When I think of summer days spent by the beach, my mind drifts to a vibrant dish that captures the essence of sunshine and tropical flavors. The inspiration for this Spiced Coconut Rice with Mango Salsa came one afternoon while I was reminiscing about a trip to a luscious island. The salty sea breeze, the colorful markets bursting with fresh fruit, and the warm, inviting aroma of coconut rice wafting through the air made me crave a dish that would whisk me back to that moment. This recipe is my tribute to those blissful days, perfect for any occasion!
Ingredients
1 cup jasmine rice
1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
1 cup water
1 tsp salt
1 tsp turmeric powder
1 tsp cumin seeds
1 tbsp olive oil
1 ripe mango, diced
1/2 red bell pepper, diced
1/4 red onion, finely chopped
1 jalapeño, seeds removed and diced (optional)
Juice of 1 lime
Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Begin by rinsing the jasmine rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This helps remove excess starch, ensuring your rice is light and fluffy. In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed rice, coconut milk, water, salt, turmeric, and cumin seeds. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat.
Once it reaches a boil, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and allow the rice to simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender. After cooking, remove from heat and let it sit for an additional 5 minutes, still covered. Fluff the rice with a fork, and stir in the olive oil for an extra rich flavor.
While the rice is resting, prepare the mango salsa. In a medium bowl, combine the diced mango, red bell pepper, red onion, and jalapeño. Squeeze in the fresh lime juice and season with salt and pepper to taste. Gently toss the mixture together, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
To serve, place a generous scoop of the spiced coconut rice on a plate and top it with a hearty spoonful of the mango salsa. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves for a pop of color and flavor. The warm, aromatic rice pairs perfectly with the sweet and zesty salsa, creating a delightful balance that will transport you to a sun-soaked paradise with every bite.
Enjoy this dish as a side or a main course, and let the flavors of the tropics brighten your day!