Golden Rice Bliss: Creamy Coconut & Crispy Chickpeas!

Golden Rice Bliss: Creamy Coconut & Crispy Chickpeas!

Savor creamy coconut golden rice infused with turmeric and a hint of spice, topped with crispy chickpeas.

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Prep Time 35 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Servings: 6

Course: Main Course

Calories: 450

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 4 tablespoons salted butter (using vegan butter or olive oil, if desired)
• 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1 pinch crushed red pepper flakes
• 1 1/2 cups long grain rice, such as jasmine or basmati
• 1 (14 ounce) can full fat coconut milk
• 2-2 1/2 cups low sodium vegetable or chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more as needed
• 2 cups roughly torn greens such, as kale, chard, or spinach
• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1 (16 ounce) can chickpeas, drained and patted dry

Method

 

1. To make the rice. Melt the butter, turmeric, and crushed red pepper flakes in a medium pot over high heat. Add the rice and toss to coat. Stir in 1 1/2 cups of broth, the coconut milk, and a pinch of salt and bring to a boil. Add the greens on top of the rice, but do not stir. Place the lid on the pot and turn the heat down to the lowest setting possible. Allow the rice to cook ten minutes on low and then turn the heat off completely. Let the rice sit, covered, for another 10 minutes.
2. Meanwhile, make the chickpeas. Heat a large, high sided skillet over medium heat. Add the olive oil, chickpeas, garlic, shallots, ginger, and a pinch of red pepper flakes and salt. Cook, stirring occasionally until the chickpeas are crisped all over, about 8-10 minutes.
3. Add the coconut flakes and sesame seeds, tossing to combine. Cook 2 minutes, until toasted, remove from the heat.
4. When the rice is cooked, switch the heat onto low, add additional broth 1/2 cup at a time until the rice is creamy, but with just a touch of liquid.
5. Taste, adding salt as needed.
6. To serve, divide the rice among bowls and spoon the chickpeas overtop. Serve with naan, yogurt, and fresh mint or cilantro. Enjoy!

Notes

– Use good quality jasmine or basmati rice for the best texture.
– Don’t skip patting the chickpeas dry; this is key for crispiness.
– Adjust the spice level by adding more or less red pepper flakes.
– For extra flavor, consider adding minced garlic and ginger when cooking the chickpeas.

Allergens: Soybeans.

Nutrition information is an estimate, calculated automatically. Values vary with brands, substitutions and portion sizes.

The technique that makes it

The key to achieving perfectly cooked, fluffy golden rice lies in the initial toasting of the grains and the precise liquid-to-rice ratio. By toasting the rice in butter and spices before adding the liquids, you enhance its nutty flavor and prevent the grains from becoming mushy. The turmeric, infused into the butter, evenly coats each grain, ensuring a bright, consistent golden hue throughout the dish. The combination of coconut milk and broth creates a rich, creamy base that steams the rice gently. It’s crucial to use the correct amount of liquid; too little will result in undercooked, dry rice, while too much will lead to a gummy texture. The initial simmer allows the rice to absorb the flavorful liquid, and then a low, covered simmer is essential for even cooking without agitation, which can break the grains.

Troubleshooting

• Rice is mushy or gummy: This typically happens when there’s too much liquid or the rice was over-stirred during cooking. Ensure you’re using the recommended liquid-to-rice ratio and avoid stirring the rice once it’s simmering, especially after adding the coconut milk and broth. If it’s slightly gummy, gently fluff with a fork and let it rest, uncovered, for a few minutes to allow excess moisture to evaporate.
• Rice is undercooked and hard: This indicates insufficient liquid or cooking time. If the liquid has evaporated, add another 1/4 to 1/2 cup of hot broth or water, cover tightly, and continue cooking on low heat for another 10-15 minutes.
• Golden color is uneven: The turmeric may not have been evenly distributed or the rice wasn’t stirred sufficiently during the initial toasting phase. Ensure the turmeric is well-mixed with the butter before adding the rice, and stir the rice constantly for the first minute or two as it toasts to coat every grain.
• Crispy chickpeas are soggy: This is usually due to residual moisture or not cooking them at a high enough temperature. Ensure the chickpeas are thoroughly patted dry before tossing with olive oil and roasting. Roasting at 400°F (200°C) or higher until golden and crisp is key.

Substitutions

• Butter: For a vegan option or if you prefer a lighter flavor, substitute the salted butter with 4 tablespoons of olive oil or a vegan butter alternative. The flavor profile will be slightly different, but the cooking process remains the same.
• Coconut Milk: If you don’t have full-fat coconut milk, you can use light coconut milk or an equal amount of half-and-half or heavy cream. However, the richness and creamy texture will be diminished. For a dairy-free alternative that’s less rich, use unsweetened almond or soy milk, but be aware this will significantly alter the final flavor and texture.
• Broth: Low-sodium chicken broth can be used interchangeably with vegetable broth for a different flavor base. If you don’t have broth, water can be used, but the rice will lack depth of flavor. You may need to adjust the salt accordingly.
• Greens: Any sturdy greens like spinach, Swiss chard, or kale will work. For a milder flavor, baby spinach wilts quickly and can be added in the last minute of cooking. For heartier greens like kale, remove the tough stems and chop them finely before adding.

Pro tips

• Use good quality jasmine or basmati rice for the best texture.
• Don’t skip patting the chickpeas dry; this is key for crispiness.
• Adjust the spice level by adding more or less red pepper flakes.
• For extra flavor, consider adding minced garlic and ginger when cooking the chickpeas.

Enjoy this fresh and flavorful golden rice dish that’s sure to become a new favorite. Serve with your favorite accompaniments for a complete and delicious meal.

Try this next: Crispy Persian Rice (Tahdig) with Golden Chickpeas

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