If you’re trying to make flavourful and cooling curries for summer, you can’t skip over coconut milk. Coconut milk is naturally hydrating and contains electrolytes such as potassium, sodium, and magnesium, which help replenish fluids, which helps in hydration. It has inherent cooling properties that can help cool down the body's temperature, making it a popular choice in tropical regions during the summer.
Consuming coconut milk can provide relief from the heat and help regulate body temperature, promoting a sense of comfort and well-being. Not to mention coconut milk is rich in essential nutrients such as vitamins C, E, and B vitamins, as well as minerals like iron and copper which play vital roles in supporting overall health and immune function. Indian cuisine has a host of recipes prepared with coconut milk and here are some of them.
Kerala Style Vegetable Stew
Kerala Style Vegetable Stew is made with a medley of fresh vegetables such as carrots, potatoes, peas, and bell peppers, this stew is simmered in a fragrant coconut milk broth infused with curry leaves, ginger, green chillies, and whole spices like cinnamon and cloves. The creamy coconut milk adds richness to the stew, balancing the flavours of the vegetables and spices. Served hot with fluffy appams or steamed rice, Kerala Style Vegetable Stew is a wholesome meal.
Kerala Style Chicken Ishtu
Kerala Style Chicken Ishtu is a classic dish that combines tender pieces of chicken with a creamy coconut milk-based curry. Marinated chicken is simmered in a fragrant gravy made with coconut milk, onions, tomatoes, ginger, garlic, and a blend of aromatic spices such as turmeric, coriander, and garam masala. The result is a flavorful and indulgent curry with a hint of sweetness from the coconut milk which is served with steamed rice or appams.
Goan Fish Curry with Coconut Milk
This beloved coastal dish celebrates the flavours of fresh seafood and the tropical richness of coconut milk. Made with tender pieces of fish (such as kingfish or pomfret), this curry is cooked in a tangy and spicy coconut milk-based sauce flavoured with tamarind, garlic, ginger, and a blend of Goan spices like cumin, coriander, and red chilli powder. The creamy coconut milk helps mellow the heat of the spices, creating a harmonious balance of flavours.
Coconut Milk Pulao
South Indian Coconut Milk Pulao is a fragrant and flavorful rice dish that is infused with the richness of coconut milk and aromatic spices. Basmati rice is cooked with coconut milk, whole spices like cloves, cardamom, and cinnamon, and a medley of vegetables such as peas, carrots, and beans. The creamy and aromatic pulao with a delicate sweetness from the coconut milk. Garnished with fried onions, cashews, and fresh herbs, South Indian Coconut Milk Pulao is a festive treat.
Coconut Milk Paneer Curry
This delectable vegetarian dish features paneer simmered in a rich and creamy coconut milk-based gravy. The paneer cubes are cooked with onions, tomatoes, ginger, garlic, and a blend of spices such as turmeric, coriander, and cumin. The coconut milk adds a luscious texture to the curry, enhancing the flavours of the spices and creating a velvety sauce that coats the paneer perfectly. It’s usually served with steamed rice or roti.
Kerala Style Parippu Curry
Kerala Style Parippu Curry is a traditional lentil curry from Kerala that is made with creamy coconut milk and aromatic spices. Yellow lentils (moong dal) are cooked with onions, tomatoes, ginger, garlic, and green chillies, then simmered in a coconut milk gravy infused with curry leaves, mustard seeds, and fenugreek seeds. The coconut milk adds richness to the curry, while the spices impart warmth and depth of flavour and it’s served with steamed rice and a side of papadum.