Coconut Rice

My rice-hating little guy LOVES coconut rice. Actually, both kids love coconut -- coconut yogurt, coconut rice, coconut butter. And I have to admit that I love that its a healthy source of fat for them as they're so active sometimes its a struggle to get enough calories into them.

This is based on several coconut rice recipes, including this one at Steamy Kitchen, but I've improved things (at least in my opinion) but adding less sugar and more coconut. As well, I find that starting with only one cup of rice makes enough for 6 at my house; I guess we're just not big rice eaters.

1 tbsp butter
1 tbsp brown sugar
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup basmati rice
3/4 cup water
3/4 cup coconut milk (from a can and be sure to SHAKE WELL before opening)
1/2 cup unsweetened shredded (labelled "medium" here in Canada) coconut

Rinse the rice well under cold water and let drain.

In a medium pan with a tight-fitting lid, heat the butter, sugar and salt until they're nicely melted together. Add the rice and stir well. Add the water and coconut milk and bring mixture to a boil.

Cover and cook at a very low temperature for 20 minutes, then remove from heat and let sit for 10 minutes without opening the pot.

While the rice is resting, toast the coconut in a dry frying pan until it is quite brown.

Fluff the rice with a fork, stir in the coconut and serve.