Last Updated on 2 months by Neha Deshmukh

Tender Coconut Milk Recipe – Easy Indian Summer Drink with Cardamom

Introduction

Oh, the summer heat! Growing up, the first thing my Dadi (grandmother) would make when the temperatures soared was something cool and refreshing. This Tender Coconut Milk, or Elaneer Payasam as we sometimes call it, is exactly that. It’s unbelievably easy to whip up, requires minimal cooking (basically none!), and tastes like a little slice of paradise. Seriously, if you’re looking for a quick and delicious way to beat the heat, you need to try this.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This isn’t just another summer drink; it’s a little bit of nostalgia in a glass. It’s creamy, subtly sweet, and has the most amazing delicate flavor from the tender coconut and cardamom. Plus, it comes together in under 10 minutes! Perfect for those days when you just don’t feel like spending hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this dreamy drink:

• ½ cup tender coconut pulp (about 150g)
• ½ cup frozen milk (about 120ml)
• ½ cup milk (about 120ml)
• 2 tablespoons cane sugar (about 30g)
• 1 pinch cardamom powder (about ¼ teaspoon)

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients – a few little tips to make sure your drink turns out just right!

Tender Coconut Pulp: Selecting & Preparing

Finding good tender coconut pulp is key. You want the soft, jelly-like flesh from a young, green coconut. You can usually find pre-packaged tender coconut water and pulp in Indian grocery stores, which is super convenient. If you’re opening a whole coconut, make sure to scrape out the pulp carefully.

Frozen Milk: Why It’s Used & Substitutions

Frozen milk might sound a little unusual, but trust me, it makes all the difference! It adds a wonderful creaminess without needing ice, which can dilute the flavor. If you can’t find frozen milk, you can freeze regular milk in ice cube trays and use those instead. About 8-10 frozen milk cubes will equal ½ cup.

Cane Sugar: Traditional Sweetener & Alternatives

Traditionally, this drink is made with gur (jaggery) or cane sugar. It has a lovely, slightly caramel-like flavor. However, regular granulated sugar works perfectly well too! You can adjust the amount to your liking. (About 25g of granulated sugar is a good substitute).

Cardamom Powder: The Aromatic Spice

Cardamom is a staple in Indian desserts and drinks, and it adds such a beautiful aroma. Freshly ground cardamom is best, but good quality store-bought powder works great too. Don’t skip it – it really elevates the flavor!

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get blending! It’s seriously simple.

1. First, add the tender coconut pulp, frozen milk, and cane sugar to your blender.
2. Blend everything until it’s beautifully smooth and creamy. You might need to scrape down the sides a couple of times.
3. Now, pour in the remaining milk and add that pinch of cardamom powder.
4. Give it a quick blend – just until everything is combined. Don’t over-blend!
5. Finally, pour into glasses and serve immediately. It’s best enjoyed chilled!

Expert Tips

• For an extra-chilled drink, you can chill the glasses in the freezer for about 15 minutes before pouring.
• Don’t have a high-powered blender? Let the frozen milk thaw for 5-10 minutes before blending to make it easier.
• Taste as you go! Adjust the sweetness to your preference.

Variations

This recipe is a great base for experimentation. Here are a few ideas:

Vegan Tender Coconut Milk

My friend Priya is vegan, and she makes this with coconut milk instead of dairy milk. It’s equally delicious! Just use about ½ cup of full-fat coconut milk.

Adjusting Sweetness Levels

My family likes things a little less sweet, so I often reduce the cane sugar to 1.5 tablespoons. Feel free to experiment and find your perfect sweetness level.

Spice Level Variations

If you like a little more warmth, add a tiny pinch of nutmeg or a sliver of saffron along with the cardamom.

Summer Cooling Adaptations

For an even more cooling effect, add a few mint leaves to the blender. It adds a lovely freshness!

Serving Suggestions

This drink is perfect on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with light snacks like khakhra or fruit chaat. It’s also a lovely accompaniment to a spicy Indian meal – the sweetness helps balance the heat.

Storage Instructions

Honestly, this drink is best enjoyed immediately. The texture can change if it sits for too long. However, if you absolutely have leftovers, you can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a few hours. Give it a good stir before serving.

FAQs

Let’s answer some common questions!

Is this drink best served immediately?

Yes, absolutely! It’s at its best when it’s freshly made and chilled.

Can I use regular milk instead of frozen milk?

You can, but it won’t be as creamy. Use ice cubes to chill the drink, but be aware that it might dilute the flavor slightly.

What if I don’t have cane sugar?

Granulated sugar works just fine! You can also use honey or maple syrup, but they will slightly alter the flavor.

How can I make this recipe more refreshing?

Add a few mint leaves or a squeeze of lime juice to the blender.

Can I add other flavors like rose water?

Definitely! A teaspoon of rose water adds a beautiful floral aroma. My aunt loves adding a dash of rose water – it’s divine!