Homemade Coconut Cream Recipe

Do not confuse coconut milk or water fresh from the coconut with coconut cream. It is easy to make your own coconut cream at home.

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 5 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 coconut, shell removed and flesh grated (or 2.5 ounces fresh grated coconut), coconut water reserved
• Reserved coconut water, plus enough cream or milk to measure 1 quart

Preparation:

In a heavy saucepan, cover the grated coconut with the coconut water and cream. Bring slowly to a boil, stirring often. Cover with a lid and let cool to room temperature.

Place a sieve or strainer over a large bowl. Line it with a double layer of cheesecloth. Pour the soaked coconut with its liquid into the lined strainer. Lift the cheesecloth, pull the edges together, and squeeze out the coconut cream.

The remaining coconut flesh may be air-dryed and/or toasted for other uses.

Refrigerate the coconut cream and use within 5 days.

Use coconut cream in savory dishes, desserts, and drinks.

Yield: About 1 quart

Using Canned or Flaked Coconut:
You can also make coconut cream from canned or packaged flaked coconut. Substitute 12 ounces of flaked coconut for the fresh coconut and use 1 quart of milk or cream. Proceed as directed above.

• Coconut Milk Recipe
• How to Toast Coconut