6 Tips To Keep In Mind While Cooking With Coconut Milk

By: Toshita Sahni

Image Credit: Getty

Heading 3

Coconut milk is a naturally rich and creamy liquid extracted from coconut flesh. In India, it is used to make a wide variety of savoury and sweet dishes.

Image: Unsplash

The way coconut milk is used while cooking is different from how regular milk and coconut solids are treated. Here's what you need to keep in mind:

Image: Unsplash

1. Know Coconut Cream vs Coconut Milk

Coconut cream, the thick, first extract of coconut milk, is higher in fat than the “thin” coconut milk (the 2nd press diluted with water).

Heading 2

Image: Unsplash

1. Add coconut milk at the right stages

Add thin coconut milk in early stages of cooking as it can withstand higher heat. Add the thicker one near the end to avoid curdling.

Heading 2

Image: Pexels

3. Don't boil thick coconut milk

Thick coconut milk can be simmered gently. If you boil it, the high heat will break down the fats. The milk will split and ruin your dish.

Heading 2

Image: Getty

4. Balance the sweetness of coconut milk

Coconut milk has a natural, subtle sweetness. While using it in savoury dishes, balance its flavour with spices and souring agents.

Heading 2

Image: Getty

5. Don't store fresh coconut milk for too long

Freshly extracted coconut milk has a better flavour than packaged versions, but it spoils quickly. Always store it properly.

Heading 2

Image: Getty

6. Take advantage of coconut milk's versatility

Coconut milk is traditionally used along with many ingredients, including veggies, meat and seafood. Explore its applications!

Heading 2

Image: Pexels

To explore recipes for coconut milk curries

Image Credit: Pexels

food.ndtv.com