A touch of coconut milk is all that is needed to transform basic rice into a rich, aromatic and flavorful side dish. The clay pot lends depth of flavor by caramelizing the bottom layer of rice adding texture and crunch to this luxurious and tropical rice.
Ingredients
1 cup basmati rice (jasmine rice also works well here), rinsed and drained
3/4 cup coconut milk
3/4 cup water
Preparation
Add Ingredients to the Pot
Place rice, water and coconut milk into the clay pot (a regular 4 quart saucepan with tight fitting lid would also work)
Bring ingredients to a boil
Stir, cover, reduce heat to a simmer
Simmer 15 minutes
Turn off heat and rest
After 15 minutes, turn off the heat and allow the rice to sit undisturbed for 10 minutes
Stir and Serve
When finished resting, gently stir the rice to break up the crispy bits at the bottom and distribute throughout the rice
Serve with Crispy Tofu and Peanut Sauce or as an accompaniment to any dish with Southeast Asian, Latin American or Caribbean flavors.
Both Brown and White Basmati rice have approximately 46 grams carbohydrates per cup of cooked rice and both are considered low on the glycemic index. White Basmati may be easier to digest for some people. Basmati rice contains some protein (4.4 grams per cooked cup of rice), provides a good source of iron and offers a range of B vitamins (Folate, Thiamine, Niacin and B6) and minerals (Magnesium, Phosphorus and Zinc). Because the majority of nutrients are contained in the grain husk, Brown Basmati contains higher levels of vitamins and minerals than the white version.
Coconut milk is high in calories primarily due to its content of a type of saturated fat known as medium-chain triglyceride (MCT). MCTs are metabolized differently than long-chain triglycerides (LCTs). MCTs are broken down in the small intestine and transported through the blood to the liver, bypassing the lymphatic system, where they are quickly converted into ketones and used for energy. Studies suggest MCTs may also promote satiety and reduce appetite. Increased ketone production may also support brain health, cognitive function and offer anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. Regarding MCTs affect on blood lipids, a meta-analysis of randomized trials concluded that MCT oil does not affect total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, or HDL cholesterol levels, but does cause a small increase in triglycerides. The general daily guideline for consumption of coconut milk is between 1/2 and 1 cup depending on dietary needs and health status.
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