This quick and easy dish combines fluffy rice, creamy coconut milk, and your favourite Nigerian flavours for a satisfying meal that’s perfect for lunch, dinner, or even a late-night snack.
So grab your ingredients, fire up the stove, and let’s get cooking!
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked long-grain rice
- 1 can (400ml) full-fat coconut milk
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 small carrot, diced
- 1/2 cup frozen peas
- 1 scotch bonnet pepper, diced (optional, adjust for spice preference)
- 1 tsp curry powder
- 1/2 tsp thyme leaves
- 1/2 tsp ground ginger
- Seasoning
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Chopped fresh parsley or cilantro, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
1. Heat the oil: In a large pan or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat until shimmering.
2. Sauté the aromatics: Add the onion and garlic, and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
3. Add the vegetables: Toss in the bell peppers, carrot, and scotch bonnet pepper (if using). Stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes, until the vegetables are slightly softened but still crisp.
4. Incorporate the spices: Add the curry powder, thyme leaves, and ginger. Stir well for 30 seconds, allowing the spices to release their aroma.
5. Add coconut milk: Pour in the coconut milk and bring it to a simmer. Season generously with salt and pepper.
6. Rice time: Add the cooked rice and gently fold it into the mixture, ensuring all the rice is coated with the coconut milk and spices. Cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the rice is heated through and the flavours have blended.
7. Put peas in: Stir in the frozen peas and cook for another minute, just until they are heated through.
8. Taste and adjust: Give it a taste test and adjust seasoning as needed with additional salt, pepper, or a squeeze of lime juice.
9. Garnish and serve: Serve your coconut fried rice and garnish with chopped fresh parsley or cilantro, if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!
Tips and variations
- For a richer flavour, use toasted coconut oil instead of vegetable oil.
- Add protein like shredded chicken, shrimp, or tofu for a more substantial meal.-
- Experiment with other vegetables like green beans, corn kernels, or chopped cabbage.
- Adjust the spice level by adding more or less scotch bonnet pepper.
- Serve with your favourite side dishes like fried dodo.
This content was created with the help of an AI model and verified by the writer.