Name: Kiribath (Coconut Milk Rice)
Yield: Serves 4
Ingredients: 500g (1lb 2oz / 2 1⁄3 cups) white rice (basmati or patna); 1 litre (about 35 fl oz/4 ¼ cups) water; 2 tsp salt; 400ml (14 fl oz / 1 2⁄3 cups) coconut milk; butter, for greasing

Photograph of a kiribath recipe cut into diamonds served with sambol.

It’s a humble combination of two everyday ingredients, but Kiribath has enormous significance in Sri Lanka—it’s cooked by the Sinhalese to mark the new year in April, and on other special occasions that celebrate new beginnings.

Recipe notes

See Related Recipes and Cooking Tips

59 Diwali Recipes for a Bright, Festive, and Sweet Holiday
Whether you're looking for the classics—such as gulab jamun, carrot halwa, and jalebi—or you're interested in finding some new dishes to add to your Diwali feast, these recipes will satisfy your sweet tooth *and* ensure you get something savory to eat, too.
77 Ways to Use a Can of Coconut Milk
Rich, versatile canned coconut milk plays a central role in many curries—but that's just the beginning of what this pantry superstar can do.
Eating Breakfast at Your Desk Doesn't Have to Be Sad
And no, we don't just mean a coffee.
41 Kid-Friendly Recipes From Around the World
We traveled the planet in search of dinners no kid would ever complain about.

Green Curry Mussels

The mussels here add their beautiful, briny juices into the curry, which turn this into a stunning and spectacular dish.

Black Sesame Tofu “Basque” Cheesecake

There are many things that appeal about a Basque cheesecake—it's crustless (one less job) and is meant to look “rustic” with its wrinkled and jagged sides.

Rotisserie Chicken Congee

Leftover rotisserie chicken finds new purpose in this endlessly comforting dish.

Smoky Tofu Shakshuka

This vegan version of the classic North African scramble uses soft silken tofu instead of eggs without any sacrifice of flavor.

Grape Dumplings

Native American people made these with cornmeal dumplings, simmering them with wild grapes, which were harvested at their peak sweetness.

Dulce de Leche

Make this versatile caramel at home with our slow-simmered method using milk and sugar—or take one of two sweetened condensed milk shortcuts.

Southern Thai Fried Chicken (Gai Tod Hat Yai)

This is one of the best fried chickens ever. From southern Thailand, gai hat yai is known for its crispy skin, great aromatics, and super juicy meat.

Moo Ping (Thai Grilled Pork Skewers)

This version of pork skewers is made in the oven, which tastes just as good, but you could always throw these on the grill for a version closer to the original.

Recipe notes

59 Diwali Recipes for a Bright, Festive, and Sweet Holiday

77 Ways to Use a Can of Coconut Milk

Eating Breakfast at Your Desk Doesn't Have to Be Sad

41 Kid-Friendly Recipes From Around the World