Shockingly, coconut has that effect on me too. It takes me back to memories of childhood, where freshly grated coconut played an important role. And with all those memories rushing over, it doesn’t come as a surprise why styling this recipe became strenuous.
Before moving to the States, I’ve never heard of coconut milk in cans. We were spoilt with choices back home with freshly grated coconuts. My job was to make a run to the local grocery store, purchase freshly grated coconut and make a dash back home ASAP so that mom can continue what she does best with it — making curries!
Back then, there were no fancy gadgets — just a huge bowl, muslin cloth and mom’s gentle and strong hands. A little hot water is the trick to get as much liquid gold out of the grated coconut.
That’s my mom’s tip and I’m giving it to you for free 🙂
Ingredients:
- 1 fresh coconut — cracked, flesh removed from shell, peeled & chopped
- 1.5 cup of filtered hot water
- reserved coconut water
Directions:
- Crack a fresh coconut. Reserve coconut water and carefully remove flesh with a butter knife. Peel the brown coating on coconut flesh with a vegetable peeler.
- Coarsely chop peeled coconut flesh and add it into a high-powered blender. Drizzle in hot water and reserved coconut water.
- Blend until smooth. It will take a few minutes to break down the flesh.
- Place a large strainer lined with a few layers of muslin/cheese cloth over a bowl. Add in blended coconut. With clean hands, gently squeeze out coconut milk as much as possible from pulp.
- This would yield a thicker and creamier coconut milk consistency that is suitable in cooking or baking. Store coconut milk in an airtight jar for up to a week.
- For drinking, return used coconut pulp back into blender with additional 1.5 cups of hot water or coconut water. Blend for a minute. Squeeze out as much coconut milk as possible. Allow coconut milk to sit in refrigerator until it separates. Skim out as much coconut oil from the top as possible. Coconut milk is ready to be consumed as a beverage.
This was definitely easier than homemade soy milk. If your love for coconuts is just as much (or more!), try this recipe and let me know 🙂
Have you tried making homemade coconut milk before? Any tips or tricks you’d care to share?
Comments on this entry are closed.
I’ve never made my own coconut milk, but I guess I should try someday…
Cheers,
Rosa
Rosa — its a life changing experience. Really 🙂
As far as I remember, we did not have coconut milk in Italy. We could buy fresh coconuts though. I remember how difficult was for me to crack one. Like you, I have great memories associated with coconut… we would eat its flesh during those extra hot summer days at the beach. Beautiful pictures, Kiran, you’re so talented.
Daniela @ FoodrecipesHQ recently posted..Curried Zucchini and Carrot Soup
Daniela — love when memories are created by foods. Don’t start me on cracking coconuts. It’s a messy job but a great stress reliever 😀
Kiran, no need to worry , you did the perfect styling for this amazing home made coconut milk!
Daniela recently posted..Roquefort Mousse With Poached Pears And Crunchy Almonds
Daniela — thanks love. it was definitely a struggle for this one 🙂
I’ve actually never made coconut milk from scratch. I love coconut though, I rarely see it at the grocery store. Your photography is amazing and effortless, not sure why you had trouble, it looks gorgeous and it comes so naturally to you.
honeywhatscooking recently posted..Sprinkles’ Strawberry Cupcakes w/Strawberry Frosting
Nisha — thanks dear. you are always so supportive 🙂
Once again I enjoyed your post. I grew up on a farm. I find I have a different point of perspective about where food comes from too. Like going to the hen house to get eggs. Or fresh pails of milk from the barn to the house.
Carol at Wild Goose Tea recently posted..Hey Mama Goose Advice Column—The Goth Speaks
Thanks Carol — childhood food memories definitely brings a smile on my face 🙂
I will always love your recipes and beautiful snaps Kiran, regardless of how much time has passed. We all need a break, every now and then (and then some!) I love the idea of making my own coconut milk and your post has me inspired to try it soon! Stunning as always!
Alice recently posted..Flourless Chocolate Cake
Awww… thanks a lot sweet Alice. You surely made my day 🙂
Gorgeous food styling, Kiran!!! I also love coconut…something present in many dishes — both sweet and savory — from my home country.
I have to try to make coconut milk from scratch one day.
Denise Browning@From Brazil To You recently posted..Mallomars Trifle (Pavê Nhá Benta)
Thanks Denise! It’s really very simple and you get to release all the aggressions out while cracking open a coconut 😀
Kiran, I don’t know that I will ever buy a can of coconut milk again! Fresh is always best, especially when it’s simple!
Kari@Loaves n Dishes recently posted..PEAR & CARDAMOM JAM, Low Sugar, No Pectin
Kari — ditto! its never the same with a can 😀
Your photos are fantastic Kiran, seriously 😀
Delicious coconut milk and I definitely want to try it at home!
Cheers
Choc Chip Uru
Choc Chip Uru recently posted..CCU Undercover: Sofitel, Brisbane
Uru — you are always so generous, my dear. thank you 🙂
I can only imagine how incredible this coconut milk must taste, love the styling!
Laura (Tutti Dolci) recently posted..caramel apple bars
Thanks so much, Laura! xo
I remember the days we used to do this back in the Philippines, we even have the gadget to scrape the coconut meat and I was always be the one my grandmother ask to do it.
Raymund recently posted..Thai Cucumber Salad
Raymund — oh yeah, the coconut scraper! so nostalgic 🙂
Hi Kiran. I’ve blended up young coconut with its water and meat in the Vitamix but haven’t done it with a mature coconut. I get a bit intimidated by cracking coconuts, the idea of being able to buy the fresh grated meat in the store is a wonderful one!
Mary @ Fit and Fed recently posted..Watermelon Tarragon Cocktail or Agua Fresca
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