Rice is a staple food in most African and Asian homes. If you do not want to make rice a boring food for little ones you need to be creative with it. I have different ways of making rice enjoyable for my kids, and one of them is this toasted coconut rice I want to share with you.

I love coconut. I think I have initiated my kids into the coconutty club. When I want to develop a recipe, I always look for ways to add coconut to it. You can check this coconut jollof rice for a picky eater.

This coconut rice is everything your kids need to satisfy their taste buds; they are going to love it if they enjoy eating rice.

I made this rice with Ofada rice {unpolished rice} is called Matta rice in India; you can get the rice from any Asian store near you. Do not limit it to ofada rice, you can use any rice you have.

All ingredients in the rice are easy to source except for my original homemade spice, you can substitute that with your favorite spice or bouillon cube.

Ofada rice is rich in minerals like magnesium, phosphorus, zinc, and folate; and vitamins like A, C, and E. It is rich in fiber which improves gut health. To easily digest the nutrients in ofada rice, you need to soak it for 8 hours or overnight.

I hope your little one will like the rice dish as much as we enjoyed it.

Serve 3 kids and 2 adults with leftovers.

INGREDIENTS

3 cups rice

3 cups/1.5-liter coconut milk

2 cups of chicken stock

2 tablespoons butter

3 tablespoon coconut oil

1 bulb onion

3 cloves of garlic

1 tablespoon rice spice or spice of choice to taste

Salt to taste

1 teaspoon thyme

1 big bay leaf

1/2 or 1 cup of peas

1/2 or 1 cup diced carrot

1 diced de-seed habanero pepper

DIRECTION

1. Soak rice for 8 hours or overnight. Afterward, rinse thoroughly and drain.
2. Chop onion and garlic.
3. Place a large pot on a medium-lighted stove. Add the oil and let it up.
4. Add the chopped onion, garlic, bay leaf, thyme, habanero, and spice or bouillon cube. Let it release the aroma for 2 minutes.
5. Pour the drained rice into the pot and start mixing continuously.
6. When you notice the rice is toasted or dry, add the coconut milk and salt. Mix well and cover the pot.
7. Cook the rice for 28 minutes or until the water dries. Add the peas and diced carrots. Turn off the heat immediately after adding the peas and carrots.
8. Cover the pot so the carrot and peas can steam in the rice. Leave it on the stove for a few minutes.
9. Serve with your kid’s favorite protein.

Drop a comment below this blog post, I will be glad to hear from you.

If you make this recipe let me know by tagging me on Instagram.