Coconut rice is a typical dish from the Caribbean Coast of Colombia. It can be cooked in various ways: salty, sweetened with sugar or panela, or a combination of both, offering sweet yet salty notes to our palate. Additionally, it can be flavored with Coca-Cola and raisins. It's commonly served with fried plantains, meat, fried fish, and/or salad.
I must admit, I fall more in love with Colombian cuisine every day. We are undoubtedly a country with vast culinary riches. Thanks to our diverse cultures and regions, our gastronomy gains strength, and our traditional dishes become more popular every day. The Caribbean region is blessed with flavors, providing dishes that can conquer any palate, which is why I decided to share this recipe with you.
This rice dish is not only easy to prepare but also affordable. I dare say that many people around the world hesitate to break their cooking routine, fearing extra expenses. They think that cooking something different means spending a lot, but this is a misconception. There are numerous affordable recipes to try at home.
It's all about doing a bit of research and having a list of delicious and easy recipes to inspire us. Indeed, often we can whip up a unique dish with just the ingredients we have at home, as the world of gastronomy allows us to discover a plethora of flavors with only a few ingredients. So here's my take on Coconut Rice. I hope you enjoy making and eating it as much as I do. Let's get cooking.
What's the correct technique to extract coconut oil?
The secret to delicious coconut rice lies in preparing the "titote", a concentrated mixture of coconut oil and sugar, which gives that distinctive taste. After blending the coconut flesh with coconut water and warm water, strain this milk and place it in a pot with sugar. As it boils over medium heat, the water evaporates, leaving behind only the coconut oil and some black granules, known as titote.
How to prevent the rice from sticking during cooking?
It's crucial to stir the rice continually after adding it to the pot with the titote and the second coconut mix. This constant stirring prevents the rice grains from sticking together and to the pot. Once the rice starts to dry out, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Gentle, steady heat will allow the rice to finish cooking without the risk of burning.
When's the right time to add raisins?
Add the raisins when the rice begins to dry out, meaning when almost all the water has evaporated. It's an optional step, but the raisins add sweetness and an intriguing texture.
How to ensure the rice is cooked just right?
Cooking time is vital. After adding the rice and stirring constantly, cover the pot and let it simmer for about 15 minutes on low heat. If the rice isn't fully cooked, you can leave it for a few more minutes. However, avoid overcooking to maintain a loose, grainy texture.
Can I substitute fresh coconut with canned coconut?
Using canned coconut in place of fresh is not recommended. Fresh coconut provides both water and flesh, essential for this recipe, ensuring unmatched flavor and texture.
Tips and common mistakes
- Avoid using overly ripe or too green coconuts. A mature coconut will have a harder flesh and less water, while a green one will have abundant water but its flesh will be too soft and less flavorful.
- Don't skip blending the coconut residue with more water. This step extracts the maximum coconut flavor and produces a richer milk.
- Be patient throughout the cooking process. Patience is key to achieving perfectly cooked rice with all flavors integrated.
Similar recipes
If you love the taste of coconut in your dishes, I recommend trying the "Cazuela de Mariscos", a traditional Colombian dish that also uses coconut milk for a tropical, sweetish flavor. For further rice experimentation, "Arroz a la Valenciana" is a great option. While it doesn't contain coconut, like Coconut Rice, it's a dish where rice is cooked with other ingredients to absorb their flavors.
Lastly, I'd suggest trying "Pescado a la Criolla", commonly served with coconut rice on the Colombian coast. This recipe, with its tomato, onion, and bell pepper sauce, perfectly complements the sweetness of coconut rice.
Remember, at the end of the day, cooking is an art, and every artist can tweak the recipe to their liking. So don't be afraid to experiment with different ingredients and find your preferred version of coconut rice. Bon appétit!
📖 Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 cups of rice
- 2 coconuts (both flesh and water)
- 3 tablespoons of brown sugar or panela
- 2 teaspoons of salt
- Raisins to taste (optional)
- 7 cups of water (including coconut water)
Instructions
- Cut the coconut flesh into small pieces. Blend it with the coconut water and 2 cups of warm water. Once blended, strain this milk and set the residue aside.
- Pour the strained coconut milk into a pot and add the sugar. Boil on medium heat until the water evaporates, leaving only the coconut oil and the black granules, known as titote.
- Blend the set-aside coconut residue with another five cups of water. Add this mixture to the same pot with the titote cooking on medium heat. Add salt and washed rice, stirring constantly to prevent sticking.
- When the rice starts drying out, add raisins, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes.
Janet
My mom recently passed away and she used to cook this rice. I helped her a couple of times, but never wrote down the recipe, regrettably! I have been searching, and this is the closest to what I remember. I do remember she added Coca Cola. So how much Coke should I add and when do I add it? Please and thank you!!! 🙂
Mely Martinez
Hello Janet, We have a recipe for rice in Coca COla. Here is the link:https://recetatipica.net/coca-cola-rice/