Preparing the Rice: Start by washing the rice thoroughly in cold water to remove excess starch. Drain it and keep it aside. In a large saucepan, heat some oil or ghee over medium heat. Add the drained rice to the pan and lightly sauté it for a couple of minutes until the grains become slightly translucent. This step helps to separate the rice and gives it a lovely aroma when cooked. (Time taken: 5 minutes)
Cooking the Rice: Now, add water to the rice in the pan. Bring it to a boil and then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pan with a lid and let the rice cook until it’s tender and fluffy. You may want to check the rice after 10-12 minutes to make sure it doesn't overcook or burn. Once done, turn off the heat and let the rice sit covered for 5 minutes to allow the steam to finish cooking it. (Time taken: 15 minutes)
Preparing the Coconut Mixture: While the rice is cooking, take freshly grated coconut in a bowl and set it aside. In a separate pan, heat a little oil over medium heat. Add mustard seeds, cumin seeds, and curry leaves. Once the mustard seeds begin to pop and the spices release their fragrance, add a chopped green chili (optional) for a bit of heat. Sauté the mixture for a minute until fragrant. (Time taken: 5 minutes)
Combining the Coconut and Rice: Now, add the grated coconut to the spice mixture and stir well, allowing the coconut to lightly toast and absorb the flavors. Once it’s well mixed, carefully fluff the cooked rice and transfer it to the pan. Gently fold the coconut mixture into the rice, ensuring an even distribution of the spices and coconut throughout the rice. (Time taken: 5 minutes)
Final Touch: Garnish with fresh cilantro for a pop of color and freshness. Serve the Easy Coconut Rice warm as a delightful accompaniment to your favorite curries, stews, or even enjoy it on its own. You now have a delicious, fragrant, and flavorful dish ready to be served at the table! (Time taken: 2 minutes)
