Coconut Basmati Rice Pilaf
Elevate your side dish game with this aromatic Coconut Basmati Rice Pilaf, a perfect fusion of creamy coconut milk, fragrant spices, and fluffy basmati rice. This easy-to-make recipe takes just 35 minutes from start to finish and features layers of flavor, starting with sautéed onions, garlic, and fresh ginger. A touch of cumin and turmeric adds warm, earthy undertones, while coconut milk lends a dreamy richness to every bite. Garnished with toasted shredded coconut and fresh cilantro, this pilaf is as visually stunning as it is delicious. Whether you’re serving it alongside curry, grilled vegetables, or savoring it on its own, this coconut rice dish is a flavorful, gluten-free addition to your table that’s sure to wow your guests.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 cup Basmati rice
- 1 cup Unsweetened coconut milk
- 0.5 cup Water
- 1 tablespoon Coconut oil
- 1 small Yellow onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Fresh ginger, grated
- 0.5 teaspoon Cumin seeds
- 0.25 teaspoon Ground turmeric
- 0.5 teaspoon Salt
- 2 tablespoons Toasted shredded coconut (optional, for garnish)
- 2 tablespoons Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Rinse the basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Drain well and set aside.
In a medium saucepan, heat the coconut oil over medium heat.
Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes, until softened and translucent.
Stir in the minced garlic, grated ginger, and cumin seeds, and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Add the turmeric and stir to combine, letting it bloom in the oil for 30 seconds.
Add the rinsed basmati rice to the pan and stir gently to coat the grains in the spice mixture.
Pour in the coconut milk, water, and salt. Stir well and bring the mixture to a boil.
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan with a tight-fitting lid, and simmer for 15-18 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid has been absorbed.
Remove the pan from the heat and let it sit, covered, for an additional 5 minutes to allow the rice to steam.
Fluff the rice gently with a fork and transfer to a serving dish.
Garnish with toasted shredded coconut and chopped cilantro if desired before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
551 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 28.1 g | 36% | |
| Saturated Fat | 23.8 g | 119% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.2 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 1242 mg | 54% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 64.8 g | 24% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 4.2 g | 15% | |
| Total Sugars | 4.4 g | ||
| Protein | 9.4 g | 19% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 518 mg | 40% | |
| Iron | 5.7 mg | 32% | |
| Potassium | 260 mg | 6% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
