Tag: coconut

Posted on by — 2 Comments

South Indian Coconut Chutney

Coconut chutney is one of the most popular chutneys in South Indian cuisine. It is made round the year and is a common side dish in South Indian households. It is lightly spiced, nutty with natural and refreshing sweetness of coconut. It is made with fresh coconut, green chilli and lentil as prime ingredients. It is then tempered with mustard seeds, asafoetida and curry leaves. 

Though there are several recipes of coconut chutney with their own variations and style but out of all I find this to be the best. Honestly, I don’t feel the need of sambar with dosa or idli when I’ve this chutney as side. It’s pretty good. Also, it is great for kids since it is not spicy and has mild sweetness of coconut. My little one calls this Snowman Chutney. He loves this chutney with idlis, dosa and paniyarams.

You can also check out my other South Indian chutney recipes- Kara Chutney and Tangy Spicy Peanut Chutney. 

Apart from taste, having coconut chutney along with your meals has several health benefits too. 

  • Since coconut is rich in fibre, it can help in easy bowel movement. Eating it during summers and monsoon season can also prevents digestion-related problems such as indigestion and diarrhea.
  • Coconuts are especially high in manganese which is essential for bone health and the metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins, and cholesterol.
  • They’re also rich in copper and iron, which help form red blood cells, as well as selenium, an important antioxidant that protects your cells.
  • Coconuts are low in carbs and high in fibre and good fats, which may be beneficial for blood sugar control.

Let’s see how we can make this delicious and healthy Coconut Chutney

Recipe

Ingredients: 

  • 1 cup Fresh Chopped Coconut with brown skin peeled
  • 1 inch Ginger roughly chopped 
  • 1 tbsp Lemon Juice
  • 1 small Green Chilli
  • 1 tsp Cumin Seeds
  • 2 tbsps Roasted Channa Dal/Bengal Gram
  • 2 tsps Oil (I like to use either Groundnut or Coconut oil)
  • Rock salt or Salt to taste
  • Water: 1/2 cup or as required 

For Tempering: 

  • 1/2 tsp Mustard seeds
  • 1 sprig Curry leaves
  • A pinch of Hing/Asafoetida

Method: 

  • Wash and pat dry channa dal. Add 1 tsp oil in a pan and roast the dal till golden brown. 
  • Add, coconut, roasted channa dal, lemon juice, ginger, chilli, 1/4th cup water and salt in a blender. 
  • Give a blitz. Now open and scrape off the sides. Add remaining water and blend again to get a smooth paste. You can more water if required but make sure to add little at a time. 
  • For tempering: To hot oil, add mustard seeds, curry leaves and hing. Cook till everything splutters. Pour the tempering over the chutney. Mix well. 
  • Your Chutney is ready to be served. 

Notes: 

  1. If you want whiter chutney, make sure to scrape the brown skin of coconut. 
  2. You can easily make this chutney watery because in the beginning it will feel that you will need more water for blending but add little water at a time while blending.
  3. Use fresh coconut, that’s shell is pale in color than the dark brown colour or dried coconut. Fresh coconut’s chutney tastes the best while the other might taste a little oily. 
  4. Do temper the chutney. It not only enhances the taste but also increases its shelf life. 
  5. You can store the chutney in refrigerator for 3-4 days. It might thicken a little after refrigeration. You can add few tbsps of warm water to loosen it.

Do try this recipe and let me know in the comments section how you liked it. Would love to hear it from you guys. 🙂 Happy eating!

Posted on by — 1 Comment

How to make Coconut Milk at Home

Coconut is also known as Kalpa Vriksha in Sanskrit, which means Tree of Life– “the tree which provides all the necessities of life”. All its parts from top to bottom are used to sustain human life.

In this post I will share with you how to make coconut milk in the most easiest way. Coconut milk is a traditional food ingredient used in Southeast Asia, Oceania, South Asia, and East Africa. It is so easy to make at home. I actually never buy coconut milk from the market because it takes 5 minutes to make it at home. Also, store-bought Coconut milk contains additives and gums in the canned version that I prefer to avoid. They don’t contain much of actual coconut and remember they are likely to contain some kind of preservatives, flavouring and sweeteners because homemade version will spoil in a few days and store bought ones can last you months. Also, curries and stews made from homemade coconut milk tastes so much better and real than store bought ones.

This plant milk is tasty alternative to cow’s milk that provides several health benefits too. Coconut milk comes from white flesh of mature brown coconuts, which are the fruit of the coconut tree. Unlike coconut water, the milk does not occur naturally. Instead, solid coconut flesh is mixed with water to make coconut milk, which is about 50% water. 

The milk has a sweet taste, is thick in consistency and has a rich, creamy texture. But it goes beyond taste – Ayurvedic experts ages ago discovered that coconut milk is a power drink; and modern research confirms this. It pacifies Vata and Pita while increasing Kapha. If you find yourself unable to digest dairy or are allergic to nuts, this milk is a pretty good option for you. You can also try oats milk if you are allergic to dairy or nut milk. Check out this easy to make recipe of Oats Milk here. In case you are not allergic to nut milk, you can try this delicious Almond Milk recipe.

Benefits of Coconut Milk

This white elixir is full of surprising benefits. People are so obsessed with cow’s milk, goat’s milk, camel’s milk that this ancient milk is conveniently cornered. 

  • Lauric acid

Coconut milk contains an important ingredient: lauric acid. It is considered anti-inflammatory, antiviral and antibacterial. It helps your body fight off pathogens. Therefore, have coconut milk if you are suffering from bacterial or viral disease.

  • Cytokines as an Anti-Aging Agent

Coconut milk contains strong antioxidant protection. Cytokines are proteins that protect our cells, and can protect the skin from premature aging.

  • Improves digestion

Coconut helps to improve digestion due to the presence of medium-chain fatty acids. These medium-chain fatty acids are digested and absorbed easily in the body. They may be immediately broken down by saliva and gastric juice. Therefore, consuming coconut milk may be good for people with digestive problems.

  • Coconut milk for Cancer

Coconut milk may be beneficial for cancer. Various studies on cell lines have shown that coconut milk may help in the case of breast cancer. Coconut milk may kill the cancer cells and suppress the growth of cancer-causing cells.

  • Reducing Cholesterol Levels 

This milk can help maintain your cardiovascular health due to its high content of lauric acid. Some studies indicate that consuming foods with coconut milk in moderation could help to lower the levels of bad cholesterol low and boost the levels of good cholesterol

  • May fasten recovery from sickness 

Though not as good a source of electrolytes as coconut water, coconut milk does contain magnesium and potassium. These minerals regulate blood volume, aid in the functioning of the heart and help with diarrhea and dehydration.

How to make Coconut Milk at Home

Recipe: makes around 600 ml 

Ingredients:

  • 1 mature Coconut (remove the brown skin)
  • Water: 3 cups; half warm and half room temperature water 

Instructions 

  1. Chop the coconut into tiny pieces. 
  2. Put the coconut pieces in a blender and shred it.
  3. Then add hot water first and blend on high for a few seconds. Then add room temperature water and blend again.
  4. Open the lid and scrap the sides and blend again for a minute. 
  5. Take a clean large bowl and spread a muslin or cheese cloth over it. Sieve through the prepared milk through it. Squeeze out all the milk using your hand from the coconut meat. And that’s it! Coconut milk is ready to be served.

Notes:

  1. Though Coconut milk is least allergic but please consult your pediatrician before introducing it to kids below 1 years. Introduce little at a time. 
  2. Since coconut milk is high in fats, don’t feed more than 150 ml to toddlers. Though the homemade version can be made less creamy by diluting it with more water.
  3. Coconut milk is not a great source of Calcium, Protein or Vitamin D. If you are replacing dairy with coconut milk, then eat a well balanced diet to get all the nutrients. 
  4. Coconut milk has innumerable benefits but keep in mind that coconut milk is relatively rich in calories. So, you should only have it in moderate amounts.
  5. You can re-use the residue of coconut as fertilizer for your plants or you can dry roast it and store in an air-tight jar. Use it to make cookies, cakes,muffins,energy bars etc.
  6. You can store this milk in glass bottles for upto 4-5 days in the refrigerator.

I hope you liked this recipe and will try out this easy to make Homemade Coconut Milk. If you do, do let me know in the comment section. Would love to hear from you guys. Till then cheers to good health! 🙂

Posted on by — Leave a comment

Tropical Twist: Exotic Electrolyte Drinks with Pineapple, Coconut, and Mango

sliced lemon and strawberries in water

Aloha, tropical enthusiasts! Are you ready to transport yourself to a paradise of flavors with exotic electrolyte drinks inspired by the luscious combination of pineapple, coconut, and mango? 🍍🥥🥭 Get ready to embark on a taste journey that will whisk you away to sandy beaches and swaying palm trees, all while keeping you hydrated and refreshed! 🌴🍹🌞

In this vibrant post, we’re diving into the tropical realm, where the tantalizing sweetness of pineapple, the creamy richness of coconut, and the juicy goodness of mango collide. These three tropical powerhouses not only provide a burst of flavor but also offer essential electrolytes to keep you energized under the sun. So, let’s dive in and explore five exotic recipes that will transport you to a tropical oasis! 🌺🌴💦

🌟 Pineapple Coconut Splash: The Tropical Refresher 🍹🌴 Indulge in the paradise of flavors with this delightful blend of pineapple juice, coconut water, a squeeze of lime, and a splash of sparkling water. The tangy sweetness of pineapple, combined with the hydrating properties of coconut water, creates a tropical refresher that will quench your thirst and transport you to a beachside getaway. Sip on this revitalizing splash and let the tropical vibes flow through you! 🍍🥥🌞

🥭 Mango Coconut Smoothie: The Creamy Delight 🥭🌿 Treat yourself to a creamy and satisfying mango coconut smoothie. Blend ripe mangoes with coconut milk, a squeeze of lime, a drizzle of honey or agave syrup, and a handful of ice. The velvety texture of mango, combined with the richness of coconut milk, creates a tropical indulgence that will leave your taste buds dancing with joy. Sip on this creamy delight and let the flavors transport you to a hammock by the sea! 🌺🥭🍹

🍹 Coconut Mango Mojito: The Tropical Twist 🌿🍹 Take your taste buds on a tropical adventure with this refreshing coconut mango mojito. Muddle fresh mint leaves with mango chunks, add coconut water, a squeeze of lime, a splash of sparkling water, and a touch of agave syrup. The combination of tropical mango, refreshing mint, and the subtle sweetness of coconut water creates a mojito that will transport you to a Caribbean paradise. Sip on this tropical twist and let the flavors sway your senses! 🌴🍹🌺

🌺 Pineapple Coconut Chia Pudding: The Nourishing Treat 🍍🥥 Delight in the tropical goodness of pineapple and coconut with this nourishing chia pudding. Mix coconut milk, pineapple juice, chia seeds, a drizzle of honey or maple syrup, and a sprinkle of shredded coconut. Let the chia seeds absorb the liquid, creating a luscious and textured pudding infused with the tropical essence. Indulge in this nourishing treat and feel the exotic flavors melt in your mouth! 🥥🍍🍮

💦 Mango Coconut Watermelon Slushie: The Refreshing Reviver 🥭🍉 Cool down with this revitalizing mango coconut watermelon slushie. Blend fresh mangoes, coconut water, juicy watermelon chunks, a squeeze of lime, and a handful of ice. The combination of sweet mangoes, hydrating coconut water, and refreshing watermelon creates a slushie that will quench your thirst and keep you cool on hot summer days. Sip on this refreshing reviver and feel the tropical breeze caress your skin! 🍹🌴❄️

There you have it, my tropical-loving friends! These exotic electrolyte drinks are your passport to a paradise of flavors and hydration. So, grab your pineapple, coconut, and mango, and let your taste buds embark on a tropical adventure!

Stay refreshed, stay vibrant, and let the tropical twist of flavors transport you to a world of sunshine and relaxation. Cheers to the joys of tropical indulgence! 🍍🥥🌞