Coconut Purple Rice Steamed in Shell
A fragrant and colorful dish where sticky purple rice is mixed with sweet red dates, raisins, and tender lotus seeds, then steamed inside a fresh coconut until perfectly fluffy and aromatic.
Story
This stunning dish brings together the earthy sweetness of purple glutinous rice with the tropical aroma of fresh coconut. The rice absorbs all the coconut flavor during steaming, while the red dates and raisins add delightful pockets of sweetness throughout.
Ingredients
purple glutinous rice
1.5 cups
dried lotus seeds
1/4 cup
red beans
1/4 cup
red dates
6-8 pieces
raisins
1/4 cup
fresh coconut
1 whole
water
for soaking and steaming
Instructions
1
Soak the grains
Place the purple glutinous rice, lotus seeds, and red beans in a large bowl. Cover with plenty of water and let them soak overnight or for at least 8 hours. This ensures they cook through evenly and become tender.
2
Prepare the fruits
While the grains soak, prep the red dates. Slice each one in half and carefully remove the pit, then cut into small pieces. Give the raisins a quick rinse under cold water and set aside.
3
Drain and combine
Drain the soaked rice mixture well. Transfer to a mixing bowl and add the chopped red dates and rinsed raisins. Toss everything together until evenly distributed.
4
Prepare the coconut
Cut through the top of the fresh coconut to create an opening. Carefully pour out about half of the coconut water (save it for drinking or another use). Make sure the rice will fit inside with room to expand.
5
Fill and steam
Spoon the rice mixture into the prepared coconut shell. Place the cut top back on as a lid. Set up a steam basket or large pot with boiling water. Place the coconut in the steamer and cover. Steam for about 90 minutes, checking occasionally that the water doesn't run dry. The rice is done when it's fully tender and absorbs the coconut aroma.
6
Serve warm
Carefully remove the steamed coconut from the steamer (it will be hot!). Let it rest for 5 minutes, then open and serve directly from the shell. Spoon the fragrant rice onto plates and enjoy warm.
