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If you’ve been researching how to cook coconut rice, this blog post is the last article you need. After this read, you’d have mastered how to cook coconut rice like the pro that you are.
And trust me, your tastebuds and that of your loved ones will keep asking for this delicacy. The interesting part? You can cook and enjoy coconut rice in several ways.
Similar to the popular Nigerian jollof and fried rice, coconut rice is another award winning rice delicacy we have in Nigeria. It combines the creamy, nutty and slightly sweet flavor of coconut milk with rice and other ingredients to give a delicious dish.
Coconut rice can be enjoyed in different styles, with different animal proteins and accompaniment. In this blog post, you’ll learn how to cook coconut rice in four different ways.
Before you start eating, sorry, reading these coconut rice recipes, ponder on this question: what are the benefits of coconut? Have you tried to find out? Let’s dig deep.
Benefits of Coconut
If the thought of coconut rice is new to you, then you’ll be wondering why you should incorporate coconut to your diet.
Coconut has several health benefits. The oil, milk and water are all beneficial to the body. Here’s a list of some of its benefits:
1. It is rich in vitamins, minerals and healthy fats
Coconut is rich in vitamins, particularly vitamin C. It contains minerals like manganese, copper, selenium, and potassium.
It also contains healthy saturated fats, mainly in the form of medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), which can be a rapid source of energy.
2. Coconut contains fibre
Fibre aids digestion, promotes regular bowel movement and contributes to a feeling of fullness. This supports weight management as it helps you eat less.
3. It contributes to hair and skin care
Coconut oil is used in skincare and hair care due to its moisturizing and nourishing properties
4. It improves immunity
Coconut contains lauric acid, which has some antimicrobial and antiviral properties, potentially supporting the immune system
5. It supports bone and teeth health
Coconut contains phosphorus and calcium which helps in maintaining strong bones and teeth
6. It is a lactose-free alternative to milk
Coconut milk is a suitable dairy-free alternative for those who have dairy allergies or are lactose intolerant
Note that the different coconut products, like coconut water, coconut milk, coconut oil, and coconut meat all have varying nutrient profiles
Four Methods of Cooking Coconut Rice
Having learned the nutritional value of coconut, let’s see how to enjoy this delicacy in different ways.
Coconut rice can be prepared in different styles. They include:
How to Cook Plain Coconut Rice
Plain coconut rice is prepared from coconut milk and spices like pepper and thyme etc.
It appears cream in color, due to the absence of tomatoes and other ingredients that are colorful. Here’s how to cook plain coconut rice:
Ingredients For Cooking Plain Coconut Rice
Procedure For Cooking Plain Coconut Rice
How to Cook Jollof Coconut Rice
Jollof coconut rice is prepared from coconut milk and blended tomato and pepper mix.
It takes on the color of the tomatoes like jollof rice, but has the flavor and taste of coconut milk. Here’s how to cook jollof coconut rice:
Ingredients For Cooking Jollof Coconut Rice
Procedure For Cooking Jollof Coconut Rice
How to Cook Coconut Fried Rice
Coconut fried rice is prepared from coconut milk and vegetables like carrots, green peas, green beans etc.
It combines the flavour and taste of coconut milk with the richness and beauty of fried rice. Here’s how to cook coconut fried rice:
Ingredients For Cooking Coconut Fried Rice
Procedure For Cooking Coconut Fried Rice
How to Cook Coconut Rice with Coconut Curry Sauce
Coconut rice with coconut curry sauce is prepared by cooking rice in coconut milk and preparing sauce with coconut milk and vegetables like carrots, green peas, green beans etc.
It is like the usual rice and stew but without tomatoes and pepper. Here’s how to cook coconut rice with coconut curry sauce:
Ingredients For Cooking Coconut Rice With Coconut Curry Sauce
Procedure For Cooking Coconut Rice With Coconut Curry Sauce
These four recipes are a win for the taste buds anyday and anytime. We hope you try them and make them a regular in your diet.
Some Frequently Asked Questions About Coconut Rice Recipes
1. Can I use store bought coconut milk?
Yes, you can. There are several brands of coconut milk sold in stores. This saves you the time and stress of extracting the milk from the fruits.
However, note that some commercial coconut milk products may contain added sugars or thickeners. Ensure to read the labels before buying them.
2. Can I use goat meat or beef?
Goat meat or beef stock has a strong taste and flavor. It can overpower the mild taste and flavor of the coconut milk. Hence, chicken or turkey are the preferred proteins for these recipes.
3. What kind of rice should I use?
You can use basmati rice or any other type you have. Just ensure you wash off the starch well after parboiling it.
4. Can I use any other oil instead of coconut oil?
Certainly. Other oils like vegetable and olive oil can be used instead of coconut oil.
SEE ALSO:
Local and Foreign Rice Prices in Nigeria: Cost of a Bag of Rice
Top 11 Popular Food Choices in Nigeria: Most Consumed
10 Businesses You Can Start with Little or No Capital
Ten of the World’s Most Hazardous Foods
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