Coconut Milk Recipe
An Outlook On Coconut Milk Recipe
Coconut Milk is a versatile food which has been used as a rich creamy base agent in many exotic Indian dishes since ages
Coconut milk occupies an important place in the long culinary journey of India. It adds richness to the dish and it is used to enhance the flavour in both vegetarian and as well as non-vegetarian dishes.
Coconut milk is a sweet white liquid extracted from coconut meat and it looks similar to regular milk, though it is more rich and creamier and has high oil content. Two grades of coconut milk are generally categorised in the Indian cuisine and one is the thick extract that comes first and the other is the second and third extract that is comparatively thin and less creamy. Both are used correspondingly in Indian cooking depending upon the richness required for a dish. Moreover, they are added in stages according to the nature of the dish and South India has made its specialised mark in this aspect.
For example, thick extract is usually used to make desserts, sauces, milk shakes and smoothies. Whereas thin milk is blended in stew, broth, soup, korma, gravy curry and briyani. It can also be added in cereals like oatmeal, salads and protein shakes. It is even used in baking and since coconut milk is one of the essentials in Indian cuisine, fresh coconut milk is prepared effortlessly on a regular basis in the day today cooking. Tinned coconut milk is actually a rarity in India, though canned ones are available in the market. Even restaurants and other iconic establishments prepare their own fresh coconut milk customarily. Fresh, home- made coconut milk is indispensable in any South Indian house hold.
Coconut milk claims to have such a lot of health benefits and coconut tree is rightly called as Kalpa Vruksha in Sanskrit (Tree of Life) as all the parts are beneficial to humans including its husk. It is rich in Vitamin B,C and E and contains minerals like iron, calcium, magnesium, sodium and phosphorous.The lauric acid present in coconut milk aids in destroying the disease causing organisms in the body and cures stomach ulcers. Researches show that the fats from coconut milk does not harm the cardiovascular system in any way. And in fact, it actually favours the system due to its potassium content. Moreover, it can be used as a diary substitute for lactose allergic babies. It helps to reduce appetite and therefore decreases the intake of calories thereby benefiting in weight loss. It also plays a major role in skin and hair care treatment. Thus, it works wonders if taken on a regular basis in moderation.
Here is the recipe to prepare this nutritious fresh coconut milk recipe at home within minutes
Ingredients Required To Make Coconut Milk Recipe
How To Make Coconut Milk
To make coconut milk, scrape the coconut fully and soak it in hot water for about twenty minutes approximately
After some time, strain the grated coconut and transfer it to a blender.
Use a high speed blender and pulse it until the mixture combines well by adding the required amount of water.
Filter it using a white cheese cloth and collect the first extract by squeezing it. Usually the first extract is thick and creamy.
Repeat the process twice or thrice to get more coconut milk while adding water now and then.
You will get thin extracts and you can blend both in a bowl.
Tip in some cardamom powder and add the measured quantity of sugar with a nice stir.
Finally, strain the whole milk using a strainer and refrigerate.
Use it for any purpose as mentioned above.
It serves as the best vegan accompaniment for Appam and Idiyappam, the enticing rice based dishes which are popular South Indian breakfasts, that are loved by many.
Tips To Make Delicious Coconut Milk In Home
- Always choose fresh and mature coconut to prepare coconut milk as it tastes awesome.
- You can collect the first and second, third extracts separately and use for different purposes at the same time.
- You can take up to the third extract and not more than that as it gets too thin and the colour also changes.
- You can freeze the coconut milk for one or two days and use it.
- You can blend in the left over coconut residue after roasting it and can store and use it while baking.
- You can also apply the residue in your hair and keep it for twenty minutes and wash to get amazing results. It is one of the Keralites beauty tip for shiny hair.
Ingredients
Directions
To make coconut milk, scrape the coconut fully and soak it in hot water for about twenty minutes approximately
After some time, strain the grated coconut and transfer it to a blender.
Use a high speed blender and pulse it until the mixture combines well by adding the required amount of water.
Filter it using a white cheese cloth and collect the first extract by squeezing it. Usually the first extract is thick and creamy.
Repeat the process twice or thrice to get more coconut milk while adding water now and then.
You will get thin extracts and you can blend both in a bowl.
Tip in some cardamom powder and add the measured quantity of sugar with a nice stir.
Finally, strain the whole milk using a strainer and refrigerate.
Use it for any purpose as mentioned above.
It serves as the best vegan accompaniment for Appam and Idiyappam, the enticing rice based dishes which are popular South Indian breakfasts, that are loved by many.
