Coconut Milk Pulao

A pearly rice with perfectly separate grains, infused with the rich creaminess of coconut milk. The warm aroma of cardamom and cinnamon fills the kitchen as soon as the lid is lifted.

• Prep time: 15 min
• Cook time: 25 min
• Difficulty: Easy
• Calories: 818
• Protein: 16 g
• Carbs: 131 g
• Fat: 25 g

Ingredients

• 300 g Thai or basmati rice ( rinsed and drained )
• 200 ml Coconut milk ( well shaken )
• 400 ml Mineral water
• 2 tbsp ghee
• 1 piece Onion ( finely sliced )
• 1 piece Carrot ( cut into small cubes )
• 100 g Green peas
• 1 piece Cinnamon stick
• 3 piece Clove
• 4 piece cardamom ( lightly crushed )
• 1 pinch Gray sea salt
• 50 g Roasted salted cashews optional ( for garnish )
• 300 g Basmati Rice ( washed and drained )

Instructions

1. Rinsing the rice

   Wash the rice in plenty of cold water several times. The water must run perfectly clear to remove starch and prevent the grains from sticking together.

2. Toasting the spices

   Heat the ghee in a sauté pan. Add the cinnamon, cloves, and cardamom. When the spices crackle and release their aroma, they are ready.

3. Sweating the aromatics

   Add the sliced onion and diced carrot. Let them sweat without browning until the onion is translucent and soft.

4. Glazing the rice

   Stir in the drained rice. Mix so that each grain is coated in ghee and becomes shiny, almost transparent at the edges.

5. Liquid and cooking

   Pour in the coconut milk and water. Add the peas and salt. Bring to a boil, then cover tightly. Reduce heat to minimum and do not touch for 15 minutes.

6. Resting and finishing

   Turn off the heat and let rest for 5 minutes without opening. Then gently fluff with a fork to avoid breaking the grains. Sprinkle with cashews.

Chef's tips

• Never lift the lid during cooking; the steam is what does the work.
• If the rice seems too firm after resting, add a splash of hot water and cover for 2 minutes.
• Use a heavy-bottomed pan to prevent the coconut milk from scorching at the bottom.

Storage

Keep for 48h in the fridge. Reheat by steaming or on very low heat with a splash of water to restore softness.