Mupunga Unedovi - Zimbabwean Coconut Rice

Ingredients

• 2 cups (470ml) coconut milk 2 cups (470ml) coconut milk
• 1 cup (200g) basmati rice 1 cup (200g) basmati rice
• 1 cinnamon stick 1 cinnamon stick
• 2 cloves 2 cloves
• 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 320 kcal / 1340 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 20g, 18g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 32g, 1g
• Protein: 4g
• Fiber: 1g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Rinse the basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear.
2. 2.
   In a medium-sized pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat.
3. 3.
   Add the cinnamon stick and cloves to the pot and sauté for a minute to release their flavors.
4. 4.
   Add the rinsed rice to the pot and stir to coat it with the oil and spices.
5. 5.
   Pour in the coconut milk and add salt. Stir well.
6. 6.
   Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pot with a lid.
7. 7.
   Simmer for 15-20 minutes or until the rice is cooked and the liquid is absorbed.
8. 8.
   Remove the pot from heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes.
9. 9.
   Fluff the rice with a fork before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Basmati rice — Rinse the rice thoroughly to remove excess starch and achieve a fluffier texture.
• Coconut milk — Shake the can of coconut milk well before using to ensure the cream and liquid are well combined.

Tips & Tricks

• For a richer flavor, toast the rice in the pot before adding the coconut milk.
• Add a pinch of turmeric for a vibrant yellow color.
• Serve with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for a tangy twist.
• Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro or parsley for added freshness.
• Leftover Mupunga Unedovi can be refrigerated and reheated the next day.

Serving advice

Serve Mupunga Unedovi as a side dish alongside Zimbabwean stews, grilled meats, or vegetable curries. It can also be enjoyed on its own as a comforting main dish.

Presentation advice

Fluff the rice with a fork before serving to showcase its light and fluffy texture. Serve it in a decorative bowl or on a platter garnished with fresh herbs for an appealing presentation.