All the things you can do with a can of coconut milk
When you think of coconut milk, you often think of Thai curries or Indonesian rendang, but the can is incredibly versatile. It gives every dish a creamy, slightly sweet flavor that works beautifully in both savory and sweet recipes.
Milk, cream or santen?
If you do your shopping at the toko, it can sometimes be quite confusing to figure out which type of coconut you need. Coconut cream is made by mixing coconut flesh with warm water and pressing it. What comes out is cream, which is much thicker than coconut milk. That milk is obtained by pressing the coconut a second time.
In Indonesian cuisine, a block of santen is often used; this is highly concentrated coconut milk. You can cut off a piece and add it to curry for an intense coconut flavor. Dilute it with water and you’re back to the flavor of coconut milk.
For all these recipes, you can buy canned coconut milk.
Chicken
A whole chicken is something we in the editorial office are always in the mood for. Especially because you can take it in so many directions. This one is roasted with coconut, lemongrass and cilantro for an Asian touch.
Overnight oats
Oatmeal is healthy? It can be, but you can also turn it into a kind of dessert with vanilla, cinnamon and a generous splash of full-fat coconut milk. Just like in this recipe.
Rice
When making rice (and this is how you make perfect rice), replace half the water with coconut milk and you’ll be in heaven instantly. The rice becomes super creamy, so make plenty because you’ll be serving yourself many extra spoonfuls.
Ice cream
Thanks to its high fat content, coconut milk is also perfect for making creamy ice cream. Because you don’t add any cream or milk, this indulgent dessert is vegan too.
Kinilaw
The Filipino answer to ceviche. Fish is cured in citrus, but coconut milk and red chili are also added, giving the dish a little more depth.
Panna cotta
A jiggly panna cotta can certainly be achieved without heavy cream. Coconut milk is just as creamy and adds a delicious flavor too. Try this recipe with roasted rhubarb on top, for example.
Marinating
Or use it as a marinade, for this pork, for example. The marinade is sweet, salty and peppery, and together with the smoky flavor of the barbecue, it could easily become your new summer favorite.
Whipped cream
Often, when you buy a can, the cream has separated from the water. Perfect for this recipe, because you only need the creamy part. Beat it with a mixer for a few minutes and you’ll have coconut whipped cream. Delicious with cake, ice cream, strawberries—you name it.
Cake
If you’re a coconut fanatic, you have to make this pie immediately. A crisp crust with creamy coconut filling, topped, of course, with toasted coconut flakes. Or make a moist cake with coconut frosting.
Also read:
