Wash rice several times if using imported rice. Place rice in large pot or rice cooker with coconut milk, lemongrass stick, bay leaves and salt. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover and cook until all moisture is absorbed, 18 to 20 minutes. Remove lemongrass stick and bay leaves.

Cover and let rice sit 5 to 10 minutes before serving. It should be soft but fluffy. Makes 6 cups.

Intro: prepared by the Wives of Indonesian Civil Servants, a women's organization known as Dharma Wanita.