| Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 20 mins – 25 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 396 | 17g | 14g | 57g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 8g | 2g | 7g | 0.4g |
When I first stepped into my bustling NYC kitchen and attempted to stir together a fragrant dish of Zedoary and Coconut Rice, I couldn’t help but feel a rush of palpable excitement. This recipe, with its aromatic swirls of east and west, captures the charm of cross-continental cuisine in the same way that New York City embraces diversity and reinvents it into a vibrant, blending pot of cultures.
A Taste of the Tropics
What I find intriguing about this recipe is its magical ability to transport you to a tropical island, wrapping you in bright, bold flavors and introducing a surprising mix of textures. While native to my fast-paced city, I’ve always held a deep fascination with far-off cuisines, just as I do with varying characters on the theatrical stage. This dish is in line with that – an alluring character that tells a story of sun-kissed beaches and tropical fruits.
Embodied Health Benefits
Interestingly, the Zedoary and Coconut Rice is not just a pretty face on your dining table. It’s loaded with health benefits that would invigorate any health-conscious food lover. The star of our dish, zedoary (a close relative of turmeric), is known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. The inclusion of fibrous fruits like pineapple and mango add vitamins and minerals, promoting better digestion. Moreover, the coconut milk used is a great dairy-free alternative and an excellent source of healthy fats and essential vitamins. How often do you get a recipe that’s enticingly delicious and incredibly healthful at the same time? That’s what sets this dish apart.
A Versatile Companion
The Zedoary and Coconut Rice, adorned with a medley of fresh fruits and dollops of creamy coconut goodness, pairs beautifully with a wide array of dishes. Its tropical charm goes hand-in-hand with Caribbean jerk chicken or grilled fish. Even on its own, it is an entire symphony of inviting flavors.
And there you have it – a recipe that is not just a dish, but a journey. So, why do I love this recipe? It’s simple. It takes me on a culinary adventure, letting me taste the richness of distant lands without leaving the comfort of my New York kitchen. It reminds me that food, like NYC, is a colorful collage of flavours and stories from across the globe, colliding and coexisting beautifully.
Here are a couple of interesting reads that you might find inspiring: The health benefits of anti-inflammatory spices, and an enlightening piece on the goodness of coconut milk.
What You’ll Need
- 2 cups Basmati rice
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons grated zedoary
- 1 can (13.5 ounces) coconut milk
- 3 cups water
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh pineapple
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh mango
- 1/4 cup shredded unsweetened coconut
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
Method
Step One
Rinse the Basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Once rinsed, drain the rice and set it aside.
Step Two
In a large saucepan, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the grated zedoary and sauté for about 1 minute until its aroma is released.
Step Three
Add the rice to the pot and stir it into the zedoary, ensuring it’s coated in oil and lightly toasted.
Step Four
Now, pour in the coconut milk, water and salt into the pot. Stir this mixture well and bring it to a simmer.
Step Five
Once the liquid has begun to simmer, cover the pot. Allow the rice to cook for about 18-20 minutes, or until the rice absorbs the liquid and becomes tender.
Step Six
While the rice is cooking, prepare your fresh fruit. Chop your pineapple and mango into small, bite-sized pieces and set them aside.
Step Seven
Once the rice is cooked, remove it from the heat. Stir in the chopped pineapple, mango, shredded coconut, chopped cilantro and lime juice.
Step Eight
Allow the rice to sit for a few more minutes so the flavors meld together. Before serving, you may want to stir it one more time to distribute the fruits and coconut evenly.
You now have a delightful and colorful dish of Zedoary and Coconut Rice. Enjoy!
