THE VERSATILE AND NUTRITIOUS FOOD FOR YOU!- Coconut Rice
Let’s Get Coconutty Together!
Are you tired of eating the traditional Jollof rice? Is white rice and stew so boring and normal? Why not try coconut rice? This is actually a good substitute for the rice recipes you are used to.
Coconut rice has always been in existence, but ironically, most people hardly prepare it in their homes. It partly looks like Jollof rice, though not reddish as Jollof rice, but the taste and of course, the aroma is certainly not what you get in Jollof rice.
Interestingly, Coconut rice is highly nutritious. The coconut milk (extracted from the coconut) used in preparing the rice, is highly saturated fat, it is much healthier than other saturated fat products, and the fat is easily metabolized by the body.
Coconut milk also offers some health benefits.
It is anti-carcinogenic, anti-microbial, anti-bacteria, and anti-viral.
The main saturated fat that it contains is lauric acid, which is also found in mother’s milk and has been shown to promote brain development and bone health.
HISTORY?
There is no clear history of its origin. But, it can be said that this recipe comes from the culinary mixtures of African, indigenous, and Spanish. Coconut is a flagship tropical fruit of the Caribbean and Pacific zone. Therefore, it is one of the most used ingredients in the cuisine of these regions.
INGREDIENTS
¶ 3 cups of rice (Abakaliki rice– brings out the taste) Click Here for the amazing Health Benefits
¶ 1 tablespoon of Coconut oil (or Vegetable oil of your choice)
¶ Meat, Chicken or Fish (depends on your choice)
¶ 1 big sized coconut
¶ 1 medium-size onion
¶ 2-3 medium-sized fresh tomatoes (don’t add too much tomatoes because it’s not Jollof rice. This 3 sliced tomatoes is just to give it a unique color)
¶ 4 habanero pepper (yellow or red pepper-to Taste)
¶ 1 medium-size green pepper- chopped
¶ 1 clove garlic
¶ 1 tsp. Blended ginger
¶ 1/2 cup of crayfish (blended)
¶ 2 Stock cubes
¶ salt – to taste
COOKING PROCESS
✓ First parboil the rice for just 5mins. This is because, if parboiled more than normal, the rice won’t drain the Coconut milk as coconut milk is the major ingredient. Run cold water through the rice and pour in a sieve to get drained. Set aside.
✓ Steam and cook your Choice of meat with thyme, onions, pepper, salt. Remove the meat/ chicken and set aside the meat/chicken stock.
✓ Crack open the coconut and separate the softer inner part from the hard shell using a small knife.
✓ Chop the coconut into tiny bits and then put in a blender with a cup of warm water. Blend till it becomes milky and smooth.
✓ Pour the contents into a sieve and drain the milk.
✓ Apply pressure to make sure you squeeze all the milk out.
✓ Add more warm water o the coconut chaff and drain again until no milk is left in the coconut.
✓ Place a pot on fire and add your coconut oil or vegetable oil. The coconut oil helps intensify the flavor.
✓ Add Onions, sliced tomatoes, Chopped pepper, ginger, garlic, crayfish.
Sauté for 5mins.
✓ Add your coconut milk
✓ Add the meat/chicken stock.
✓ Adjust for salt, pepper and other seasonings.
✓ Allow to simmer for 2mins.
✓ Add your parboiled rice.
N/B: Make sure you have enough coconut milk so that you can add enough should the rice still needs more water.
✓ Cover the pot. The rice grains are gently steamed and infused. Cook for bout 15mins until the rice becomes soft to your taste.
✓ Serve with your Meat, chicken, Fish or Peppered snails; plus your Chilled Natural Orange juice.
Are you having friends over for dinner?
Surprise your guests with this simply delicious Coconut Rice recipe! This simple combination of coconut, rice and Condiments bring a rich taste and aroma to the dining table and will certainly have your guests asking for more!
¶ For your fresh Coconut rice Condiments, visit DeyChop.com
¶ For your Stone-free, Long grain, tasty Abakaliki Rice, Click Here
¶ At DeyChop, We Value Your Wellness!
¶ Eat healthy to stay healthy!
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DeyChop, Home of Natural Foodstuff !
Image Credit: Coconut Rice Image – Guardian Nigeria