South Indian · serves 2

Coconut Rice

Leftover rice, coconut and a tadka. Fifteen minutes and it tastes deliberate.

15 min Easy Vegetarian

Ingredients

  • 3 cups cooked rice, cooled
  • 1 cup grated coconut
  • 1/4 cup peanuts or cashews
  • 1 tbsp chana dal
  • 1 tbsp urad dal
  • 1 tsp mustard seeds
  • 3 dried red chillies
  • 20 curry leaves
  • 2 green chillies
  • Hing
  • 4 tbsp coconut oil

Method

  1. Rice must be cool and separate, not warm and sticky.
  2. Coconut oil, mustard seeds, then both dals and the nuts till golden.
  3. Red chillies, green chillies, curry leaves, hing.
  4. Grated coconut in, fry 2 minutes on low until it smells toasty but stays white. Brown it and the dish tastes different.
  5. Salt, then fold the rice through gently.
  6. Cover, off the heat, 5 minutes so it steams. Papad on the side.

Questions people ask about Coconut Rice

How long does Coconut Rice take?

About 15 minutes from starting to sitting down, and it is straightforward. That is start-to-finish, so it works on a weeknight when you have not planned anything.

What can I use instead of rice in Coconut Rice?

Use any long-grain rice. Basmati needs less water than most, so check the packet before following the ratio here.

Can I make Coconut Rice ahead of time?

Yes, and it is better for it. Cool it fully, refrigerate for up to three days, and reheat gently with a splash of water. The flavours settle overnight.

Is Coconut Rice vegetarian?

Yes, and as written it is vegan too. Check your specific brands if that matters to you.

What do you serve with Coconut Rice?

Papad on the side. It serves two as written. Double everything to feed four, but use a wider pan so the food still browns rather than steams.

Don't know what to cook? Let it decide →

More ideas by ingredient

If you liked this

Curd Rice
10 min · Easy
Cabbage in Coconut Milk
15 min · Easy
Lemon Rice
20 min · Easy
Rava Upma
20 min · Easy
Cabbage Poriyal
20 min · Easy
Vermicelli Upma
20 min · Easy