Love coconut? These dishes will amaze you
What's the story
Coconut is one of the most versatile ingredients used in various cuisines across the globe.
Though most of us associate coconut with curries and desserts, there are a plethora of other dishes where coconut is the star.
Here are five such dishes that showcase the unique flavor and texture of coconut without going into the territory of curries or sweets.
Rice dish
Coconut rice delight
Coconut rice is a simple but flavorful dish that incorporates rice with grated coconut, making it aromatic and delicious.
It is prepared by boiling rice with coconut milk, which makes the grains creamy.
This dish is often garnished with roasted cashews and curry leaves and goes well with many vegetarian sides.
It is a staple in several tropical regions where coconuts are abundant.
Pancake twist
Savory coconut pancakes
Savory coconut pancakes are an interesting twist on traditional pancakes. Grated coconut is added to the batter, making them a delicious treat.
Usually made with rice flour, these pancakes are gluten-free for those seeking dietary alternatives.
Pancakes can be relished as a breakfast item or as a side dish with main meals, mostly served with chutneys or spicy dips.
Stir-fry mix
Coconut vegetable stir-fry
A vegetable stir-fry loaded with shredded coconut brings out beautiful flavors without compromising on nutrition.
This dish includes cooking up a medley of vegetables such as bell peppers, carrots, and beans in oil before adding freshly grated coconut at the end of cooking time for texture and flavor depth.
It's quick to whip up and an excellent side dish.
Soup blend
Coconut lentil soup
Coconut lentil soup is basically lentils cooked till tender with spices like cumin seeds for seasoning.
Then, it is finished off by stirring in creamy canned or fresh-pressed unsweetened coconut milk just before serving up bowls full.
The hearty soup gives warmth during the colder months, while being light enough to not overwhelm your palate any time year-round when you crave something comforting yet nutritious too.
Fritter fun
Crispy coconut fritters
Crispy fritters of chickpea flour mixed with finely chopped onions and green chilies form the base mixture.
Then, they are rolled around generous amounts of desiccated coconut flakes before frying them to golden perfection.
These crunchy snacks make great appetizers at gatherings with their irresistible crunchiness combined with the subtle sweetness coming from the naturally occurring sugars present in the mature nuts themselves.