Hawaiian Luau Rice Dish (Print Version)

A tropical mix of coconut, pineapple, and savory ham in a flavorful rice dish perfect for summer.

# Ingredients:

Rice

01 - 1 cup basmati rice or 2 cups cooked leftover rice
02 - 1.5 cups water (omit if using cooked rice)

Fats and Oils

03 - 2 tablespoons coconut oil

Vegetables and Aromatics

04 - ½ cup chopped onion
05 - 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger or ¼ teaspoon ground dried ginger
06 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
07 - 1 cup chopped fresh or canned pineapple
08 - 2 tablespoons chopped green onions (optional garnish)

Protein

09 - ½ cup thinly sliced ham (or spam or fresh ham)

Nuts and Seeds

10 - ½ cup shredded desiccated coconut (toasted)
11 - Toasted crushed macadamia nuts (optional garnish)

Seasonings

12 - 1 teaspoon gluten-free chicken powder (or crushed chicken bouillon), to taste
13 - ¼ teaspoon white pepper, or to taste

# Instructions:

01 - Rinse 1 cup basmati rice thoroughly. Add rice and 1.5 cups water to a pan, cover, and simmer for 12 minutes. Remove from heat and let stand covered for 10 minutes. Fluff with a fork, allow to cool, and refrigerate overnight. Alternatively, use 2 cups leftover cooked rice.
02 - In a dry non-stick skillet, toast shredded coconut until golden brown. Set aside.
03 - Toast macadamia nuts in a dry pan until fragrant and lightly browned. Chop coarsely and set aside. This step is optional.
04 - Heat coconut oil in a pan over medium heat. Sauté chopped onion, garlic, and ginger until aromatic. Add sliced ham and cook briefly until lightly golden.
05 - Add cooled cooked rice, chicken powder, and white pepper to the pan. Stir quickly to evenly coat rice with coconut oil and seasoning.
06 - Stir in pineapple, green onions, and toasted coconut. Cook briefly just until warmed through. Reserve some toasted coconut and green onions for garnish.
07 - Plate the rice mixture and garnish with toasted crushed macadamia nuts, reserved toasted coconut, and green onions. Serve immediately.

# Notes:

01 - Cold leftover rice is ideal to prevent clumping. Use gluten-free chicken bouillon if following a gluten-free diet. Toasting the coconut and nuts enhances flavor. Fresh or canned pineapple may be used interchangeably.