Thursday, March 31, 2011

My Big Secret: Make-Ahead Coconut Rice

Food friends, I have a secret to tell you.

I never miss an episode of America's Next Top Model.

Okay, that secret just kind of snuck out. The secret I really meant to share is this: I don't cook that much during the week. I love being in the kitchen, but by the time I get home from work, my stomach is rumbling to the tune of "Born to Be Wild" and I just can't wait another minute to eat.

My options, then, are either to eat whatever's hanging around (pickles, cereal boxes) or to have pre-made meals that are ready to go.

Pre-made meals it is.

And here's one of my favorite make-aheads: coconut jasmine rice.

We eat a lot of rice. It's great with beans, with stir-fry, with a little salt and lotsa rooster sauce. But it takes a bit of time to cook. That's lame fact number one. Lame fact number two? Leftover rice is usually dry and crusty.

But not rice made with coconut milk. Which is why I love coconut jasmine rice. You don't get any fruity or tropical flavors from the milk -- just moisture and richness. So you can make your rice days ahead, and it's just as tasty on Thursday as it was on Monday. Not crusty. Not even a little.

There's no perfect formula, but on my last batch of rice, I mixed:

  • 2 cups jasmine rice, rinsed
  • 14 oz. coconut milk
  • 3 c. water
  • A little salt
Then I brought it all to a boil, covered it, turned it down and let it simmer for about 30 minutes. And that's that. Really good rice. Whenever you want it. So you don't have to eat cereal boxes.

Okay, I spilled my secret. So tell me:

What's your best tip for make-ahead meals?

What do you think about America's Next Top Model, the term "fierce" or noted fashion photographer Nigel Barker? Be honest, friends.

5 comments:

We Are Not Martha said...

Yum! I'm not a big rice eater, but when I do make it, I love it with coconut milk!

My sister never misses an episode of ANTM either :) I always make fun of her for it. hehe :)


Sues

Katie said...

As a lover of rice and beans, I will most certainly have to try this!

Ellen said...

I am going to have to try this as well... how did I not know of this secret/recipe?! Cooking rice in coconut milk?! ;) I love rice.

I'm not much for the "make-ahead" meals, though I'm trying to be. Our current life demands it... I'm still trying to figure out the world of "make-ahead" meals. Though, for starters, I am experimenting more with the crock pot to save time. I have found a lot of great recipes that we love and they've required little effort. I also have a friend who has been taking an hr or so every Sunday to prep all of their meals for a week and it's been working really well for her. Have mentioned all of this in greater detail on my blog if you're interested. I would most certainly love to hear more about your make-ahead meals if you have more great secrets to share... ;)

Shannon Riley said...

This looks great! And thanks for the comment on my blog. The cupcakes did turn out lemony, but not to lemony. :D

Liz That Skinny Chick Can Bake said...

Oh, this sounds fabulous! I think I bought all the ingredients to make something similar, but it never happened. Thanks for the delicious reminder :)