Coconut Cilantro Rice


Visit the Indian Food Glossary for information on the ingredients in this recipe
cilantro rice

Little specks of green lend vibrant color to this fragrant and spicy rice, making it an attractive and delicious accompaniment to any Indian meal. It's also pleasantly simple, taking no more than 30 minutes from preparation to serving.

Coconut Cilantro RiceCoconut Cilantro Rice
Recipe by
Cuisine: Indian
Published on January 2, 2009

Simple spicy side rice dish with vibrant cilantro flavor and color

Preparation: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 25 minutes

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Ingredients:
  • 1 cup basmati rice
  • 2 to 3 large handfuls fresh cilantro, leaves and stalks, chopped (1/2 to 3/4 cup packed)
  • 1/4 cup dried grated unsweetened coconut
  • 3 fresh green chilies, chopped
  • 1 clove garlic or 1/4 teaspoon asafetida
  • 1 tablespoon ghee, butter or olive oil
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
  • 2 whole cloves
  • 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
  • 2 cups water
Instructions:
  • Thoroughly rinse the rice under running water and set aside.

  • In a mortar and pestle or in a small food processor, combine the cilantro, coconut and chilies. Leave the seeds in the chilies if you want a very spicy rice. If using garlic, add this now. Grind to a coarse paste and set aside.

  • Heat the ghee, butter or oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. When hot, add the onion and cumin seeds and stir for 6 to 8 minutes or until the onions have browned. Toss in the cloves and asafetida if using, stir once, then add the rice, salt and coconut-cilantro paste. Stir to coat the grains with the paste, then pour in 2 cups of water, stir gently, and bring to a boil. Immediately turn the heat down to low and cover. Cook for 15 minutes or until water has been absorbed.

  • Remove from heat, stir gently, and discard the cloves. Serve hot.

Makes 4 servings

cilantro coconut rice

11 comments:

Anonymous said...

This dish is so fragrant and delish, I'm sure. Can't wait to make it. Thanks for posting, and Happy New Year!

Meeta K. Wolff said...

Love such kind of fragrant rice. Always a delicious pleasure. Hope you had a great start to your new year Lisa. Wishing you a funky and delicious 2009!

Sunshinemom said...

We do make coconut rice very often but I like yours for the twist and the newness! Happy New Year!

VeganCowGirl said...

Love it! Going to give it a try tonight. Yum Scrum!

Valerie Harrison (bellini) said...

I was turned on to coconut rice in the early nineties at a local Thai restaurant and have never looked back.

Sara said...

grated coconut! that is new to me in coconut rice. thanks for sharing, and happy new years!

Ivy said...

This sounds great Lisa. Is the coconut you used the same one we use in desserts?

test it comm said...

Coconut rice is really good and I like the flavours in this.

Lisa Turner said...

Ivy, I used regular desiccated coconut, which is indeed the same as I would use in desserts.

Susan said...

Despite my love for legumes, I could get by in life very nicely on rice. Easy and savory, not too rich, a great recipe when you've cooked yourself into a frazzle for the holidays.

Happy New Year, Lisa!

Aparna Balasubramanian said...

This is so different my coconut rice. I really liked the addition of cilantro to this.

Best wishes for a Happy 2009.