Coconut Milk

Prep: 10 min

Creamy, naturally sweet coconut milk with rich coconut flavor, perfect for adding depth to curries, smoothies, or desserts. Suitable for vegans and dairy-free diets.

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Ingredients

  • 1 cup shredded unsweetened coconut
  • 3 cups distilled water
  • 1 teaspoon honey
  • pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Blend the shredded unsweetened coconut, distilled water, honey, and a pinch of salt until very smooth.
  2. Strain well to extract the coconut milk or use unstrained on cereal if preferred.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer coconut milk, use fresh coconut instead of shredded. If you prefer a thicker consistency, reduce the water to 2 cups. You can also add vanilla extract for a hint of sweetness. If you don't have honey, agave syrup or maple syrup can be used as alternatives. This coconut milk works well in vegan recipes or as a base for smoothies.

Serving Suggestions

Coconut milk can be enjoyed in various ways; pour it over cereal, use it in smoothies, or incorporate it into curries for added creaminess. It pairs beautifully with Spiced Apple Syrup for a delightful breakfast treat. Consider using it in desserts like puddings or as a base for tropical drinks.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover coconut milk in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. It may separate over time; simply shake or stir before using. Do not freeze, as this can alter the texture, making it grainy upon thawing.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Coconut Milk contains roughly 760 calories, with 3g protein, 157g carbohydrates, and 20g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 504mg per serving (22% of the Daily Value).

760 kcal 38% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 2.5g 5% DV
Total Fat 20.1g 26% DV
Carbs 157.5g 57% DV
Fiber 5.8g 21% DV
Sugar 151.6g 100% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 503.7mg 22% DV
Potassium 307.3mg 7% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin C 2.9mg 3% DV
Calcium 19.6mg 2% DV
Iron 2.2mg 12% DV
Diet fit High-fiber Low-fat

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use sweetened coconut instead of unsweetened?

Using sweetened coconut will result in a sweeter coconut milk, so you may want to adjust the honey accordingly. It can also change the flavor profile, making it less versatile for savory dishes.

How can I make coconut milk thicker?

To achieve a thicker coconut milk, decrease the amount of water used or blend the mixture for a longer period to fully emulsify the coconut. Alternatively, you can strain the milk less thoroughly to retain more solids.

Is this coconut milk suitable for cooking?

Yes, this homemade coconut milk is great for cooking! It adds richness to soups, stews, and curries, making it a versatile ingredient in many recipes, including vegan dishes.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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