Ingredients:
- Raw rice (short grain or samba rice) - 1 cup
- Coconut milk - 1½ cups (thick)
- Water - 1 cup (adjust based on the rice variety)
- Salt - ½ tsp (or to taste)
- Cinnamon stick - 1 small piece (optional)
- Cardamom - 1 pod (optional)
- Ghee or butter - 1 tbsp (optional, for a richer flavor)
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Rice
- Rinse the rice thoroughly in cold water to remove excess starch. Drain well.
- In a medium-sized pot, add the washed rice, water, cinnamon stick, and cardamom (if using).
- Bring it to a boil and cook the rice on medium heat until the water is absorbed (about 10-12 minutes). If using samba rice, it may take slightly longer.
Step 2: Add Coconut Milk
- Once the water is absorbed and the rice is cooked, add the coconut milk and salt to the pot.
- Stir gently to combine.
- Cook over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally, for 5-10 minutes, until the rice becomes soft and the coconut milk is fully absorbed into the rice. The rice should have a creamy texture but not be too runny.
Step 3: Optional Enrichments
- Add ghee or butter for a richer, slightly buttery flavor (optional). Stir it through the rice.
- Remove from heat and let the milk rice sit for a few minutes before serving.
Step 4: Serve
- Transfer the milk rice onto a flat surface, such as a plate or a tray, and flatten it with a spoon or spatula to form a uniform layer.
- Cut the milk rice into squares or diamond-shaped pieces.
Serve with:
- Lunu Sambol (spicy onion sambol)
- Banana
- Pol Sambol (coconut sambol)
- Sri Lankan curry (like fish curry or potato curry)
Tips:
- Consistency: If you prefer your kiribath a bit more creamy, you can add a little more coconut milk during cooking.
- Flavor Variations: Some people like adding a pinch of saffron or a little sugar to make the dish sweeter, depending on personal taste.
- Rice Options: While traditional Kiribath is made with short-grain rice, you can use any rice variety that you prefer. The key is to make sure the rice is sticky enough to hold together.
Enjoy your delicious, traditional Sri Lankan Kiribath (Milk Rice)! 🍚🥥✨