You don’t need to be on a Caribbean island to enjoy the tastes of the tropics (though it does help). If there’s one flavor that can conjure up images of palm trees and white beaches, it’s coconut. Coconut milk is a key ingredient in Caribbean, Southeast Asian, and West African cooking. Here are some dishes where coconut milk is the main character.
Thai Coconut Soup
Thai soups have a reputation for being sour and spicy. Both flavors can be quite intense, especially if you’re not used to the cuisine. Tom kha kai has all the characteristic tastes you’d expect, but it is mellowed out with the addition of coconut milk, which makes it creamy and adds some sweetness.
Coconut Rice Pudding
Rice pudding is a comforting dessert that can be served warm or cold and is a great way to use up leftover rice. The creamy texture of the pudding comes from cooking the grain in milk, but if you want to add some extra flavor — or make it vegan — coconut milk is your guy.
Coconut Lentil Curry
Lentils are an excellent source of protein, fiber, and iron, making it a fabulous addition to your diet. Turn the legume into a luscious curry using aromatics like garlic and ginger, curry powder, and coconut milk.
