Coconut Rice

coconut_rice

Jamaican cuisine is famous for its distinct flavor, use of spices and herbs, and bold, bright colors. One of the most popular dishes in Jamaican cuisine is their flavorful and aromatic coconut rice, which is a staple in many households across the island.

Coconut rice is a simple yet flavorful dish that uses rice, coconut milk, and aromatics such as garlic and onion to create a creamy and fragrant side dish that pairs perfectly with Caribbean style cuisine. The dish is easy to prepare, and it is an excellent accompaniment to any Caribbean dish.

The recipe for Jamaican coconut rice is quite simple, and it starts with high-quality ingredients such as long-grain white rice and fresh coconut milk. Ideally, the coconut milk should be extracted from fresh coconut, but canned coconut milk can also be used if fresh coconut is unavailable.

To prepare the rice, the first step is to rinse the rice thoroughly under cold water to remove any excess starch. This will prevent the rice from becoming sticky when cooked. Once the rice has been rinsed, it should be soaked in water for at least 30 minutes to soften it.

While the rice is soaking, the coconut milk can be prepared. If using fresh coconut, the flesh should be grated using a hand-held grater or a food processor. The grated coconut should then be mixed with hot water and squeezed to extract the coconut milk. The milk should be strained through a fine sieve to remove any coconut solids.

If using canned coconut milk, the milk should be stirred well before opening the can to ensure that the cream and water are well mixed.

Once the coconut milk is prepared, the rice can be cooked. In a large saucepan, heat some oil over medium-high heat, and sauté some chopped onion and garlic until fragrant. The rice can then be added to the saucepan and sautéed for a few minutes until lightly toasted.

Next, the coconut milk is added to the rice, and the rice is brought to a boil. Once it reaches a boil, reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan, and simmer for about 20-25 minutes or until the rice is cooked and the liquid has been absorbed.

To serve the Jamaican coconut rice, it can be garnished with some freshly chopped cilantro or scallions for added flavor and color. It pairs well with any Caribbean-style main dish, such as jerk chicken, beef patties, or fish curry.

In conclusion, Jamaican coconut rice is a flavorful and aromatic side dish that is simple to prepare and pairs well with any Caribbean-style cuisine. The dish is an essential part of Jamaican cuisine and is a staple in many households across the island. With this recipe, you can recreate the flavors of Jamaica in your own kitchen and enjoy a taste of the Caribbean at home.

Ingredients:

  • 1 1/2 cups long grain white rice
  • 1 can coconut milk (13.5 oz)
  • 1 1/4 cups water
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 1 tbsp freshly grated ginger
  • 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
  • 1 scallion, sliced
  • 1 hot pepper, seeded and chopped (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Rinse rice thoroughly under running water and drain.
  2. In a medium saucepan, combine the rice, coconut milk, water, and salt.
  3. Add the ginger, thyme leaves, scallion, hot pepper (if using), and butter to the pot.
  4. Stir the ingredients together.
  5. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat.
  6. As soon as it reaches a boil, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot.
  7. Simmer the rice for 18-20 minutes or until the liquid has been absorbed and the rice is tender.
  8. Remove the pot from the heat and let it sit, covered, for 10 minutes to allow the rice to steam and become fluffy.
  9. After 10 minutes, fluff the rice with a fork and serve.