Coconut Recipes: Enjoy the Milk and Oil of the Coconut

by Fleur Hupston, citizen journalist

(NaturalNews) The health benefits of coconuts are well documented. Delicious sliced open on the spot for a refreshing drink and satisfying snack, coconuts are also dried for use in a variety of meals and dishes. Coconut oil is an excellent and healthy ingredient in shakes and smoothies. Try some of these international soup, main course and desert recipes that incorporate the milk or oil of coconuts.

African Coconut Cream and Banana Soup

Ingredients:

1 dozen small green bananas
2 cups home made chicken, fish or vegetable stock
1 cup coconut cream
1 small onion, chopped
Fresh hot chili, to taste

Method:

1. Peel and grate the bananas or puree in a blender, if preferred, then mix with the stock.
2. Saute the onion and chili until soft.
3. Mix all the ingredients together and heat but do not allow to boil.
4. Decorate with fresh parsley or coriander.

Main Course Using Coconut Milk

Many people confuse coconut milk with the liquid found inside a coconut, which is coconut water. Coconut milk is extracted from the meat of coconuts. The fresh meat can be squeezed directly (usually referred to as coconut cream) or it can be grated, mixed with hot water and then squeezed, making a thinner coconut milk. It can easily be made at home or it can be purchased at stores, canned or frozen.

Spicy Potato Curry with Coconut Milk

Ingredients:

3 cups potatoes, cut into cubes
1/2 cup coconut cream, 1/2 cup coconut milk
1 small onion, chopped
1 teaspoon cumin seeds
2 sliced red chilies, or more, to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil

Method:

1. Fry the cumin seeds, onion and chilies until the onion is soft.
2. Add potatoes and then stir in the coconut milk.
3. Simmer on a low heat until potatoes are soft.
4. Add the coconut cream and seasoning, to taste.
5. Bring to a boil, allow to cook at a high heat for a minute or two, and then turn off the heat.
6. Serve hot with brown rice.

Coconut Oil and Strawberry Smoothie

Healthy strawberry smoothies are packed with phytonutrients, vitamins, minerals and enzymes that come in a whole-food form. Combined with coconut oil, a strawberry smoothie is rich and filling enough for a complete meal.

Ingredients:

1 cup fresh strawberries
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 tablespoon honey
1 tablespoon coconut oil
1/3 cup raw almonds, soaked
1 and 1/2 cups water

Method:

Blend until smooth and strain to remove almond meal.

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