Pumpkin soup with coconut milk
The vegetarian dish is in no way inferior in quality to meat, just as tasty and satisfying.
To prepare, take the following products:
- shallots – 2 pcs.;
- garlic – 4 cloves;
- coconut milk – 400 ml;
- pumpkin – 1 kg;
- curry – 10 g;
- bay leaf – 2 pcs.;
- spices.
Sequencing:
- Peel the pumpkin and cut into cubes.
- Remove the skins from the onion and garlic.
- Place the vegetables in a saucepan, cover with water, add curry and cook for half an hour, 3 minutes before the end add the bay leaf.
- Remove the container from the stove and blend the vegetables with a blender.
- Then pour canned milk from a can, add spices and stir.
The dish will be most delicious when served hot.
Dessert made from coconut milk and cottage cheese
This is one of the most satisfying options for preparing a sweet dish. Cottage cheese casserole with coconut milk and banana will be the perfect breakfast. You will need the following ingredients:
- 0.4 liters of coconut milk;
- 350 g cottage cheese;
- 0.1 kg wheat flour;
- 2 eggs;
- 2 bananas;
- 130 g sugar;
- a pinch of salt.
Cooking process:
- Preheat the oven to 180°C.
- Mix eggs with sugar and salt, beat until mixture turns white.
- Add cottage cheese to the resulting mass, mix and, if necessary, beat again.
- Pour in coconut milk and stir. Then add flour and stir again.
- Cut the bananas into cubes and add to the mixture.
- Line the mold with baking paper and pour the mixture into it. Bake for a little over an hour, then turn off the oven, open the door and leave the casserole to cool. Serve cold.
Spicy Thai soup
When preparing, it is important not to confuse and use coconut milk, and not the juice contained inside the nut.
Ingredients:
- tomatoes – 2 pcs.;
- shrimp – 300 g;
- Tom Yam paste - 1 package;
- squid – 200 g;
- ginger – 100 g;
- coconut milk – 100 ml;
- cilantro – 1 bunch;
- chicken broth – 500 ml;
- lime – 1 pc.;
- vegetable oil – 50 ml;
- sugar – 1 tbsp.
Cooking sequence:
- Boil the squid, and then remove the insides, raw; this process is difficult to perform efficiently.
- Peel the ginger and cut into cubes, fry in oil, add the paste and simmer a little.
- Add shrimp and squid, cut into rings, into boiling chicken broth.
- Then add ginger paste followed by tomatoes cut into large pieces.
- Pour in coconut milk and sprinkle cilantro on top.
- Finally, squeeze out the lime juice and add sugar.
During the cooking process, the soup is simmered over low heat all the time. There is no need to use salt as the pasta is quite salty.
Pasta with vegetables and coconut milk
Amazing spaghetti in vegetable stew with ginger flavor, a dietary and juicy option for a family dinner.
Take the following products:
- zucchini – 1 pc.;
- eggplant – 1 pc.;
- bell pepper – 2 pcs.;
- fresh ginger – 30 g;
- coconut milk – 150 ml;
- curry – 2 tbsp;
- vegetable oil – 100 ml;
- spaghetti – 200 g.
Step-by-step preparation:
- Cut the vegetables into cubes and fry in a frying pan.
- Peel the ginger and finely chop it.
- Add it to the vegetables, add curry, a pinch of salt and pour milk.
- Boil the spaghetti until al dente.
- Mix them with the vegetable mixture.
The dish will be more dietary if you use rice noodles instead of spaghetti.
Pie
If you don't have time to fuss with complex desserts with coconut milk, you can make a simple pie with it. The delicacy will turn out chocolate.
To do this, cocoa is added to its dough. The finished dessert is also suitable for a vegetarian menu. It contains no oil, no eggs, or other prohibited products. You can eat pie during Lent too.
Ingredients
For the dish you need to take:
- flour – 180-200 g;
- beet sugar – 130-140 g;
- cocoa – 55-60 g;
- baking powder – 10-12 g;
- coconut flakes – 25-30 g;
- coconut milk – 370-400 ml.
It is best to use brown sugar for this recipe. It will make baked goods with a special caramel taste.
Sequencing
The cooking process includes several stages:
- In a common bowl, you will need to immediately combine all the bulk ingredients stated in the recipe. It is advisable to pour the flour through the finest sieve. In this case, the mass will turn out without lumps (even the smallest ones), and the cake itself will be more airy and tender.
- The dry mixture should be filled with coconut milk. To do this, you will need to warm it up first. The nut milk will be warm when poured in. But you need to make sure that it is not hot.
- It is convenient to mix all the components of the treat using either a whisk or a mixer at low speed. The result will be a mass of medium density.
- The dough is sent into a mold coated with vegetable fat. If the cook has a container with a non-stick coating, then you can do without lubricating it with oil. The optimal diameter of the mold is 21 cm.
- The delicacy will be baked for 35-40 minutes. The temperature should be chosen 170-175 degrees. But first of all, you need to focus on your oven. Be sure to check the baked goods with a dry torch.
Completely prepared baked goods must be cooled. The best thing is no longer in the form, but on the grid. Then all that remains is to cut it into pieces and serve with milk/tea. If there are no fasting people or vegetarians in the house, then you can decorate the delicacy with chocolate icing. It is poured on top of dessert. Finish the design with coconut flakes. But all this will make baked goods more nutritious.
Semolina porridge with coconut milk
A great opportunity to diversify your child’s diet with an appetizing dish. The delicate notes of coconut will definitely please your baby.
Ingredients:
- cereal – 2 tbsp;
- water – 120 ml;
- milk – 150 ml;
- honey – 1 tbsp;
- butter – 30 ml.
Step-by-step preparation:
- Combine milk with water, add honey and place on the stove.
- When the liquid begins to boil, add semolina in a thin stream, stirring.
- The cereal cooks very quickly, so in 5 minutes the dish will be ready.
You can diversify the taste of the dish by adding fresh berries, but just don’t take kiwi. This may cause stomach upset.
Oatmeal with coconut milk
An excellent recipe for women losing weight, the calorie content of such porridge will be only 155 kcal. But only if you use sugar substitutes or honey instead of sugar.
Ingredients:
- oatmeal – 1 cup;
- coconut milk – 400 ml;
- stevia – 1 tbsp.
Cooking phases:
- Pour the milk into a saucepan, add the same amount of water and bring to a boil.
- Add the cereal and cook until tender, stirring constantly.
When serving, you can sprinkle with chopped walnuts. In addition to vitamins, coconut milk contains vegetable fat, which is very beneficial for the human body.
How to make coconut milk at home
- Cooking time: 20 minutes.
- Number of servings: 3 persons.
- Calorie content of the dish: 150 kcal.
- Purpose: breakfast, lunch, dinner.
- Cuisine: Asian.
- Difficulty of preparation: medium.
Given that you can now buy almost anything at reasonable prices, many housewives prefer to cook at home in order to get a 100% natural product. According to reviews, making coconut milk at home is not difficult. You can store the drink in its pure form for a short time, but if necessary, you can freeze the product.
Ingredients:
- fresh coconut – 1 pc.;
- warm water – 400 ml.
Cooking method:
- Wash the coconut and carefully open it.
- Drain the coconut water into a separate container.
- Carefully cut off the flesh. Grind it inside a blender.
- Fill with warm, but not hot water. Squeeze out the shavings, strain and pour in the liquid. You can refill the pulp with water.
- Dilute the resulting milk with coconut juice if required.
Powdered milk candies
A tasty and economical recipe, the sweets are so filling that you won’t be able to eat much.
If you want to greet the morning with a mug of coffee and delicious candy, then prepare the following products:
- butter – 100 g;
- sugar – 100 g;
- cream – 3 tbsp;
- powdered milk – 500 g;
- water – 600 ml;
- coconut flakes - 2 tbsp.
Step by step process:
- Melt the butter in a saucepan, add sugar, cream, water and bring to a boil.
- Remove from heat and gradually add dry milk.
- Take a special form, grease it with oil and carefully lay out the mixture.
- Sprinkle shavings on top and put in the refrigerator for half an hour.
Now you can cut the delicacy into pieces of any shape.
Cake
Homemade baked goods always turn out tasty and aromatic. Especially if the dough contains coconut milk. To prepare the delicacy, only vegetable oil is used.
But you should choose whole grain flour.
Ingredients
For the dish you need to take:
- eggs – 2 pcs.;
- beet sugar – ½ tbsp.;
- sunflower oil – 20 ml;
- coconut oil – 65-70 ml;
- coconut flakes – 35-40 g;
- whole grain flour – 180-200 g;
- soda (slaked) – 1 tsp. (no slide).
You can extinguish soda with different products. For example, not only vinegar, but also citrus juice.
Sequencing
The cooking process includes several stages:
- Place the eggs and sugar together in a large bowl. Afterwards, process with a mixer.
- When the mass in the container becomes homogeneous, you can pour in coconut milk and sunflower oil. The latter must be refined.
- After processing the products again with a mixer at low speed, it’s time to add coconut oil.
- Then nut chips are poured into the mixture. Whole grain flour and soda, slaked using any chosen method, are added on top.
- When the dough becomes homogeneous after mixing, it’s time to transfer the mass into a form suitable for baking the dough. This process will take about half an hour in the oven. The optimal temperature is 170-175 degrees.
The finished baked goods should be transferred to a beautiful flat dish. It is advisable to coat the top of the treat with coconut milk so that it remains soft and tender. To decorate the cupcake, sprinkle it with coconut flakes. You can use still fresh mint leaves or any berries to decorate your baked goods. For example, strawberries, raspberries.
Spiced tea latte with coconut milk
An original, exotic drink that has nothing in common with the one we are used to drinking every day.
Ingredients:
- black pepper – 1 tsp;
- cardamom – 7 pods;
- cloves - 8 buds;
- cinnamon – 2 sticks;
- ginger – 10 g;
- coconut milk – 200 ml;
- cow's milk – 250 ml;
- black tea – 6 bags;
- cane sugar – 2 tbsp.
To prepare, follow these steps:
- Place all the spices in a saucepan, first crushing them slightly.
- Pour 50 ml of water, put on fire, when it starts to boil, remove from the stove and add tea bags.
- Combine both types of milk, add sugar and boil.
- Strain the spicy mixture into it, then beat with a blender until a thick foam appears.
- Pour into cups and garnish with cinnamon sticks.
The quantity of products is based on 4 mugs of tea.
Useful tips
- Making coconut milk at home is quite easy, but you can buy it in canned form if you prefer. When choosing ready-made options, you must carefully read the composition of the product. It is recommended to buy coconut milk that is organic, made without added sugar or sweeteners or preservatives, and not pasteurized (which can potentially destroy some nutrients).
- This means it has only been slightly heated and treated to remove certain bacteria, but has not been exposed to high temperatures that can deplete vitamins and minerals.
- It is not recommended to consume coconut milk that has been flavored with juices, sweeteners, colors or other ingredients. It's better to add a little honey or maple syrup yourself to improve its taste.
- The main ingredient in canned food should be 100% coconut milk and maybe a little coconut water. Some manufacturers also add guar gum, a natural product used to stabilize the texture.
- Ideally, you should buy a product that has been “cold canned.”
- When purchasing canned coconut milk, it is advisable to avoid cans made with a chemical called BPA. It is found in some aluminum containers and can cause certain health problems when it gets into foods (especially those high in acid or fat, such as coconut milk).
- Many people believe that coconut milk in cans or cartons is not comparable to homemade milk. However, it is quite possible to prepare a full-fledged product at home if you buy fresh young coconuts. This also ensures that the coconut milk does not contain any artificial ingredients or preservatives.
- You need to find commercially available fresh, mature coconuts (they are stored only in refrigerators) or fresh (not dried) vacuum-sealed coconut meat. The fresher the fruit, the longer the coconut milk will last.
- Once homemade coconut milk is cooked, there will be a large amount of pomace (leftover coconut meat) left behind. Don't throw them away - they can be used to make coconut flour, dried flakes or a smoothie additive. For cosmetic purposes, they can be used instead of a scrub.
- Natural coconut milk usually has a thick, creamy consistency. It contains a lot of fat, so it is often used for baking or preparing various dishes.
- Coconut milk drinks tend to be thin and have a juice-like consistency. Such products must be stored in the refrigerator and monitored for expiration dates. Many manufacturers add sugar to them, so it is not recommended to use these drinks instead of coconut milk for culinary purposes.
- It's important to note that coconut milk and coconut milk drinks contain less protein than cow's milk. Therefore, anyone starting to use plant-based dairy products should include protein from other sources in their diet.
Coffee with coconut milk
The drink amazes with its delicate creamy taste and extraordinary aroma. This cocktail will especially appeal to those who like to draw on milk foam using a wooden stick.
Ingredients:
- ground coffee – 1 tbsp;
- coconut milk – 50 ml;
- cow's milk – 120 ml;
- water – 100 ml.
Follow these steps:
- Pour coffee into the Turk, add water and wait until foam appears, remove from heat.
- Repeat this process 2 more times.
- Pour coconut milk into a mug, then coffee.
- Whip cold cow's milk until thick foam appears and pour it into the mixture in a thin stream.
You can enjoy a magnificent and aromatic drink.
Calorie content, BJU, GI
Coconut milk has become popular in food recently, as this product has a pleasant taste and contains a lot of nutrients. It contains a healthy fat known as lauric acid (a medium-chain fatty acid that is easily absorbed and used by the body for energy).
Coconut fatty acids are primarily saturated fats, but they do not increase cholesterol levels or cause heart disease.
Their effect is completely opposite. These milk substances help lower cholesterol, normalize blood pressure and prevent heart attacks. Ingredients 1 tbsp. (about 240 ml) unpasteurized coconut milk has approximately 552 calories, as well as 13.3 grams of carbohydrates, 5.5 grams of protein and 57.2 grams of fat, as well as 5.3 grams of fiber.
Other useful substances are contained in it in the following meaning:
Microelement | Quantity in 1 tbsp. product | Percentage of Daily Value |
Manganese | 2.2 mg | 110% |
Copper | 0.6 mg | 32% |
Phosphorus | 240 mg | 24% |
Iron | 3.9 mg | 22% |
Magnesium | 88.8 mg | 22% |
Selenium | 14.9 mcg | 21% |
Potassium | 631 mg | 18% |
Vitamin C | 6.7 mg | 11% |
Zinc | 1.6 mg | 11% |
Folic acid | 38.4 mcg | 10% |
Niacin | 1.8 mg | 9% |
In addition, coconut milk contains a certain amount of choline, vitamins E, K, B1 and B6, pantothenic acid and calcium. It has a low glycemic index, so its consumption does not cause sudden spikes in glucose in the body. Since this product is very high in calories, it is recommended to consume no more than 0.25-0.5 tbsp. at a time (in pure form or as part of various dishes and drinks).
Cocoa "Bounty"
Coconut milk goes perfectly with cocoa, resulting in a delicious and harmonious drink.
Take the following products:
- coconut milk – 400 ml;
- cocoa powder – 40 g;
- sugar – 40 g;
- cinnamon to taste.
Cooking steps:
- Pour milk into a ladle and heat.
- Add cocoa and sugar and whisk until boiling.
When serving, sprinkle ground cinnamon on top.
Harm and contraindications
It is also recommended to use coconut milk for food because it has very few contraindications. Coconuts are a fruit with few allergens, especially when compared to soy and dairy products, and true tree nuts. Therefore, coconut milk is ideal for anyone who suffers from intolerance to other types of milk.
Coconut milk should not be used in food if you are intolerant.
However, when consuming it, you should remember that the product has a considerable calorie and fat content. While the fat found in it can definitely be considered the healthy variety, portion control is very important, especially when losing weight.
Some minerals found in coconut milk have the potential to influence certain health conditions.
For example, people with kidney disease need to closely monitor how much potassium they consume in their diet. However, coconut milk is a minor source of this mineral and there is little risk in consuming it. Coconut milk also contains fermentable carbohydrates. They are capable of digestive problems, such as diarrhea or constipation, in people with irritable bowel syndrome.
Coconut pudding with chia seeds
Chia seeds have already firmly gained their popularity as a product of a healthy diet. They help improve metabolism. They create a feeling of fullness in the stomach, normalize intestinal function, and reduce the risk of overeating. Chia pudding will be an excellent substitute for tired milk porridge.
Ingredients:
- coconut milk – 500 ml;
- chia seeds – 5 tbsp;
- honey – 2 tbsp;
- ground cinnamon – 1/3 tsp;
- mango – 1 pc.;
- coconut flakes, mint leaves.
Sequencing:
- Melt honey in a water bath, add chia seeds, cinnamon, and pour in milk.
- Mix well and transfer the mixture into a container with a lid.
- Place it in a cool place overnight.
- In the morning, take a mango and peel it, cut it into pieces and blend it in a blender.
- Pour the honey mixture into bowls, then add mango puree.
Top each container with a handful of coconut flakes and, as a finishing touch, mint leaves.
Beneficial features
Coconut milk is recommended for use in food for various reasons. It has been proven to have a positive effect on weight loss, as well as strengthen the cardiovascular and immune systems. Its beneficial properties are very significant.
Improves heart health by lowering blood pressure and cholesterol
Coconuts are one of the healthiest sources of lauric acid. Approximately 50% of the fat in these fruits is represented by this compound. Lauric acid has antiviral and antimicrobial effects. According to recent research, it is a protective fatty acid that is not associated with harmful changes in cholesterol levels and is thought to support cardiovascular health.
Since coconuts contain minerals essential for proper blood circulation, the product can also be used to lower blood pressure and keep blood vessels elastic and flexible and prevent plaque formation. For example, magnesium helps fight anxiety, stress, and muscle tension. It helps improve blood circulation and allows muscles to remain relaxed.
This is essential for preventing heart attacks.
Helps in building muscle and burning fat
The medium chain triglyceride (MCT) fatty acids contained in the product have been shown to actually help increase energy expenditure and improve overall performance. In addition, after serious activity, muscles need large amounts of nutrients, especially magnesium and potassium. These electrolytes are found in coconut milk and can repair damaged tissues and strengthen them.
Because coconut milk is rich in healthy fats, it helps you feel full quickly and avoid overeating or snacking throughout the day. It is important to consume it in moderation, since excess calories can be provided by healthy foods.
Provides electrolytes to the body and prevents fatigue
Coconut milk contains electrolytes needed to maintain vital blood volume, healthy heart function, and prevent dehydration or diarrhea. Magnesium and potassium can prevent exhaustion, heart problems, pain and muscle cramps. In addition, these electrolytes improve immunity, especially at high temperatures, after exercise or illness.
Coconut milk contains MCT compounds, which are quickly and easily used by the brain to produce energy, without necessarily passing through the digestive tract and being processed by bile acids. Therefore, this product is an excellent “brain food”.
Helps you lose weight
Coconut milk is commonly used in food for weight loss. Eating foods rich in MCT compounds promotes greater fat (fat tissue) loss, especially when compared to long-chain fatty acids. This is likely due to the increased energy expenditure and fat oxidation that occurs when taking MCTs. These compounds may be considered as anti-obesity agents or stimulators of excess weight loss.
Since coconut milk has a significant MCT content, it is highly nutritious. The fats in it can be part of a balanced diet as they promote a feeling of fullness. This helps you avoid overeating, unnecessary snacking, combats food cravings and likely prevents subsequent weight gain.
However, serving sizes need to be considered as the calorie content of coconut milk is quite high. As part of a balanced diet, it provides the body with essential fatty acids, combined with certain minerals, to promote weight loss and detoxification. It is also useful for the organs of the digestive system (in particular, the kidneys and liver), as it helps them function properly - metabolize fats and excrete waste.
Improves digestion and eliminates constipation
A well-hydrated digestive tract is essential for preventing or treating constipation. Coconut milk does not contain milk proteins, so it is much less likely to cause indigestion than a drink of animal origin (which often happens due to lactose intolerance). The product hydrates the digestive lining with fats and electrolytes to support gut health and may help prevent IBS and similar illnesses.
Regulates blood sugar levels and stabilizes diabetes
A large percentage of fat in the product can reduce the intensity of sugar release into the bloodstream. This property improves the regulation of insulin levels and avoids a sharp rise in glucose, and can even prevent the development of diabetes. Therefore, the product is especially recommended for adding to sweet dishes (for example, desserts). MCT in its composition is a much healthier source of energy than various types of sugars.
Helps prevent anemia
Although the amount of iron in coconut milk is not very high, especially when compared to beef and organ meats, it can still be an excellent source of this plant-based micronutrient, and can be a good part of the diet to prevent anemia.
Prevents joint inflammation and arthritis
The MCTs in coconut milk have been shown to have some anti-aging effects and can reduce inflammation. This painful process often accompanies diseases such as arthritis, as well as muscle and joint pain. Coconut milk is recommended to be consumed instead of processed sugar, especially for people with autoimmune diseases, as it has a pro-inflammatory effect and can normalize immunity, reduce pain and swelling.
Prevents the appearance of stomach and intestinal ulcers
It has been found that coconut milk can reduce the likelihood of ulcers in the gastrointestinal tract. The product has a protective effect on the gastric mucosa and prevents damage.
Chocolate smoothie with banana
Thanks to the wonderful combination of cocoa and coconut milk, you get an incredibly tasty cocktail.
Prepare the following products:
- bananas – 4 pcs.;
- coconut milk – 300 ml;
- cocoa – 2 tbsp;
- honey – 2 tbsp;
- shavings – 2 tbsp.
Let's look at the process in more detail:
- Whisk the coconut milk.
- Add pieces of fruit, honey, cocoa and continue the process.
- Add the shavings and stir.
The cocktail tastes better chilled, so you can add pieces of ice to it.
Creamy coconut cream
This dessert is very easy to prepare, but it turns out tender and tasty. Creamy coconut cream goes well with fruit and berry jams, it can be added to ice cream, eaten with cookies or rolls, and can also be used as a decoration for any homemade confectionery product.
List of ingredients:
- 1 cup of sugar;
- 150 ml coconut milk;
- 650 ml cream 33% fat;
- 20 g gelatin.
How to make dessert with coconut milk:
- Place the cream, coconut milk and the container in which the cream will be prepared in the refrigerator for an hour to make the dessert more airy.
- Dilute gelatin in warm boiled water so that it swells. Then heat it in a water bath until completely dissolved. Let cool.
- Mix cream with sugar and beat. You should have the consistency of thick sour cream.
- Pour coconut milk, cream, gelatin into the prepared bowl and beat the ingredients together for two minutes.
- Cool, and then can be served or used to decorate a confectionery product.