A month ago we were dining along the sandy beaches at the Victoria House in Belize. Surrounding the main resort were huge coconut trees giving off shade and providing the locals with fresh coconuts that would fall daily. We soon noticed that the locals not only incorporated these coconuts into drinks but used them with their cooking. One of my most memorable dishes, besides their black refried beans, was the coconut rice. It was usually paired as the side dish to accompany the fresh fish that was caught that day.

It’s amazing how something so simple like coconut rice can get you to fall in love with this forgotten side dish. We’ve always just filled up a pot of boiling water and then added the rice. By adding the coconut milk you bring a little sweetness to the overall dish. I also paired mine with cilantro, but you can omit, or just add parsley. This 5 Minute Coconut Rice is the perfect addition to a chicken or fish dish. It would also work with this Chicken Burrito (think Chipotle style).

We may not be heading back to Belize anytime soon, but I do know that I can enjoy some of my favorites in the comfort of my home.

ENJOY ~ Meagan

5 Minute Coconut Rice

Yield: 4+ servings

Prep Time: 2 minutes

Cook Time: 5 minutes

Total Time: 7 minutes

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Ingredients

• 1 13.5 ounce can coconut milk
• 1/3 cup water
• 1/2 teaspoon minced garlic
• 2 cups 5 minute white rice
• 2 tablespoons finely chopped cilantro

Instructions

Add coconut milk and water to a pot and bring to a boil.  Remove from the heat and stir in the minced garlic and rice.  Let it sit for 5 minutes and then stir in the cilantro.

Other rice recipes:
Coconut Rice – Steamy Kitchen
Coconut Rice with Raisins – A Zesty Bite