A list of recipes that use coconut
Image source: Shutterstock
It’s tough on the outside, sweet and meaty on the inside, filled with drinking water and extracted for milk, widely recommended by nutritionists, doctors, and naturopaths around the world – we’re talking about coconuts. This subtropical fruit has made its way into grocery stores and pantries around the world. National Geographic Society genetic testing in 2011 traces the origin of this fruit to India and Southeast Asia.
Interestingly, with its ability to swim on water, this fruit traveled to different parts of the world, sometimes alone and often with sea travelers. Even literature and folklore have mentioned this fruit. A popular essay – Topographia Christina by Cosmas Indicopleustes, a fifth century Greek merchant and sea traveler, describes the coconut as “the great nut of India”.
In Arabic this fruit is called zhawzhat al-hind, which translates as “walnut from India”.
We bring you a list of coconut-based recipes from around the world – sweet, savory, or curries, we’ve got you covered.
1. Sweet Coconut Puff: A popular tea time snack. This sweet treat uses coconut as a filling, rice flour to cover, and is perfectly sealed. It is then fried and served warm or cold. Try this quick and easy dessert recipe here.
Sweet coconut puffs
Image source: Shutterstock
2. Thai Masamman Beef Curry: According to Thai food expert David Thompson, Thai Masamman beef curry originated in central Thailand in the 17th century. It was first made in the court of the historic city of Ayutthaya. Masamman is believed to be a southern Thai dish influenced by Indian and Malay cuisines. Here is the recipe to try at home.
Photo credit: Gulf News Archives
3. Thai Chicken Green Curry: This dish is a mixture of aromatic herbs and chicken braised in coconut milk. A versatile curry that uses Thai sweet basil and kafir or lime leaves for a refreshing taste. It is usually served with hot steamed rice to balance out the curry’s complex flavors. Make it at home with this recipe from Chef Wichit Panyo.
Thai Chicken Green Curry
Image source: GN / Anas Thacharpadikkal
4. Narkol’er Bora or Coconut Fritters: A hearty Bengal dish that uses nigella seeds for a spicy, peppery flavor. These donuts can be eaten as a snack at tea time, between freshly baked bread or bread or simply as an accompaniment to the main course. Try this crispy recipe here.
A Bengali savory – Narcol’er Bora or coconut fritters
Image Source: Bong Eats / Delivered
5. Kerala Recipe for Rasakalan: This is a popular recipe from the Indian state of Kerala that is prepared by Onam during the Thanksgiving Festival. This dish is a recipe from popular food blogger Veena Jaan from the United Arab Emirates and is a mixture of vegetables, spices and coconut. It tastes best when served hot with steamed rice or what is locally known as Kerala ‘Matta’ rice. Here is a recipe to make it the authentic Kerala way.
Feelings
Photo credit: Delivered
6. Patishapta or light crpes with coconut jaggery filling: This recipe from a popular Indian food blogger – Bong Eats is a Bengali delicacy. These sweets are traditionally prepared for the winter harvest festival – sankranti – which is celebrated in January. With a few staples from the pantry, you can make this dessert at home using this recipe.
Eat fresh or store outside
Image source: Delivered / Bong eats
7. Spice-crusted sea bass: This recipe contains mashed tandoori potatoes for a smoky taste, velvety coconut moilee or sauce, coriander, butter and crispy okra pods. An explosion of taste and texture, this recipe from Indian celebrity chef Vineet Bhatia offers step-by-step instructions for making each layer. Try this recipe at home.
Photo credit: Delivered
8. A South Asian Crab Curry Recipe: Laced with creamy coconut milk and spices, this is a fragrant pandan or screw pine leaf-infused curry. You will also learn how to make thin and thick coconut milk. Tamarind water, spices and fresh crabs make this dish a delicious and refreshing curry dish with rice. Here is the recipe.
Image source: thezworld / pixabay.com
Do you have a favorite coconut recipe or dish? Share it with us at food@gulfnews.com
