BLACK RICE AND COCONUT MILK RECIPES

Steps:

• Rinse and drain rice, place in a large saucepan.
• Add water to cover rice. Remove any rice grains that float to the top.
• Bring to a boil over high heat, then lower heat to just keep a simmer.
• Simmer about 45 minutes, uncovered, stirring occasionally, until rice is tender. Add more water if needed, or pour some off. You want the water level to be just below the level of the rice.
• Add coconut milk, sugar, and salt, and continue cooking until a pudding consistency is reached.
• Sprinkle shredded coconut over top, if desired. Serve warm.

Steps:

• Ingredient Info: Unsweetened flaked organic coconut is available at natural foods and specialty foods stores. Black rice, also known as Forbidden Rice, is sold at natural foods and specialty foods stores and some supermarkets. Lemongrass can be found at Asian markets and in the produce section of some supermarkets.
• Preheat oven to 350°. Spread out coconut on a small rimmed baking sheet and toast, stirring occasionally, until golden, about 5 minutes; let cool. Do Ahead: Coconut can be toasted up to 3 days ahead. Cover and keep at room temperature.
• Combine rice, lemongrass, if using, ginger, salt, and 1¾ cups water in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, and cook, covered, until liquid is absorbed and rice is tender, 30–35 minutes. Remove from heat and discard ginger and lemongrass; fluff rice with a fork. Cover and set aside 5 minutes. Reserve ½ cup rice for Chicken, Mango, and Black Rice Salad. Serve rice topped with toasted coconut.