Coconut Rice

Description

Coconut Rice is a fragrant South Indian rice dish made with freshly grated coconut, tempered spices, and cooked rice. Often prepared during festivals, temple offerings, or as a lunchbox favorite, it is especially popular across Tamil Nadu and Kerala for its simplicity and rich coconut flavor.

Steamed rice is tossed with a tempering of mustard seeds, urad dal, dry red chilies, curry leaves, green chilies, and cashews sautéed in coconut oil. Freshly grated coconut is added and gently roasted before mixing with the rice. Some regional variations include a pinch of asafoetida or ginger for added aroma.

Coconut Rice is commonly served with pickle, papadam, or a simple vegetable curry, and continues to be a comforting staple across households in Coimbatore, Thiruvananthapuram, and Madurai, as well as among South Indian families in Mississauga, Brampton, and Scarborough.