how to: make coconut milk
April 29th, 2010
If you….
- Love recipes that only take about 3 minutes of total prep time…
- Love all things coconut
- Don’t love all things coconut (like me…but I love this milk!)
- Love milk
- But maybe don’t like or can’t drink regular milk for various reasons
- Are a Vegan
- Don’t like paying for overpriced coconut milk in the stores
- Like being able to control the type/amount of sweetener in your coconut milk
- Have yet to ever experience the sweet, creamy, rich goodness of coconut milk…….
Then this recipe is for you!!!!!
Truly, it’s so fast, and so simple, so cheap, and so delicious that there’s no reason NOT to try it. :) It’s full of great nutrients, and can be used a zillion ways. (I’ve included a short list below of some possible uses, both in and out of the kitchen.) So grab a bag of coconut, and give it a try! I really think you’ll love it!
How To: Make Coconut Milk
(Adapted from Elana’s Pantry)
Ingredients:
- 2 cups unsweetened shredded coconut
- 4 cups water
- 1 Tbsp. honey or agave nectar (or 6 drops stevia)
- 1 tsp. vanilla extract
Method:
Soak coconut in water for 1-2 hours (do not discard water).
In a blender (or you could do small batches in a food processor), combine coconut, water, vanilla and honey and process on highest speed.
Strain liquid through a fine mesh strainer (or a strainer bag, or cheesecloth would work), discarding solids. Serve or refrigerate.
Possible Uses:
- Baking: can be used as a substitute for milk in a variety of baking recipes
- Beverages: coffee, tea, smoothies, milkshakes, eggnog, pina coladas, or a variety of alcoholic beverages
- Cooking: used in noodle dishes, rice dishes, grain dishes, stir-frys, etc., and it is called for especially in many Thai, Indian, African and Hawaiian dishes
- Skin Care: used as a moisturizing face wash, mixed into water for a bubble bath, or even used as a hair conditioner
Ali’s Tip:
This also works with sweetened coconut. Just omit the extra natural sweetener (honey, agave, stevia, etc.).
yum!
I never would have guessed… I can’t wait to try this!
I am a sucker for coconut milk :D
Wow I never knew it was this easy! Yum!
“If you….Are a Vegan…Then this recipe is for you!!!!!”
Vegans don’t eat Honey…
Why not use fresh coconut ?
I have also heard that it is worth a double press. THe second rendering will yield light coconut milk.
Hey Lori!
Thanks for the tip — that sounds perfect! :)
~A
Hi MP,
I live in the Midwest, where fresh (good!) coconut is pretty rare. But I’m sure fresh would be even better! :)
~A
Hey Drew!
You’re right! That’s why I mentioned the agave or stevia options too… Thanks for the clarification!
~A
This is a great idea but how much coconut milk would you say this yields?
Saveur I was wondering the same thing, but I would guess that since you don’t discard the water, and the recipe calls for 4 cups it should yield at least 4 cups of coconut milk (maybe more)?
This is great!
Just wondering – could you use milk instead of water? Also, could you leave in the coconut when using it in baking? or would that taste weird/awful?
Thanks!
Brilliant!! I LOVE coconut anything..I’m thrilled that I can make this at home!
Why is the canned stuff so thick?