RECIPE

Toasted-Coconut Basmati Rice

• Recipe by Melissa Rubel Jacobson

To make this recipe easier, buy steamed basmati rice from an Indian restaurant.

• Fast
• Healthy
• Vegetarian

Ingredients

1. 4 1/2 cups water
2. 4 ounces basmati rice (2 1/4 cups)
3. 1 tablespoon kosher salt
4. 3 cardamom pods, gently crushed
5. 3/4 cup slivered almonds
6. 3/4 cup shredded unsweetened coconut

Directions

1. In a large saucepan, bring the water to a boil. Stir in the rice, salt and cardamom pods and cover. Reduce the heat to low and cook for 15 minutes without removing the lid. Remove the saucepan from the heat and let stand, covered, for 5 minutes.
2. Meanwhile, in a medium skillet, toast the almonds over moderate heat, stirring, until golden, about 5 minutes. Transfer to a plate to cool. In the same skillet, toast the coconut until golden, about 4 minutes. Transfer to the plate with the almonds.
3. Using a fork, fluff the rice. Remove the cardamom pods. Stir the toasted almonds and coconut into the rice and serve.