Savory Coconut Rice

Ingredients

• 3 Tbsp coconut oil or clarified butter
• 1 cup finely chopped onion
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 1/4 teaspoons Kosher salt
• 1/8 teaspoon cayenne
• 2 cups basmati long grain rice
• 1/2 cup grated, unsweetened coconut
• 2 cups unsweetened coconut water
• 1 3/4 cups plain water
• 3 cardamom pods
• 5 whole cloves
• 1 stick cinnamon

Directions

1. Warm the coconut oil or clarified butter in a medium sauté pan with a lid over medium low heat. Stir in the finely chopped onion and cook until it turns golden, 8 to 10 minutes. Add the garlic, cayenne and salt, then cook for another minute.
2. Add the rice to the pan and stir well so the grains are coated in the oil or butter. Cook for 3 more minutes, giving it an occasional stir.
3. Mix the grated coconut into the rice and onion, then pour in the coconut water and the water. Add the cardamom pods, cloves and cinnamon, and raise the heat until the mixture comes to a simmer.
4. Turn the heat down to low, put the lid on the pan and let the rice cook gently for 15 minutes. Take the pan off the heat and leave it covered so the rice can steam in the remaining warmth for 10 more minutes.
5. Uncover the pan and take out the cardamom pods, cloves and cinnamon. Fluff the rice with a fork.