This simple coconut rice is really as simple as it gets. There has been a long standing debate as to how best to make coconut rice or which is the authentic way to make coconut rice. Hmmm. Some people are of the opinion that authentic coconut rice should have very little or no tomatoes their reason being the tomatoes would mask the taste of coconut making it no different from jollof rice.
The other group believes that making it with tomatoes enables you enjoy the best of both worlds, Jollof Rice + Coconut = Coconut Jollof Rice.
My thoughts on this is.... Both dishes are delightfully tasty why not dig in and enjoy your meal instead of debating on which one is more authentic. In my opinion they are both coconut flavored rice dishes.
With reference to the tomatoes in the jollof coconut rice, I can see how the tomatoes can mask the flavor of the coconut making it taste more like jollof rice but i take care of that issue by increasing the amount of coconut milk I use per quantity of rice.
Besides that, have you noticed that coconut rice tastes better on the second day. Reason being that the food has rested and the coconut flavor has had enough time to mature. Oh yes the coconut flavor improves as the days go by. But not in my house because they won't let this dish see the light of 2 days, if at all it survives Day 1.
I really would love to know your thoughts on this coconut rice matter. Which team are you. Me i enjoy this dish either way.
This recipe is so easy so if you are not sure yet which you prefer or you haven't tried any before, Both recipes are here on the blog so experiment and decide. I am sure you would love both. ?
Most times I use the canned coconut milk because it saves me time but if you prefer you can make your own coconut milk from scratch. That's actually how I learnt to cook coconut rice. Growing up we always made our own coconut milk. I am grateful for my mom who taught me all I needed to know to he a good cook. We made a lot of things from scratch. Though I used to complain those days I am now reaping the benefits of being a fully equipped and well rounded woman. Love you mom❤️❤️❤️
Oops where were we? Making your own coconut milk. It's pretty easy though so no worries. I would include the steps to make it in the recipe notes below.
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Till next time,
Chichi?
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Simple Coconut Rice No tomatoes
Ingredients
- 2 cups parboiled rice (washed thoroughly and drained.)
- ¼ cup coconut oil or any cooking oil you prefer
- 1 medium onion (chopped)
- 2 cloves garlic ( minced)
- 1 habanero pepper chopped
- 1½ cups meat stock
- 1 (400 ml) can coconut milk
- 1 lb beef (precooked)
- 4-5 mini bell peppers chopped
- 1 cup frozen green peas thawed (optional)
Instructions
- Heat up oil and sauté onions and garlic
- Pour in the coconut milk and meat stock Allow cook for a minute. Taste for seasoning and adjust to taste
- Then pour in the rice and stir.
- Cover pot and allow to cook till done. takes about 20 - 25 mins
- When the rice is done, turn off heat, stir in the chopped bell peppers, thawed green peas and chopped cooked beef then cover pot to allow steam soften the peas and peppers
- Serve warm and Enjoy
Notes
- Crack open fresh coconut
- Pry out the flesh/meat ( be careful not to get hurt)
- Cut into the meat into small pieces
- Blend in a high power blender with water
- Squeeze out the milk from the blended mix with a nut bag.
Nutrition
I think I would definitely prefer my coconut rice without tomatoes as well. Your dish looks fantastic!!
For a richer coconut flavor right? Thanks Tiffany.
This sounds wonderful! I've not had coconut rice before but it's on my to-make list now!
If you love coconuts, you will love this. The flavor profile is awesome. Thanks Cliona.
I love coconut rice with or without tomatoes - this looks delicious without. I could certainly do with a bowl of this right now.
Same here Bintu. I love this either way. Thanks for stopping by.
Hah, tomatoes or no, it looks delicious. I'm sure both versions are nice, but I will probably choose one without! 🙂
lol, I have tried neither the tomato or non tomato version but both sound delicious... I suspect as in most cases both are equally as 'authentic' depending where you are from which is typically the way with most food authenticity arguments 😉
lol. you are definitely right. both are authentic just depends where you come from or your preference. But you should give either one a try. if you love coconuts you will be hooked for sure. a little secret here, for some reason the coconut rice with or without always taste better the next day.
I prefer this version of coconut rice. Pour moi, you'll taste the coconut better without the interference of the tomatoes. Thanks for sharing!
So you are team No tomatoes. Great. True the absence of tomatoes makes for a prominent coconut flavor. Either way is fine with me. ?