Goan Coconut Rice

Coconut-Flavoured Rice

SERVES 4

During my regular excursions to Goa, I often ended up in a beach shack in Panaji and ordered a plateful of coconut rice. Then, watching the sea, the sky and the people, I would take my own sweet time to enjoy that plate of yummy rice. Even without the beach, this dish is spectacular.

INGREDIENTS

1 cup basmati or long-grained rice

1 cup coconut milk (p. 16)

2 tbsp fresh coconut, finely grated

5 black peppercorns, crushed

¾ tsp salt or to taste

METHOD

Wash rice and drain. In a pan, combine rice with coconut milk, coconut, peppercorns, salt and ½ cup of water. Place over high heat and cook, stirring occasionally till the liquid reaches the level of the rice. Reduce heat to low, cover and cook till rice is tender and fluffy. Sprinkle ¼ cup of water and cook for about 5 minutes longer. Serve hot with sandge (p. 238).