Coconut Basmati Rice Pilaf

Elevate your side dish game with this aromatic Coconut Basmati Rice Pilaf, a perfect fusion of creamy coconut milk, fragrant spices, and fluffy basmati rice. This easy-to-make recipe takes just 35 minutes from start to finish and features layers of flavor, starting with sautéed onions, garlic, and fresh ginger. A touch of cumin and turmeric adds warm, earthy undertones, while coconut milk lends a dreamy richness to every bite. Garnished with toasted shredded coconut and fresh cilantro, this pilaf is as visually stunning as it is delicious. Whether you’re serving it alongside curry, grilled vegetables, or savoring it on its own, this coconut rice dish is a flavorful, gluten-free addition to your table that’s sure to wow your guests.

Nutriscore Rating: 65/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:35 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 cup Basmati rice
• 1 cup Unsweetened coconut milk
• 0.5 cup Water
• 1 tablespoon Coconut oil
• 1 small Yellow onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves Garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Fresh ginger, grated
• 0.5 teaspoon Cumin seeds
• 0.25 teaspoon Ground turmeric
• 0.5 teaspoon Salt
• 2 tablespoons Toasted shredded coconut (optional, for garnish)
• 2 tablespoons Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Drain well and set aside.

Step 2

In a medium saucepan, heat the coconut oil over medium heat.

Step 3

Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes, until softened and translucent.

Step 4

Stir in the minced garlic, grated ginger, and cumin seeds, and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 5

Add the turmeric and stir to combine, letting it bloom in the oil for 30 seconds.

Step 6

Add the rinsed basmati rice to the pan and stir gently to coat the grains in the spice mixture.

Step 7

Pour in the coconut milk, water, and salt. Stir well and bring the mixture to a boil.

Step 8

Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan with a tight-fitting lid, and simmer for 15-18 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid has been absorbed.

Step 9

Remove the pan from the heat and let it sit, covered, for an additional 5 minutes to allow the rice to steam.

Step 10

Fluff the rice gently with a fork and transfer to a serving dish.

Step 11

Garnish with toasted shredded coconut and chopped cilantro if desired before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(653.9g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	551.1

Total Fat 28.1g	0%
Saturated Fat 23.8g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.2g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 1242.1mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 64.8g	0%
Dietary Fiber 4.2g	0%
Total Sugars 4.4g
Protein 9.4g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 518.2mg	0%
Iron 5.7mg	0%
Potassium 260.0mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 46.0%

Protein: 6.8%

Carbs: 47.2%