20 Healthy Recipes Made With Coconut Milk
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Do you use coconut milk a lot? Today I have 20 Healthy Recipes Made With Coconut Milk!
I actually used to detest coconut. If something even looked like it had coconut in it, I’d cross the room to get away from it.
Then I had some fresh coconut, and my life changed forever. I couldn’t believe how good it was, and I have loved it ever since.
Coconut is quickly gaining notoriety for its many health benefits. It’s getting credit for everything from giving you fabulous skin and hair to fighting heart disease and helping with weight loss. And with good reason too.
The more studies that are done, the more science is beginning to see that cholesterol doesn’t always equal bad health. Quite the opposite. You can read more about this on the livestrong.com web site here.
So with that in mind, I thought I would share 20 recipes that you can make using coconut milk. I always use the light version because the light milk has a consistency closer to regular dairy milk. So these recipes reflect that. I also firmly believe in “everything in moderation”, including healthy fats like this.
That being said, if you follow a lower carb, higher fat diet, then full fat is totally the way to go.
And just one more general note on coconut milk, if you use it in excess, it can actually be a stomach irritant. I learned that the hard way when I tried going Paleo a few years back. I couldn’t understand why my stomach was always so uncomfortable. Then I did some research and found out I was using too much. So I defer to my earlier statement of, “everything in moderation”.
That’s not to say it absolutely will bother you. This is just a heads up for people who may be sensitive to it like I am.
20 CLEAN EATING RECIPES MADE WITH COCONUT MILK:
MAIN MEALS
- Curried Sweet Potato Soup
- Thai Shrimp and Chickpea Soup
- Chicken Masala
- Coconut Blueberry Quinoa with Lime
- Coconut Bok Choy
- Curried Millet Stew
- Coconut Curry Shrimp with Green Beans
- Coconut Cauliflower Chicken with Green Onions
- Garam Masala Red Lentil Stew
- Butternut Squash Soup with Coconut Milk and Cilantro
- Curried Chicken with Peas
BEVERAGES
SWEETS AND TREATS
- Strawberry Shortcake
- Coconut Pineapple Muffins
- Whipped Coconut Cream
- Coconut Banana Ice Cream
- Pineapple with Chocolate Sauce
- Tropical Mangos and Cream
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I'm Tiffany, a cookbook author, food lover, mom, and writer for MSN and the AP Newswire.
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Stephanie – I only purchase the canned variety. The cartons always have way to much extra junk added.
Hilliary – You’re welcome! I hope you enjoy them!
Yum! Thanks girl xoxo Chanci
Chanci – Your welcome! Enjoy!
Bon – Yay!!! I’m so happy you liked it! Fantastic!
Adina – Try fresh coconut. It may help change your mind. It certainly worked for me!
Foodie – No, I mean LIGHT coconut milk in the can. It’s not 500 calories per cup. I promise.
Just bought a can of coconut milk to try cooking with it, but now, will be unable to do so.
I am concerned that I see ‘metabisulphite’ on the label (added as preservative). So disappointed! … as I was looking forward to trying some recipes, but, as I believe I am sensitive to this (from prior exposure/experience) I can’t justify risking consumption of it. (Evoked strong migraine-type reaction/symptoms – visual disturbance, loss of balance, etc. – without the headache part!). Hmmm, has anyone else noticed that all “canned” coconut milk is preserved with this?? Are all the “canned” milks the same? Maybe someone can suggest a different brand of “canned” (or boxed perhaps) coconut milk that is still commonly/readily available, but that does not have metabisulphite in it??
Crystal – No, not all brands have that. I would return it to the store. It’s completely unnecessary. I get the either the Trader Joe’s brand or the Thai Kitchen brand. There are other brands out there as well. So it really comes down to reading labels at the store.
@Crystal, making your own coconut milk is super easy so you don’t have to worry about metabisulphite. Two parts water to 1 part unsweetened coconut flakes, mix in a blender, then run through a fine strainer and you are good to go.
If there is a nearest asian store in your area, you can get a “Tropical” brand grated coconut. This is the closest freshly grated coconut that you can get without having the trouble of breaking a coconut except that it is immediately packed and frozen to last longer. When you are ready to use it, thaw to room temperature, put in a bowl, add a cup of warm water and slowly mash with your hand. Get a strainer and a cheese cloth to sieve and wring it until the coconut is out of its juice. There’s also a some you tube videos that you will find helpful too.
HappyMappy – Ya, I’ve been meaning to try it for a while now. Sounds simple enough! Thanks!