| Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 25 mins | Difficulty: Moderate | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 454 | 17g | 13g | 73g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 20g | 3g | 6g | 0.1g |
One of my absolute favorite recipes to introduce to folks is the vibrant and refreshing Pandan Flower Coconut Rice. There’s something divinely refreshing about the blend and balance of flavors that’s both surprising and comforting. For me, it harkens back to my formative culinary experiences growing up in Texas. The recipe is quite similar to traditional rice-based dishes we’d find at our family table, albeit with a tropical, exotic twist.
A Flavor Fusion
The pandan extract and leaves in this dish give a unique aroma and taste, evoking memories of meals I had while travelling but still grounding it with a sense of familiarity. The hint of the South, with its love for rice, combined with the rich flavors of Asia, makes the Pandan Flower Coconut Rice something truly unique.
This dish reminds me of coconut rice one would traditionally cook up down south, but the addition of pandan and fruits set it apart magnificently. The vibrant array of fruits that accompany it also allows wonderful customization to suit one’s preference or the fruits in season.
Health in Every Bite
Beyond its mouthwatering favor, this recipe doesn’t hold back on its health benefits either. Jasmine rice, packed with essential nutrients, and fruits supply an abundance of vitamins. The inclusion of coconut, both in milk and its freshly grated form, is known to benefit heart health and promote weight loss. Even more so, pandan itself has health benefits which include its potency as a pain reliever, febrifuge and a mood uplifter.
When thinking of what other dishes could work well with it, consider a serving of Black Bean Chicken on the side. The savory rich chicken and beans form a wonderful contrast with the somewhat sweet, complex tastes of the Pandan Flower Coconut Rice.
In every sense, the Pandan Flower Coconut Rice is not just a dish; it’s an experience. An experience which I recommend to every lover of food who is in search of that next, unexpected flavor that will make their tastebuds dance.
What You’ll Need
- 2 cups of jasmine rice
- 4 cups of water
- 1 can (13.5 oz) of coconut milk
- 1 teaspoon of pandan extract
- 1/2 cup of sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon of salt
- 6 Pandan leaves, tied into knots
- 1/2 cup of freshly grated coconut
- 6 edible flowers for garnish
- Various fruits of choice for serving – recommended: mangoes, kiwi, bananas, berries
Method
Step One
Start by washing the jasmine rice thoroughly under cold running water. Keep rinsing until the water runs clear. Once the rice is clean, drain well to remove as much excess water as possible.
Step Two
Next, add the jasmine rice, 4 cups of water, and the can of coconut milk into a large saucepan. Stir well to combine the ingredients, then add the pandan extract, sugar, and salt to the mixture. Stir again to evenly distribute all the added elements.
Step Three
Throw in the pandan leaves that have been tied into knots into the rice mixture. These leaves will infuse a sweet and fragrant aroma into your rice as it cooks. Set the pan over medium heat, bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and let it simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the rice is fluffy and has absorbed all the liquid.
Step Four
While the rice is cooking, grate your fresh coconut and set aside. Once the rice is properly cooked, remove the pandan leaves and fluff the rice with a fork. Then, mix in your freshly grated coconut. Cover and let it sit for a few minutes to allow the coconut flavours to be absorbed by the hot rice.
Step Five
Serve your pandan flower coconut rice with your selection of fruits; the vibrant colors and various textures of the fruits will add a nice contrast to the creamy and fragrant rice. To make it extra special, garnish each plate with an edible flower. Enjoy this exotic and delightful dish!
