Indian Spiced Basmati Coconut Milk Rice

Coconut milk pulao is a one-pot rice dish cooked in creamy coconut milk with spices and seasonal veggies. You can have this plain or with raita or curd or any gravy curry.

Coconut milk is a rich and nutritious drink which gives this pulao, a subtle sweet taste. You can make coconut milk easily at home in under 10 minutes.

Coconut milk is rich in protein and fats. I also use coconut milk in smoothies.I also use coconut milk in making kheer and in chia seeds pudding.

Coconut milk pulao will make good lunch box item. We often have it for weekdays dinner as it can be made quickly. You can use veggies according to the season. I use the combinations of potatoes, carrots, green beans, cauliflower, green peas, beetroot and cabbage. I sometimes add paneer as well. The final taste will depend on the combination of veggies.

I have used basmati rice, but any rice will be good here. If you are using red or brown rice, soak it for more time so that it will be cooked quickly. I will make similar pulao with jowar as well, will share that recipe soon. Mint and coriander leaves give Indian touch to the recipe. You can use any other fresh herbs like thyme or oregano or rosemary. Skip ghee and use coconut oil to make it vegan.

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Coconut milk rice recipe:

Recipe

How to make coconut milk rice:

• Wash rice and soak it in water for 20 minutes. I have used Basmati rice here, normal rice will also be fine.
• While rice is soaking, cut onions into thin slices. Also, cut all other vegetables into thin slices. You can use other vegetables as well according to the season and availability.
• Heat pressure cooker, add 2 tablespoon ghee or coconut oil. Add all mentioned spices, slit green chili and ginger-garlic paste. Keep the stove on low flame so that spices don't burn.

• Add sliced onions and fry till onions turn pink.

• Now add all veggies and let them fry for a couple of minutes.

• Add 1 cup thick coconut milk and 1 cup water to the pan. If you are using second extract coconut milk, add 2 cups of it.

• Wash rice for a couple of times and drain water.  Add soaked rice and required Salt to cooker.

• Add mint or pudina leaves and mix everything gently. Do not over-mix as rice grains will break.

• Put the lid and let it cook for 7 to 8 minutes(for one whistle). If you are not using a pressure cooker, one more cup of water might be needed and it will take around 10 - 15 minutes. But don't add all water at once, add little by little based on the requirement.
• Once pressure settles down, garnish with coriander leaves and serve hot!