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Coconut Pilau

Yields6 ServingsPrep Time20 minsCook Time30 minsTotal Time50 mins

Rich, aromatic Tanzanian pilau infused with spices and creamy coconut milk.

A plate of creamy Tanzanian coconut pilau with garnish

Main Ingredients
 2 cups basmati rice, rinsed and soaked for 20 minutes
 2 tbsp vegetable oil or ghee
 1 large onion, thinly sliced
 4 cloves garlic, minced
 1 inch piece of ginger, minced
 1 ½ tsp ground cumin
 1 tsp ground coriander
 1 tsp ground cinnamon
 1 tsp black pepper
 1 tsp cardamom powder (or crushed pods)
 1 tsp turmeric
 2 bay leaves
 1 ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
 2 cups coconut milk (full-fat for richness)
 2 cups water or broth (beef/chicken/vegetable)
 Optional garnish: chopped fresh coriander or fried onions
Directions
1

Heat oil or ghee in a heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add sliced onions and sauté until deeply golden brown—this adds depth and sweetness.

2

Add garlic and ginger and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in cumin, coriander, cinnamon, pepper, cardamom, turmeric, and bay leaves. Cook for 1–2 minutes to toast the spices.

3

Drain soaked rice and stir it into the pot, coating it well with the spiced onion mixture. Cook for 1–2 minutes. Pour in coconut milk and water/broth. Add salt and stir gently.

4

Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover tightly and simmer for about 18–20 minutes, or until the rice is fully cooked and liquid is absorbed.

5

Turn off the heat and let the pilau rest for 5 minutes with the lid on. Then gently fluff with a fork.

6

Serve warm, optionally garnished with chopped coriander or crispy fried onions. Pair with kachumbari (tomato-onion salad) or a meat stew.

Notes

Tanzanian coconut pilau is a rich, aromatic dish infused with spices and creamy coconut milk. It's a popular dish especially served during holidays, weddings, or family gatherings across coastal East Africa.

Nutrition Facts

6 servings

Serving size

1

Amount per serving
Calories390
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 14g18%
Sodium 400mg18%
Total Carbohydrate 58g22%

Dietary Fiber 2g8%
Total Sugars 3g
Protein 6g
Vitamin A 18mcg2%
Iron 1.7mg10%
Potassium 240mg6%

* The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.