Creamy Coconut Creations: Delicious Recipes Using Cream of Coconut
Cream of coconut, that thick, luscious liquid extracted from the flesh of mature coconuts, is far more than just a tropical cocktail ingredient. It’s a versatile culinary powerhouse, capable of adding richness, depth, and a hint of sweet coconut flavor to a surprising array of dishes. Whether you're a seasoned chef or a kitchen novice, this guide unlocks the potential of cream of coconut, offering you a collection of delightful recipes to explore.
Savory Sensations: Beyond the Sweet
While its sweetness naturally lends itself to desserts, cream of coconut's ability to deepen savory flavors is often overlooked. Let's dive into some exciting possibilities:
Creamy Coconut Curry
This recipe showcases cream of coconut's ability to create a luxuriously creamy and flavorful curry sauce. The coconut's sweetness balances the spice beautifully.
Ingredients:
- 1 tbsp coconut oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 inch ginger, grated
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (13.5 oz) coconut milk
- 1/2 can cream of coconut
- 1 tbsp curry powder
- 1 tsp turmeric
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Your choice of protein (chicken, tofu, shrimp) and vegetables
Instructions:
- Sauté onion, garlic, and ginger in coconut oil until softened.
- Add bell pepper and cook for a few minutes.
- Stir in diced tomatoes, coconut milk, cream of coconut, curry powder, turmeric, and cumin.
- Bring to a simmer, then add your protein and vegetables.
- Cook until protein is cooked through and vegetables are tender.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve with rice or naan bread.
Coconut-Lime Shrimp Scampi
Elevate your classic scampi with the addition of cream of coconut and lime juice for a tropical twist. The richness of the cream contrasts beautifully with the bright acidity of the lime.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup cream of coconut
- 2 tbsp lime juice
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooked pasta for serving
Instructions:
- Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add garlic and cook until fragrant.
- Add shrimp and cook until pink and opaque.
- Stir in cream of coconut and lime juice.
- Cook for 1-2 minutes, or until sauce has thickened slightly.
- Stir in cilantro.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve over cooked pasta.
Sweet Surrender: Decadent Dessert Delights
Cream of coconut is a natural fit for decadent desserts. Its inherent sweetness and creamy texture create irresistibly rich and flavorful treats.
Creamy Coconut Ice Cream
Forget store-bought—this homemade coconut ice cream is incredibly simple to make and tastes unbelievably delicious.
Ingredients:
- 1 can (13.5 oz) full-fat coconut milk
- 1/2 can cream of coconut
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (or to taste)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Whisk together all ingredients until well combined.
- Pour into an ice cream maker and churn according to manufacturer's instructions.
- Freeze for at least 2 hours to allow the ice cream to harden fully.
Coconut Macaroons
These classic cookies get a boost of richness and flavor from the addition of cream of coconut.
Ingredients:
- 1 can (13.5 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 1/2 can cream of coconut
- 2 cups shredded sweetened coconut
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Combine condensed milk, cream of coconut, coconut, and vanilla extract in a bowl.
- Drop by rounded tablespoons onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Let cool completely before serving.
This is just a starting point! Experiment with different flavor combinations and techniques to create your own unique cream of coconut masterpieces. The possibilities are as endless as your imagination. Remember to always check ingredient labels and adjust sweetness levels to your preference. Happy cooking!
