We serve this creamy rice dish with grilled skewered shrimp and a spicy lime dipping sauce.

　　

Ingredients

serves 6

　　1 stalk fresh lemongrass, outer leaves peeled, 3-inch-long piece cut from root end and sliced in half lengthwise

　　2 cups unsweetened coconut milk

　　1 cup water

　　2 to 4 fresh or frozen kaffir lime leaves

　　2 teaspoons coarse salt

　　1 1/2 cups long-grain rice

　　1/4 cup slivered almonds, toasted

　　1/2 cup lightly packed fresh cilantro leaves, coarsely chopped, plus several sprigs for garnish

　　Freshly ground pepper

　　

Step 1

In a medium saucepan, combine the lemongrass, 1 3/4 cups coconut milk and the water, kaffir lime leaves, and salt. Heat over medium-high heat until the milk just begins to simmer. Stir in the rice, and reduce heat to a simmer. Cover; cook until the rice is tender, 20 to 25 minutes.

　　

Step 2

Stir in the nuts, cilantro, and remaining 1/4 cup coconut milk; season with pepper. Discard the lemongrass. Serve immediately, garnished with cilantro sprigs.

　　Reprinted with permission from The Martha Stewart Living Cookbook: The New Classics by Martha Stewart Living Magazine, copyright © 2007. Published by Clarkson Potter, a division of The Crown Publishing Group.Buy the full book from Amazon.