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Swahili coconut rice in a bowl.
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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!
Course Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch
Cuisine African, Swahili
Diet Gluten Free, Vegan, Vegetarian
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 574kcal
Author Kate Hahnel

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

  • Heat cooking oil in a deep pot. Add the cardamon pods and fry for about 30 seconds to a minute, for aroma.
    Oil and cardamon pods cooking in a pot.
  • Next, add coconut milk, water, and salt, then combine. Add the basmati rice then stir gently to combine.
    An overhead picture showing rice and coconut milk cooking in a pot.
  • Cover the pot, lower the heat to medium-low, and let it simmer until much of the liquid has evaporated.
    White basmati rice with cardamon in a pot.
  • 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.
    Coconut basmati rice with cardamon served in a bowl.

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

Calories: 574kcal | Carbohydrates: 78g | Protein: 9g | Fat: 26g | Saturated Fat: 17g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6g | Sodium: 602mg | Potassium: 321mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 0.1g | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 54mg | Iron: 4mg