Is there any other ingredient so versatile that it can produce oil, meat, milk, cream, water and be cooked in sweet, spicy, savoury and salty recipes? We don’t think so.
Coconuts are natural powerhouses of nutrition. From the sweet liquid within its hollow centre to its delicious creamy-white flesh, this wonderfully versatile fruit can be cooked in a variety of delicious ways to balance sweet, spicy, savoury and even salty flavours.
A staple ingredient for over a third of the world's population, the coconut is not quite a nut or a seed but rather a 'drupe' (stonefruit).
With such an array of coconut products now readily available in supermarkets and health food stores, you don’t have to live in tropical climates to enjoy the benefits of this delicious fruit. Here we present you with 10 amazing ways to cook with coconut at home.
Coconut oil
The oil is wonderfully versatile in cooking. It can be used for frying and baking or added to foods such as popcorn instead of butter. Here are some of our favourites:
1. Sweet: Coconut, dark chocolate and banana cookies
These coconut, dark chocolate and banana cookies that use coconut oil and flour are a healthier alternative to store-bought kind.2
2. Savoury: Brazilian fish stew
Onion, capsicum and chilli are fried in coconut oil for extra flavour and goodness in this Brazilian fish stew
Coconut meat
The meat – or solid white fruit – within the coconut is considered a superfood because it provides the body with an abundance of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and fibre and promotes, sustains and restores overall health.
It also contains less sugar than oranges or apples and boasts an impressive wrap sheet of benefits including high mineral levels of iron, phosphorous and zinc.
But where it reigns supreme is in its versatility – coconut meat can be eaten fresh, baked or dried and used in a variety of delicious sweet and savoury recipes. Like these ones:
3. Savoury: Barbecued fish with fresh coconut
Fresh, grated coconut, ginger, chilli, coriander and lime make a fresh, zingy relish to serve with barbecued fish.
4. Sweet: Pineapple with toasted coconut and coconut caramel
Coconut cream makes a smooth caramel to drizzle over pineapple pieces that are tossed in toasted coconut shreds.
5. Sweet: Green papaya salad with coconut and prawns
This salad is summer in a bowl.
Coconut milk & cream
Both milk and cream is derived from coconut pulp that’s soaked in hot water. This process allows coconut cream to rise to the top so it can be skimmed off for use in desserts, yoghurts and rich sauces. The remaining liquid is then strained to produce coconut milk, which is used in a huge array of curries, drinks, sauces, soups and desserts.
6. Sweet: Chilled coconut rice pudding with mango, passionfruit and vanilla
A super cold and creamy dessert made wonderful with vanilla that matches so well with coconut.
7. Savoury: Massaman curry
A curry to love regardless of the whether the weather is hot or cold.
8. Sweet: Coconut yoghurt with cashew
A perfect use for a whole coconut is to make yoghurt, or you could use a can of coconut cream and add a probiotic to it.
Coconut water
Not to be confused with coconut milk, coconut water exists naturally within the centre of each coconut and scientists are singing its praises for its many impressive health benefits.
9. Savoury: Turmeric coconut rice
A fragrant side dish flavoured with ginger, turmeric and oranges
10. Sweet: Coconut water with pineapple and mint
Coconut water with fresh pineapple juice and mint is rehydrating and good for you without the added sugar
