COCONUT RICE

Coconut rice is yet another delicacy made with coconut milk. It is mostly made in South Indian homes. Seasoned with ghee and cashews , this sweet, spicy and flavorful coconut rice is perfect for weekend lunch. It can be prepared in two different ways. One method is making with the coconut milk and the other is making with grated coconut. Aloo kurma or raita will be a perfect combination for this dish.
INGREDIENTS

• Rice                        1 cup
• Coconut grated      1 cup
• Ghee                      2 Tsp
• Cashews                3 Tsp
• Jeera                     1 tsp
• Chana dal              1 Tsp
• Cardamom             4-5
• Cinnamon             1/2 inch
• Cloves                   5-6
• Green chilies       1
• Salt                      to taste
• Hing                     a pinch
• Cilantro               1 Tsp finely chopped

PROCEDURE
Method 1

Wash the rice and keep aside. Now take the grated coconut  in a blender and add water. Blend the coconut pieces till liquid. Now take the  liquid and strain it in a strainer. Extract the milk fully from the coconut by again adding water and blending. Measure  2 cups of milk and add to the rice. Add salt, cinnamon, cardamom, cloves and chopped green chilies. Mix well and cook the rice till done. Now take the ghee in a pan, heat and add the cashews,chana dal, jeera, hing. When the cashews turn golden brown add this mixture to cooked rice. Now add the chopped cilantro and mix well. Serve with raita or karma.

METHOD 2
This method is very simple. Cook the rice rice with 2 cups of water.  In a pan add the ghee and heat it. Add the chana dal , cashews, jeera,cinnamon, cloves, cardamom, green chilies and grated coconut. When they are done add to the cooked rice along with salt. Mix cilantro to the rice and it’s done.

TIPS

•   Add hot or warm water to the coconut so that the coconut milk is fully extracted.