Thai Coconut Rice

Ingredients

• 1 cup jasmine rice

• 1 cup coconut milk (full-fat for the best flavor)

• 1 cup water

• 1-2 tablespoons sugar (optional, depending on your sweetness preference)

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1-2 kaffir lime leaves (optional, for additional fragrance) ** See Tips

• Fresh cilantro or toasted sesame seeds (for garnish, optional)

Directions

1. Rinse the Rice:

   1. Rinse the jasmine rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This removes excess starch and prevents the rice from becoming too sticky.

2. Combine Ingredients:

   1. In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed rice, coconut milk, water, sugar, and salt. If using kaffir lime leaves, tear them into pieces and add them to the pot.

3. Bring to a Boil:

   1. Place the saucepan over medium-high heat and bring the mixture to a gentle boil, stirring occasionally to ensure the sugar dissolves and the rice doesn’t stick to the bottom.

4. Simmer:

   1. Once the mixture reaches a boil, reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan with a tight-fitting lid, and let it simmer for about 15-18 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed the liquid. Avoid lifting the lid during this time to ensure even cooking.

5. Rest:

   1. Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the rice sit, covered, for an additional 5-10 minutes. This allows the rice to finish steaming and ensures a fluffy texture.

6. Fluff and Serve:

   1. Remove the kaffir lime leaves (if used), fluff the rice with a fork, and serve warm. Garnish with fresh cilantro or toasted sesame seeds if desired.

Tips for Perfect Thai Coconut Rice:

• Rice Choice: Jasmine rice is ideal for this recipe due to its fragrant aroma and slightly sticky texture, which complements the coconut milk.

• Coconut Milk: Use full-fat coconut milk for a richer, creamier texture. Light coconut milk can be used but may result in a less creamy rice.

• Sweetness: Adjust the amount of sugar based on your taste preference. Traditional Thai coconut rice often has a slight sweetness, but you can omit or reduce the sugar if you prefer a more savory dish.

• Flavor Enhancements: Kaffir lime leaves add a wonderful fragrance and subtle citrusy flavor. If you can’t find them, you can also add a small piece of fresh ginger or lemongrass for additional flavor.