Healing for the World's Healers

One-Pot Turmeric Coconut Rice With Greens


Cooking Time

40 minutes total

Yields

4 servings

Ingredients

2 cups long-grain rice (such as jasmine or basmati)

½ cup unsweetened coconut flakes

1 tablespoon white or black sesame seeds

2 tablespoons coconut oil

1 scallion, thinly sliced, white and green parts separated

1 teaspoon ground turmeric

½ teaspoon black pepper

1 (14-ounce) can full-fat coconut milk

Pinch of saffron (optional)

Kosher salt

1 medium bunch dandelion greens, kale, spinach, or Swiss chard (really, any leafy green works!)

1 lime

Directions

1. Rinse rice until water runs clear. Drain and set aside.

2. Toast the coconut and sesame seeds in a medium pot or Dutch oven, over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. After 3 to 5 minutes, it should be fragrant. (Adjust heat as needed to prevent burning.) Transfer to a small bowl. Wipe out the pot.

3. In the same pot, melt the coconut oil over medium-low. Add the scallion whites, turmeric and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper and cook, stirring, until lightly toasted and aromatic, 3 to 5 minutes.

4. Add the rice, coconut milk, saffron, and 1.5 teaspoons salt. Fill the empty can of coconut milk with water and add it to the pot. Give the mixture a good stir to separate any lumps and bring to a boil over medium-high.

5. Once boiling, cover, turn the heat to low, and simmer for 10 minutes.

6. As rice cooks, remove and discard any tough stems of the leafy greens, and cut or tear the leaves into bite-size pieces. When the rice has cooked for 10 minutes, arrange the greens on top of the rice in an even layer and season well with salt and pepper. Cover, and cook until the rice is tender, 5 more minutes. Remove from heat and let sit, covered, 5 minutes.

7. As rice rests, zest the lime and cut it into 4 wedges. Add 1/2 teaspoon zest to the coconut-sesame mixture, along with the scallion greens. Season with salt and pepper and stir to combine.

8. Gently stir the mixture of greens, sesame seeds, and coconut into the rice using a spatula or fork, season to taste with salt and pepper. Divide among bowls. Serve with a lime wedge for squeezing over.

Notes

This is a great dish for end of summer and fall. 

This recipe reduces pitta and vata, increases kapha.


Credit

Original recipe from New York Times Cooking section