Thailand, Jasmine rice is also known as Than Hom Mali and is available in both brown and white variety. For this healthy food recipe, it is best to use the white variety of Jasmine rice although for a healthier version you can still make this recipe with the brown rice.

Popular in Asian cooking, Jasmine rice and coconut milk is a very Oriental dish. It is best enjoyed with Asian fares, particularly Southeast Asian and Indian cuisine. This is also very delicious with spicy food since it is a bit sweet and can counter the hotness or spiciness of a dish. With steamed or sautéed vegetables for a light and healthy snack top a bowl of coconut milk flavored rice. Also making a delicious topping for this rice are stir-fried mushrooms and tofu. A simple stir-fry of ground meat, wither beef or chicken or a combination of both, in onions and garlic and seasoned with salt and pepper (or some cumin for and chili powder for spice) already makes an unforgettable meal topped over this rice recipe.

Find a good brand of Jasmine rice, preferably one that is from Thailand, when making this recipe. Before using, rinse the rice once until the water runs clear without milkiness. Before adding in with the other ingredients drain the rice well.

Ingredients

1 1/3 cups jasmine rice

2/5 cup cream of coconut

1 tablespoon sugar

1 teaspoon salt

1 cup coconut milk

1. Wash the rice by changing water several times in a large bowl. Set aside.

2. Boil the coconut cream in a saucepan. Once it boils add rice, sugar, salt, and coconut milk and allow it to boil again. Cover the pan and allow to simmer about 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is cooked. Stir often.

3. Remove from heat. Serve warm or hot with any curry.