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Swahili Coconut Rice

Explore East-African cuisine with this Swahili rice in coconut milk! Fragrant, fluffy, and absolutely delicious, this simple rice dish is a must-try!

Prep Time
5 mins
Cook Time
5 mins
Total Time
25 mins
Servings: 4
Calories: 574 kcal
Course: Breakfast , Lunch , Dinner
Cuisine: African

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoon cooking oil
  • 5-10 green cardamon pods
  • 1½  cups full-fat coconut milk (approximately 14oz or 400ml)
  • 1½  cups water
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 cups basmati rice - properly cleaned to get rid of excess starch

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Heat cooking oil in a deep pot. Add the cardamon pods and fry for about 30 seconds to a minute, for aroma.
  2. Next, add coconut milk, water, and salt, then combine. Add the basmati rice then stir gently to combine.
  3. Cover the pot, lower the heat to medium-low, and let it simmer until much of the liquid has evaporated.
  4. Then, about five minutes before the end of the cooking time, lower the heat further to a low and cook until all the liquid has evaporated. Serve it with maharage, beef stew, kuku paka, or, with your favorite dishes.

Notes

  • Not only does cleaning your basmati rice remove excess starch, it also results in fluffier and single-grained rice.
  • If you prefer, you can add about a quarter cup of grated or desiccated coconut.
  • Make sure you are using thick coconut milk. If you feel you have to use coconut cream, then only go for half a can, and substitute the rest with water, as coconut cream can be overbearingly fatty.

Nutrition Information

Calories 574kcal (29%) Carbohydrates 78g (26%) Protein 9g (18%) Fat 26g (40%) Saturated Fat 17g (85%) Polyunsaturated Fat 1g Monounsaturated Fat 6g Sodium 602mg (25%) Potassium 321mg (9%) Fiber 2g (8%) Sugar 0.1g (0%) Vitamin C 1mg (1%) Calcium 54mg (5%) Iron 4mg (22%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 4Serving

Amount Per Serving

Calories 574

% Daily Value*

Calories 574kcal 29%
Carbohydrates 78g 26%
Protein 9g 18%
Fat 26g 40%
Saturated Fat 17g 85%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1g 6%
Monounsaturated Fat 6g 30%
Sodium 602mg 25%
Potassium 321mg 7%
Fiber 2g 8%
Sugar 0.1g 0%
Vitamin C 1mg 1%
Calcium 54mg 5%
Iron 4mg 22%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.