Tongan Coconut Rice (Raisi Lolo)

Raisi lolo, or coconut rice, is the Pacific answer to plain steamed rice. Cooked entirely in coconut milk with a pinch of salt, it turns rich, creamy, and faintly sweet, and it shows up beside curries, lu dishes, and grilled fish all over Tonga. It is also a favorite lunch on its own with a fried egg or leftover meat on top.

What makes it great: each grain is plump and glossy, carrying a gentle coconut sweetness that makes everything it touches taste better. It is nearly effortless to make, uses pantry staples, and transforms a simple meal into something special.

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