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This Indian Coconut Rice recipe uses fresh spices and vegetables to brighten the color and taste of the Basmati Rice. It’s the best we’ve ever tasted!
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The Best Indian Side Dish
If you love Indian flavors as much as I do, you’re going to adore this Indian Coconut Rice recipe! The combination of aromatic spices, creamy coconut milk, and perfectly cooked basmati rice creates an irresistible dish that’s both comforting and flavorful. Every bite is infused with warmth, subtle sweetness, and a hint of nuttiness, making it the perfect side dish for curries, grilled meats, or even as a simple yet satisfying meal on its own. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make with just a few pantry staples!
Why You’ll Love This Coconut Rice Recipe
- Easy to Make – With just a handful of ingredients, this recipe comes together in no time.
- Restaurant-Style Flavor – Light, fluffy, and infused with coconut, this tastes just like your favorite Indian restaurant’s coconut rice.
- Versatile Pairing – It complements spicy curries, grilled chicken, or even a simple dal beautifully.
- Naturally Vegan & Gluten-Free – A great option for anyone with dietary restrictions!
The Story Behind This Recipe
Our dear friend, Meena, introduced this incredible dish to us and was so generous to share the recipe. Her home-cooked Indian food is better than I’ve ever tasted at a restaurant. Every ingredient is fresh. Meena was raised in India and she brings back freshly ground spices when she travels there. The difference in taste is profound. She has been very generous in sharing her spices and her recipes. Thank you, Meena!
What is Indian Coconut Rice?
Indian Coconut Rice is a simple yet flavorful dish made with basmati rice, coconut milk, and a few fragrant spices. It’s popular in both North and South Indian cuisine, with slight variations depending on the region. Some versions include curry leaves and mustard seeds, while others keep it minimal with just coconut and salt. Either way, the result is a beautifully aromatic dish that pairs well with so many Indian recipes!
Ingredients You’ll Need for this Dish
To make the best coconut rice, here’s what you’ll need:
- Basmati rice – Long-grain basmati rice gives the best texture.
- Coconut milk – Use full-fat coconut milk for a rich, creamy flavor.
- Water – Ensures the perfect rice-to-liquid ratio.
- Coconut oil or ghee – Enhances the coconut flavor and prevents sticking.
- Salt – Just enough to bring out all the flavors.
- Cumin seeds – Adds a warm, earthy taste.
- Mustard seeds – A classic South Indian touch.
- Green chilies (optional) – For a subtle heat.
- A few curry leaves (optional) – Traditional and aromatic.
- Grated coconut (optional but recommended) – Fresh or frozen coconut gives extra texture and taste.
- Cinnamon stick – Adds warmth and depth.
- Cloves – Infuses an earthy spice.
- Bay leaf – Provides an aromatic touch.
- Garlic – Enhances the flavor.
- Curry powder – A blend of spices for an authentic taste.
- Diced tomato – Adds slight acidity and richness.
- Jalapeno (optional) – For extra heat.
- Chicken broth – Adds depth to the dish.
- Cashews and chopped cilantro – For garnish and extra crunch.
How to Make Indian Coconut Rice
1. Soak the Rice – Soak the basmati rice in water for at least 30 minutes. This helps achieve a fluffy texture and prevents stickiness.
2. Sauté the Spices – In a large fry pan over medium heat, add coconut oil or ghee along with the cinnamon stick, cloves, and bay leaf. Fry for about 2 minutes until aromatic. Then, add minced garlic and fry until it turns golden.
3. Cook the Aromatics – Turn the heat to low and add cumin seeds and curry powder. Stir well, then add the diced tomato (and optional jalapeno) and cook for a couple of minutes. Remove the cinnamon stick, cloves, and bay leaf.
4. Toast the Rice – Drain the soaked rice and add it to the fry pan. Stir well and cook for about 2 minutes, ensuring the rice doesn’t stick to the pan.
5. Add Liquids and Simmer – Pour in the chicken broth, coconut milk, and salt. Increase the heat to medium-high and bring the mixture to a boil, stirring frequently.
6. Cook the Rice – Boil for 5 minutes, then reduce the heat to low, cover with a lid, and let it cook for another 15 minutes without lifting the lid.
7. Rest and Fluff – Remove the pan from heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 more minutes. Then, fluff the rice with a fork.
8. Garnish and Serve – Top with cashews and chopped cilantro for extra crunch and freshness. Serve warm!
Pro Tips for the Best Coconut Rice
- Use Good Quality Basmati Rice – Aged basmati rice gives the fluffiest results.
- Don’t Skip Soaking – It helps the rice cook evenly and stay fluffy.
- Full-Fat Coconut Milk is Key – Light coconut milk won’t give you the same richness.
- Let the Rice Rest – A 5-minute resting period ensures perfect texture.
Questions About Coconut Rice
Yes! Simply follow the same ingredient measurements, add everything to your rice cooker, and cook as per the machine’s white rice setting. It’s even easier!
Be sure to rinse and soak the rice before cooking. Using the right rice-to-liquid ratio and not over-stirring while cooking also helps maintain the perfect texture.
Yes! Simply use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, or just use water. Coconut milk provides enough richness on its own.
Full-fat canned coconut milk is best for the richest flavor and creamiest texture. Avoid sweetened or light coconut milk, as they may alter the taste.
Try adding toasted cashews, golden raisins, or a squeeze of fresh lime juice at the end for extra depth of flavor.
Storage & Reheating Tips
- Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Sprinkle a little water over the rice and microwave for 1-2 minutes.
- Freeze: You can freeze coconut rice for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat when needed!
What to Serve with Coconut Rice
This coconut rice pairs beautifully with many Indian dishes:
- Raita – a traditional Indian condiment made with yogurt, cucumbers, onions, and spices.
- Chicken Coconut Korma – chicken in a rich flavorful sauce.
- Chicken Tikka Masala – Tender chicken in a creamy, tomato-based sauce. It’s so easy to ma
- Chicken Massaman Curry – Chicken and potatoes cooked in a sweet, slightly spicy sauce.
- Coconut Curry Chicken with Peanuts – Sweet and spicy flavors make this a warm, comforting meal any night of the week.
- Grilled Coconut Curry Chicken – Chicken marinate in delicious seasoning and then grilled to perfection.
- Curried Chickpeas – For a tasty vegetarian meal, serve curried chickpeas as the main dish with this rice. Loaded with Indian flavors and very filling.ke at home.
Indian Coconut Rice
Equipment
- Fry Pan/Skillet
Ingredients
- 2 cups Basmati rice (uncooked)
- 1 cup water
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon butter
- 1 stick cinnamon cut into a 1 inch piece
- 4 cloves
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 2 teaspoon curry powder
- 1 small tomato chopped
- 1 small jalapeno (optional)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 14 ounces coconut milk
- 1 teaspoon salt
Garnishes:
- 1/4 cup dry roasted cashews
- 1 tablespoon cilantro chopped
Instructions
- Soak rice in the 1 cup of water for at least 30 minutes.
- Add oil, butter, cinnamon stick, cloves, and bay leaf to a large fry pan over medium heat. Fry for 2 minutes them add minced garlic and fry until garlic turns golden.
- Turn heat to low and add the cumin and curry powder. Then add the diced tomato (and optional jalapeno) and cook a couple more minutes. Remove the cinnamon stick, cloves, and bay leaf.
- Drain the water from the rice and add the rice to the fry pan and mix well, cook for 2 minutes. Keep stirring to prevent rice from sticking to the pan.
- Add the chicken broth, coconut milk, and salt and turn heat up to medium high to bring mixture to a boil. Stir frequently.
- Boil for 5 minutes, then turn heat to low and cover with a lid. Cook for another 15 minutes covered. Then remove from heat and let set for 5 more minutes.
- Fluff with a fork and serve with cashews and chopped cilantro over the top.
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Nutrition Information
There you have it—an easy, restaurant-style Indian Coconut Rice that’s incredibly delicious and simple to make. Whether you’re serving it with a spicy curry or enjoying it on its own, this dish is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Give it a try, and let me know how it turns out!
Have you made this recipe? I’d love to hear your thoughts! Leave a comment below and don’t forget to share it with your friends. Happy cooking! 😊
HI, I DON’T UNDERSTAND. WHAT IS 4 CLOVES? THANK YOU.
We are always looking for different ways to make rice. This flavor is to die for! Thank you for all of the great tips so that the rice turns out perfectly every single time!
I love coconut rice!! We love it with Hawaiian food or teriyaki chicken/grilled chicken. This recipe has a ton of flavor!
Yum! Loved the flavor! The hint of coconut with the other spices were delicious together. It’s a great side for so many things!
YUM! We loved this style of coconut rice. Loved the addition of curry spice and tomato. Thanks for another winning recipe. We’ll definitely make it again for sure!
Such a unique way to make rice. The soaking time really does make a difference. So much flavor and takes a rice side dish to the next level!