Arroz de Coco

About This Recipe

Arroz de coco is Mozambique's take on coconut rice, where jasmine rice absorbs coconut milk infused with a touch of cinnamon and vanilla. It's neither a pilaf nor a risotto, but something uniquely Mozambican — fluffy, creamy, and aromatic. Served alongside spiced stews, it's the perfect canvas for bold flavors. Rooted in the everyday cooking of Portuguese Mozambique kitchens, Arroz de Coco balances technique and tradition: the jasmine rice is treated with care, drawing on time-honoured ratios that locals have refined across generations. The dish carries an unmistakable sensory signature — aromas that fill the kitchen as it cooks, layered textures that reveal themselves bite by bite, and a depth of flavour that comes from patient seasoning rather than shortcuts. Whether served as a weeknight dinner or as the centrepiece of a celebratory table, it reflects a regional pantry where local produce, seasoning habits and cooking vessels shape the final result. Home cooks who make this dish often note how forgiving it is once the core method is understood, and how a few small choices — the freshness of the jasmine rice, the order of additions, the resting time at the end — separate a good version from a memorable one. This recipe walks through those choices so the dish arrives with the character it has on its home turf.

Ingredients

Serves 4

• 2 cupsjasmine rice
• 1.5 canscoconut milk (600ml)
• 1 cupwater
• 1 inchcinnamon stick
• 1 pinchvanilla extract
• 1 tspsalt

Instructions

1. 1

   Rinse rice

   Rinse rice under cold water until water runs clear.

2. 2

   Combine liquids

   In a pot, bring coconut milk, water, cinnamon, and salt to a boil.

3. 3

   Add rice

   Add rice, stir once, and reduce heat to low. Cover with a tight lid.

4. 4

   Cook

   Simmer 18-20 minutes until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed. Turn off heat, add vanilla, and let rest 5 minutes covered.

Variations

• •

  Add cardamom instead of cinnamon

• •

  Stir in toasted coconut flakes

• •

  Mix in lime zest for brightness

• •

  Vegetarian: replace the main protein with mushrooms, paneer, tofu or hearty beans for a meat-free version.

• •

  Spicier: add fresh chilli, a chilli paste or a pinch of cayenne with the aromatics for a warmer profile.

Storage

Refrigerate up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of water. Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat with a splash of water or stock to loosen, or microwave at 60% power covered so it warms without drying. Freezes well for up to 2 months in portioned containers; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Dishes built on dairy or fried elements may shift in texture after freezing — refresh with a crisp garnish.

Frequently Asked Questions