5 Delicious Coconut Cream Recipes You Must Try

Coconut cream, with its rich, creamy texture and subtly sweet flavor, has become a staple in both traditional and modern cuisines around the world. Not only does it offer a delightful taste, but it also provides a host of health benefits, including boosting heart health, aiding in weight loss, and improving digestion. Here are five delicious recipes featuring coconut cream that you absolutely must try!

1. Coconut Cream Panna Cotta

Panna cotta, an Italian classic, gets a tropical twist with this coconut cream version. Here’s how you can make it:

• Ingredients:
  • 2 cups of coconut cream
  • 1 cup of full-fat milk or a milk alternative
  • ¹⁄₃ cup of sugar or honey
  • 2 teaspoons of gelatin
  • 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
  • Passionfruit or any tropical fruit sauce for serving
• Instructions:
  1. Sprinkle gelatin over ¹⁄₄ cup of milk, stir, and let it sit for 5 minutes to bloom.
  2. Heat the coconut cream and remaining milk in a saucepan until it simmers, not boiling. Remove from heat.
  3. Add sugar, vanilla extract, and the bloomed gelatin, stirring until everything is well dissolved.
  4. Pour into ramekins and chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or until set.
  5. Serve with a spoonful of passionfruit or fruit sauce on top.

🌿 Note: Make sure the gelatin is fully dissolved to avoid lumps in your panna cotta.

2. Curried Chicken Coconut Soup

This aromatic soup melds the creamy richness of coconut cream with the savory warmth of curry:

• Ingredients:
  • 1 can (14 oz) of coconut cream
  • 4 cups of chicken broth
  • 2 tablespoons of red or green curry paste
  • 1 cup of shredded, cooked chicken
  • 1 red bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 zucchini, sliced
  • 2 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon of fish sauce or soy sauce
  • Lime juice, cilantro, and green onions for garnish
• Instructions:
  1. In a pot, combine curry paste and garlic, sautéing until fragrant.
  2. Add chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Add coconut cream and let it melt into the soup.
  3. Stir in chicken, bell pepper, and zucchini, cooking until the vegetables are tender.
  4. Season with fish or soy sauce, and adjust flavors with lime juice, salt, and pepper.
  5. Garnish with cilantro and green onions before serving.

🌶️ Note: Adjust the amount of curry paste to your spice tolerance.

3. Coconut Lime Cheesecake Bars

These cheesecake bars with a coconut crust and lime flavor are the perfect treat for coconut lovers:

• Ingredients:
  • 1 cup of coconut flakes
  • 1 ¹⁄₂ cups of graham cracker crumbs
  • 6 tablespoons of melted butter
  • 16 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1 can (14 oz) of sweetened condensed milk
  • ¹⁄₃ cup of coconut cream
  • ¹⁄₂ cup of lime juice
  • 1 tablespoon of lime zest
  • Whipped cream and lime slices for decoration
• Instructions:
  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Combine coconut flakes, crumbs, and butter for the crust, press into a lined baking pan, and bake for 10 minutes. Cool.
  2. Beat cream cheese until smooth. Slowly add condensed milk, then incorporate coconut cream, lime juice, and zest.
  3. Pour the filling over the crust and bake for 25 minutes or until set. Cool, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours.
  4. Serve with whipped cream and lime slices for garnish.

These coconut cream recipes not only highlight the versatility of this tropical ingredient but also offer a chance to dive into different flavors from creamy sweets to savory soups. Whether you're a home cook looking to expand your culinary repertoire or someone seeking to enjoy healthier alternatives to traditional cream, coconut cream provides a delectable, dairy-free option with a unique flavor profile that can enhance any dish.

Can I use coconut cream in place of heavy cream for all recipes?

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While coconut cream can often substitute for heavy cream in many recipes, especially for sauces and desserts, its distinct flavor might not work in every dish. For recipes where the cream needs to be subtle or neutral, like some soups or savory dishes, you might want to mix it with another neutral milk alternative or use it sparingly.

How long can I store coconut cream?

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Coconut cream can last in the refrigerator for about 5-7 days. If unopened, canned coconut cream can typically last for 1-2 years in a cool, dry place.

Is coconut cream suitable for those with nut allergies?

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Yes, coconut cream is derived from the coconut, which is a fruit, not a nut. Therefore, it is generally safe for those with nut allergies. However, always check the packaging for cross-contamination warnings if the individual has severe allergies.

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