Drink Up!Yes, yes, we all know about Piña Coladas, but you can do so much more with coconut milk. It is an ideal base for extra-creamy beverages, whether you want something cool or cozy. I recently tried a drink made with
almond milk, coconut milk, a dash of
vanilla essence, ground
cinnamon and maple syrup, and it was nothing short of spectacular. You can even make shots and shooters with lemon juice, ginger beer, coconut milk and vodka for your next party and wow your guests. Or start your day with a coconut and
banana breakfast
smoothie sweetened with maple syrup, or a refreshing summer juice with
ginger,
lime, mango,
pineapple and coconut milk.
You can also spruce up your morning oatmeal with coconut milk, bananas, and toasted
almonds to keep you full until lunchtime. If you have leftover coconut milk in your fridge, add a splash to your morning coffee or
hot chocolate… It will make you swoon.
Want to bask in the glory of your next get together? “Skip the usual curries and create delectable
dips and
desserts with coconut milk. You can also add lemon juice or black pepper to balance out the richness”, says Chef Anooj Wadhawan, Head of Kitchen Operations, Dusit D2. For a delicious dipping sauce for
dumplings, simmer coconut milk with red curry paste until thickened, and then add a splash of lime juice, ginger,
honey, soy sauce and fish sauce. You can even boil coconut milk with condensed milk,
butter and a pinch of salt for a sticky-sweet sauce. It pairs well with pretty much any dessert, and tastes just divine if drizzled over grilled pineapple.
“And it’s not only the savoury dishes, mind you. Our signature dessert, Fresh Tender Coconut Ice Cream with
Jaggery Glaze, is also made with coconut milk”, says Chef Gurmehar Sethi, Ziu. When it comes to baking, you can add a dose of coconut to everything. From lemon coconut
cupcakes topped off with coconut icing to Thailand’s sweet coconut milk
custard called Sangkhaya. The addition of coconut milk makes you forget all your vegan baking fears. It actually produces some of the best
muffins, cakes, tarts,
breads I’ve ever eaten, with a soft crumb and natural, soul-soothing sweetness.
You can make just about anything, from tapioca
pudding to cinnamon yoghurt, peach layered cake to creme brulee, coconut tiramisu, tres leche, indulgent mousses, and ice creams galore. We're talking
vegan espresso, salted
peanut butter,
mint chocolate chip, or classics like chocolate and vanilla ice cream flavours. With temperatures rising, you can also make
ice popsicles with strawberries, blackberries, ground
cardamom, sugar and coconut milk to beat the scorching heat
(and land in ultimate dessert heaven).
How to Make Coconut Milk at HomeRecipe by Chef Niru GuptaIngredients:1 coconut
2-3 cups water
Promoted
Method:1. Break a coconut and scrape out the white portion with a scraper.
2. Cut the coconut into small pieces.
3. Add the grated coconut to a blender and cover with water.
4. Blend and then strain.
5. This is the thicker extract, also called the first extract.
6. Put the leftover coconut back into the blender. Add water, just enough to cover it, and then repeat the process for the second time.
7. This is the thinner extract or second extract.
Note: While adding coconut milk, keep stirring. Stir frequently even while it cooks for a couple of minutes to avoid the curdling of milk. After adding coconut milk, keep the heat on low and do not let it boil. Let it simmer uncovered.