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Coconut is a versatile food that is loved all over the world. Loaded with several essential nutrients, including vitamins, healthy fats, and manganese, there are plenty of ways to include it in our diet. The 2nd of September is observed as World Coconut Day every year. This day reminds us of its importance in cooking and its health benefits.
It was started by the Asian and Pacific Coconut Community in 2009, and since then, the world has celebrated the significance and benefits of coconut in different forms such as water, oil, milk, husk, etc. Talking particularly about Indian cuisine, we add it to all kinds of dishes, be it curry, chutney, or any dessert. If you also want to indulge in some delicious Indian coconut-based dishes, here are eleven recipes you can try:
Coconut Chutney
This is a popular and versatile accompaniment that pairs well with many rice-based dishes from South Indian cuisine. Made with fresh coconut meat, chillies, cumin, and ginger, coconut chutney is often combined with ingredients like vegetables, fruits, nuts, and lentils. This savoury, vibrant, and flavourful condiment can be paired with idlis, dosas, vadas, pakoras, and so on.
Narkel Naru
Narkel naru is a quintessential Bengali sweet that is made with coconut and jaggery. Being rich and healthy, it is specially prepared on several festive occasions like Navratri and Janmashtami. The term narkel naru means coconut ladoo, and there are many other versions of this sweet treat, like rose, saffron, and cardamom coconut laddoo.
Chingri Malai Curry
This is another Bengali delight that can steal your taste buds. It is a type of prawn curry that is made with coconut milk. Other important ingredients in this dish are prawns, garam masala, cumin, mustard seeds, and red chilli powder. Chingri malai curry is perfect for a wholesome dinner when paired with steamed rice.
Avial
Avial is a traditional dish from Kerala that is prepared with thirteen vegetables. It is basically a thick stew that is seasoned with ground coconut, coconut oil, curd and curry leaves. Also popular in the states of Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, avial is an essential part of the Onam sadhya feast. It is best served with steamed rice, sambar, pickles, and papadum for lunch.
Coconut Chicken Curry
If you are fond of chicken dishes, then coconut chicken curry is a must-try. Prepared in less than one hour, this rich and creamy curry can be served with both rice and roti for lunch as well as dinner. Made with boneless chicken, coconut milk, tomato puree, and spices like cumin and coriander powder, this dish is full of flavours and also healthy.
Coconut Kheer
Kheer is a traditional Indian dessert that is prepared in every household. Made with milk and rice, it is perfect for every occasion. But if you are looking for a vegan version, then coconut kheer is perfect for you. It is a rich and creamy dessert that uses fresh coconut and coconut milk instead of regular milk. You can flavour coconut kheer with cardamom and cinnamon powder and garnish with chopped nuts.
Xacuti
This culinary delight is pronounced "sha-kuti" and belongs to the state of Goa. Mainly prepared with crabs, lamb, or chicken, xacuti has a complex flavour that comes from poppy seeds, sliced onions, toasted grated coconut, and dry red chillies. Served with rice or any Indian bread, it goes well for lunch as well as dinner.
Kobbari Pachadi
This is another version of coconut chutney from the state of Andhra Pradesh. Made with coconut, chana dal, and urad dal, it is tempered with mustard seeds, cumin, and curry leaves. Mainly served with rice, kobbari pachadi can be stored for up to three days in the refrigerator. You can also relish it with pesarattu, dosa, spot idli, and vada.
Kerala Fish Curry
The dish is native to Kerala and is a South Indian delight you must try. This curry combines tender and flaky fish with a rich and fiery sauce that is prepared with red chilli powder, mustard seeds, coriander powder, and coconut milk. Mainly served with rice, it can be cooked with a variety of fish like mackerel, halibut, cod, or salmon.
Daab Chingri
This is a unique Bengali dish that is cooked and served in the shell of a tender coconut. Daab chingri is prepared with yoghurt, mustard, and poppy seeds, along with the tempering of panch phoran (a combination of fenugreek, nigella, cumin, brown mustard, and fennel seeds), garlic, and ginger. It is best served with steamed rice.
Coconut Rice
Coconut rice is another popular South Indian dish that uses coconut as a primary ingredient. Easy to prepare, this hearty dish is served with any curry or plain yoghurt. It is made with grated coconut and rice, along with the tempering of curry leaves and spices like mustard seeds, cumin, and asafoetida. Also known as thenga sadam, it is also an important part of festivals like Pongal and Navratri.
