West Indian Kedgeree (Coconut Curry Rice With Cod)

Published July 16, 2024

West Indian Kedgeree (Coconut Curry Rice With Cod)
Rachel Vanni for The New York Times. Food Stylist: Barrett Washburne.
Total Time
45 minutes
Prep Time
10 minutes
Cook Time
35 minutes
Rating
5(532)
Comments
Read comments

Rice plumped in spiced coconut milk, delicate steamed cod and fudgy egg yolks unite in this tropical take on kedgeree. A British derivative of South Asia’s ever popular khichdi, kedgeree keeps the golden spiced rice and swaps lentils for fish in a dish that’s one of many culinary byproducts of England’s former colonization of India. This interpretation begs for yet another leap across the ocean to the West Indies, where coconuts, scallions and curry abound. Traditionally, kedgeree calls for smoked haddock, but fresh cod is milder and requires less preparation, saving cleanup time. Salting the cod ahead of time lightly cures it, enhancing flavor and texture and giving a nod to salt cod, a popular ingredient in the West Indies. 

  • or to save this recipe.

  • Subscriber benefit: give recipes to anyone
    As a subscriber, you have 10 gift recipes to give each month. Anyone can view them - even nonsubscribers. Learn more.
    Subscribe
  • Print Options


Advertisement


Ingredients

Yield:4 servings
  • ¾pound cod fillets, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 1cup basmati rice
  • 1medium red onion, thinly sliced
  • 2tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1tablespoon curry powder, preferably Caribbean 
  • 1cup unsweetened coconut milk
  • ½cup frozen peas 
  • 2large eggs
  • Thinly sliced scallions and lime wedges, for garnishing
Ingredient Substitution Guide
Nutritional analysis per serving (4 servings)

482 calories; 22 grams fat; 13 grams saturated fat; 0 grams trans fat; 7 grams monounsaturated fat; 2 grams polyunsaturated fat; 47 grams carbohydrates; 3 grams dietary fiber; 3 grams sugars; 24 grams protein; 660 milligrams sodium

Note: The information shown is Edamam’s estimate based on available ingredients and preparation. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.

Powered by
Cooking Newsletter illustration

Opt out or contact us anytime. See our Privacy Policy.

Opt out or contact us anytime. See our Privacy Policy.

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Season the cod generously with salt and pepper on all sides. Refrigerate until ready to use.

  2. Step 2

    Rinse the rice until the water runs clear. Drain and set aside.

  3. Step 3

    Reserve a small handful of onion for garnishing. Heat a large sauté pan or high-sided skillet over medium. Add the olive oil and swirl to coat the pan. Add the curry powder and allow to bloom in the oil, stirring, for 15 seconds, then add the onion and season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring often, for 4 to 5 minutes, until softened with some golden brown edges.

  4. Step 4

    Add the rice and stir for 1 minute, until thoroughly coated in the spice mixture and toasted. Stir in the coconut milk and ¾ cup water and bring to a boil. Season with salt and pepper, cover, adjust heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes.

  5. Step 5

    Add the cod in a single layer followed by the frozen peas. Cover and cook for 8 to 10 minutes, until all the liquid is absorbed and the cod is just cooked through. Turn off the heat and let steam for 5 minutes.

  6. Step 6

    While the rice steams, boil the eggs: Bring a small pot of water to a boil. Gently lower the eggs into the water, adjust heat to maintain a simmer and simmer for 9 minutes. Run under cold water, peel and quarter the eggs.

  7. Step 7

    Fluff the rice with a fork. Garnish with the jammy eggs, sliced scallions, reserved red onions and a generous squeeze of lime juice.

Ratings

5 out of 5
532 user ratings
Your rating

or to rate this recipe.

Have you cooked this?

or to mark this recipe as cooked.

Private Notes

Leave a Private Comment on this recipe and see it here.

Comments

Outstanding. Made my own Jamaican curry powder (recipes online); subbed halibut for cod; added several sliced garlic cloves and julienned ginger; almost doubled the peas; topped with chopped cilantro, red onion, and lime. The first time I've made a curry reminiscent of curries in the Caribbean.

Why would you use olive oil? Seems to me that that flavor would be incompatible with the coconut milk. Whenever I make a coconut milk dish I use coconut oil.

This is OK as a simple weekday dinner. I concur with other comments that it was not very flavorful. Of course, this depends on the freshness and quality of the curry powder, but 1 Tbsp seems inadequate to season this dish. I used good-quality Indian curry powder but added allspice, cardamom, and a little cloves to shift the flavor profile towards the Caribbean. If I make it again I would add fresh ginger and garlic, maybe other spices, and perhaps use a more flavorful fish.

@Mark Lynn it might be that you're using light coconut milk vs regular. you can also upgrade to coconut cream if you want the coconut to stand on its own. (not the same as creamed coconut which is the fat and meat of the coconut)

Very delicious! My son even preferred it as spaghetti sauce instead of marinara :D

I made this with Jamaican curry powder and it’s delicious! Very fragrant with just a little heat.

Private comments are only visible to you.

Advertisement

or to save this recipe.