Cook Coconut Milk Pulao Like a Bangladeshi Pro!

Coconut milk pulao is a one-pot dish featuring aromatic spices such as cinnamon sticks, turmeric, star anise, cardamom seeds, garlic, bay leaves, cloves, and coriander leaves. The infusion of coconut milk into the rice makes it particularly delicious.

Like jollof rice from West Africa, coconut milk pulao is popular in Bangladesh. Due to its simplicity, people refer to it as the bachelor’s recipe. Even men who are new to the kitchen can prepare this meal following the instructions in this guide. 

You can prepare coconut milk pulao for dinner for family, friends, and any gathering.

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Background and Origin

Coconut milk pulao is a traditional dish in West and South India, including Bangladesh, Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Turkey. These countries often serve it on special occasions. 

The dish is a combination of recipes from India, Northern Africa, and the Caribbean.

Today, the recipe is popular worldwide and can be prepared for lunch and dinner anytime, anywhere.

Let’s get started with the recipe! 

How to Prepare Authentic Coconut Milk Pulao 

Key Ingredients

• 2 tbsp ghee: a healthy oil that is excellent for digestion. Ghee is also beneficial to the skin, helps in weight loss, and supports a healthy heart.
• 15 cashew nuts: Consuming cashew nuts strengthens your bones and skin and improves eyesight. It also regulates blood sugar and weight loss.
• 1 cinnamon stick: helps with menstrual cramps and reduces glucose. Moreover, you can rely on cinnamon to fight inflammation. 
• 6 cloves: They have beneficial nutrients that improve the liver, kill bacteria, and regulate blood sugar. 
• 2 Bay leaves: another herb that helps the heart, fights inflammation, and reduces stress.
• 4 cardamom seeds: these seeds freshen your breath and help lower blood pressure. They also ease morning sickness. 
• 1 Star anise: Star anise may boost your weight-loss journey because it increases metabolism and digestion. Adding star anise to your diet is a great way to stay hydrated and reduce cravings for sugary or high-calorie drinks.
• 2 onions, chopped: contains dietary fiber that helps in digestion. Onions contain antioxidants and anti-cancer compounds. 
• 1 tsp garlic paste: Garlic contains allicin, an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compound. Health benefits may include boosting immunity, lowering blood pressure, and improving heart health.
• 1 tsp ginger paste: Adding ginger to your meal encourages efficient digestion, so food doesn’t stay longer in the gut.
• 6 long hot peppers (jalapeño): a good source of vitamin C and weight loss.
• 1 tomato, cut: rich in nutrients that protect the skin and heart and help in digestion. 
• ¼ tsp turmeric powder: If you have joint pains, adding turmeric to your diet will help ease the pain. It also boosts your immunity and lowers heart disease. 
• 2 cups coconut milk: It’s healthy for the heart. It helps lower blood pressure and improves hair growth.
• 1 ½ cups Basmati rice: gluten-free and aids digestion. It also helps reduce allergy risk and promote hair growth.
• Coriander leaves: They contain essential vitamins such as vitamin K, which help lower heart disease.
• ¼ tsp sea salt

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Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Heat the ghee in a cooking pot on low heat. Fry the cashew nuts for 2 minutes and scoop them out. 
2. Put the cinnamon stick and cloves into the pot of hot ghee. Add the bay leaves, star anise, and cardamom. Fry the spices for a minute, then add the onions.
3. Sauté the mixture for 3 minutes, stirring it consistently. Add the ginger and garlic paste.
4. Stir and fry for 2 minutes. Add the peppers and tomato, whole. Stir and add the salt.
5. Hop in the turmeric powder. Allow the sauce to cook until the tomatoes soften. 
6. Pour in the coconut milk. Mix and bring to a boil on medium heat.
7. Wash and soak the rice for 15 minutes. Sieve and add the rice to the boiling coconut milk sauce.
8. Close the pot and cook on low heat for 20 minutes.
9. Put the fire off, add the cashew nuts and coriander leaves, and serve.

Coconut milk pulao by Riz Food Court–YouTube

Tips for Preparing Coconut Milk Pulao

• Serve along with beef, chicken curry, or vegetables.
• Always serve hot.
• Don’t overcook so you can achieve a crunchy feel. 

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Conclusion

Coconut milk pulao is a perfect choice if you’re looking for a quick and healthy meal for yourself, family, or friends. You can follow these guides for the ideal Bangladesh meal or add other vegetables for versatility.