If you're considering cooking with coconut milk, you're certainly not alone. This ingredient has recently gained worldwide fame as more and more people use it. Once you've had a taste of what this coconut milk can do, it's easy to see why it's become so popular.
Of course, if you don't have much experience with coconut milk, you may be thinking about how to use it in your food. Well if this is the case then don't worry as this is the best possible post for you. Here we teach you how to prepare a delicious coconut milk and how you can use it in your favorite foods.
Homemade Coconut Milk
Fresh or canned coconut milk?
Like most people, you may have only come across canned coconut milk. Therefore, you may not have many opportunities to use fresh coconut milk in your food. However, it is still possible to make fresh coconut milk. All you have to do is soak frozen shredded coconut in warm water.
Once the shredded coconut has absorbed most of the water, simply squeeze the coconut over a bowl. The liquid that comes out of this is fresh coconut milk. Leftover coconut can be resoaked over and over again.
Now, canned coconut milk can be a good substitute for the fresh version. Of course, this as long as you choose the right brand.
Whenever possible, look for coconut milk with the fewest ingredients: cream of coconut and water. This is usually the healthiest option. Some brands will add ingredients like guar gum to thicken or help stabilize the coconut milk. These are fine, but stay away from any brand that uses carrageenan in their formula.
Coconut milk and coconut cream, as a cooking ingredient!
The first thing to keep in mind is that there are two main types: coconut milk and coconut cream. The first is coconut milk. It is a substitute for cow's milk and is used in coffee, chocolate, oatmeal, coladas, juices, smoothies, and other beverages. It can also be added to a cup of cereal.
Coconut milk has a more subtle flavor and fewer calories than cow's milk. It is fortified with various vitamins, minerals and other nutrients.
Coconut cream as a cooking ingredient, on the other hand, is typically found in cans. It has a much higher fat content and a thicker consistency. The coconut cream flavor has a prominent feature in whatever dish you are using.
How can you use coconut milk or coconut cream in your food?
When most people think of coconut cream, they may automatically think of curry. However, not all curries are created equal. While coconut cream is primarily used in Thai cooking, many other cultures use it as well. This includes Malaysia, South India, Sri Lanka, and many other places.
Therefore, if you want to use coconut cream to make curry, your first step is to define what kind of recipe you want to make. For a truly wonderful experience, try to try as many of these options as possible.
Coconut cream is more versatile than many people realize. You can use it as a base for stews and sauces. Or add it to vegetables and cook a creamier, more luxurious dish. You can even cook rice in coconut milk for a tastier effect.
This coconut cream can also work to balance dishes that are traditionally quite acidic or tart. And, if you feel like a particular recipe is full of spices, coconut cream will immediately level the flavor.
However, coconut cream is not only for savory dishes, it is also wonderful in desserts. It's thick, creamy, and I also like it if you sweeten it up a bit. Coconut cream can be used in various types of desserts.
Now, what kind of desserts can you make?
While coconut ice cream is quite popular, you can also use coconut cream in desserts and even pudding! You should know that coconut works well with chocolate and tropical fruit flavors.
Due to its texture, coconut cream can be whipped into cream, it also works well for icings and fillings. You can make a coconut cake or coconut cupcakes.
As you can see, coconut milk and coconut cream are rich and healthy ingredients. So if you want to use them in your food, follow these guidelines carefully. It's the best way to ensure that you end up with a healthy and delicious dish. So, keep these tips in mind the next time you decide to add coconut milk or coconut cream to your food.
Fountain: https://www.antonio-carluccio.com/guide-to-cooking-with-coconut-milk/