Coconut milk, or coconut cream, adds texture and flavor to each dish it is added to. The rich flavor and creaminess of coconut milk comes from the high oil content — a large component of the milk is saturated fat. This fat is one of the healthy fats that should be part of your diet.
Here are my top 15 dishes I know all coconut devotees will love. They are great recipes that anyone who is new to the world of coconut milk will also enjoy.
1. Fresh Tuna in Coconut Curry Sauce in 30 Minutes
This is a great way to shake up a tuna steak. Potato sides and broccoli florets are added for carbs and color.
2. Mild Chicken Curry
This mild curry is a great way to introduce children to the world of curries.
3. Grilled Turmeric and Lemongrass Chicken Wings
Make sure to make up a big batch of these as they are sure to be a hit with the whole family. They are also delicious and great as leftovers the following day.
4. Banana Cake With Chia Seeds & Coconut Milk
Now this is something different. It’s great treat if you are trying to decrease any sugar cravings with just 1/3 cup of honey for sweetness.
5. Spiced Coconut Squash Breakfast Porridge
This breakfast porridge could be the perfect stand in for traditional oatmeal, while still being free of grains, dairy, nuts, and seeds. It’s warm, comforting, and creamy, and the texture is spot-on.
6. Chocolate Cherry Milkshakes
Naturally sweetened with maple syrup, there’s a hint of cocoa powder and vanilla. These taste as divine as they look! Trust me!
7. Blackberry Avocado Jam Smoothie Bowl
Don’t be overwhelmed by a number of toppings. Feel free to just have one or two on your smoothie bowl.
8. Chocolate Milk Chocolate Pudding
The title is a bit of a tongue twister, but it sure is a chocoholic’s delight. You can substitute potato starch with corn flour if you are unable to source potato starch.
9. Vegan Creamy Curried Cauliflower Soup
Cauliflower is the latest vegetable to be brought out of the “granny box” and be re-invented, and this recipe does just that. The great thing about this recipe is that it takes very little time to put together. You simply cook down the onions and garlic with cauliflower, broth, and warm spices, and you’re ready your favorite toppings, such as parsley and toasty cashews.
10. Goan Coconut Cake (Baath)
A hint of rosewater adds sweet, floral aroma to this moist, dense semolina cake, packed with not one, but four types of coconut.
11. Vegan Kale and White Bean Korma
This dish is everything you want it to be: hearty, warming, flavorful, and healthy without feeling too virtuous.
12. Savory Bacon and Potato Pancakes
These pancakes are a marriage of potatoes and bacon and eggs. These pancakes have no added flour in them — in any form. Just mashed up potatoes, coconut milk, eggs, chives, bacon, and a pinch of salt. You can serve this one up for breakfast, lunch, or dinner!
13. Seared Salmon Pasta With Coconut Milk Chili Sauce
This is an Asian-inspired pasta dish that’s a changeup from Italian flavors. This is good news for those of you who cannot tolerate cheese; there is no cheese in this recipe, and this dish is still super satisfying and made slightly creamy with coconut milk.
14. Coconut Rice Custard
This might be a great way of using up any leftover rice! Twenty-five minute of prep time are needed, but be ready for the one hour slow-cooking time in the oven. It is well worth the wait though.
15. Simple Coconut Milk Fish Curry
Served with jasmine rice and steamed greens, this is a quick and easy meal you can make in just 30 minutes.
Featured photo credit: Coconut Juice Facts by John Revo Puno via flickr.com
