Authentic Tender Coconut Milk Recipe – Easy Indian Dessert

Last Updated on 4 months by Neha Deshmukh

Authentic Tender Coconut Milk Recipe – Easy Indian Dessert

Hey everyone! If you’re craving something cool, creamy, and utterly delicious, you have to try this Tender Coconut Milk recipe. It’s a classic Indian dessert, and honestly, it’s one of my go-to’s when I want something sweet but not overly heavy. I first made this for a family gathering, and it was a huge hit – everyone kept asking for the recipe! It’s surprisingly simple, and the fresh coconut flavor is just divine.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Tender Coconut Milk isn’t just a treat for your tastebuds; it’s a little slice of comfort. It’s light, refreshing, and perfect for a hot day. Plus, it’s naturally gluten-free and can easily be made vegan! It’s a fantastic way to enjoy the goodness of tender coconut, and it’s way easier to make than you might think.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this delightful dessert:

• 1 cup Tender coconut pulp
• 1 cup Tender coconut water
• 1 cup Milk (full fat recommended)
• 3 tablespoons Condensed milk (adjust to taste)
• 1 teaspoon Cardamom (powdered)
• 4 Cashew nuts
• ?? teaspoon Ghee (clarified butter)

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients! Getting these right will make all the difference.

Tender Coconut Pulp: Choosing & Preparing

Choosing a good tender coconut is key. Look for one that feels heavy for its size and has plenty of water sloshing inside. To open it, you can carefully chop off the top with a cleaver or use a sturdy knife. Scoop out the tender pulp – it should be soft and jelly-like. You’ll need about 1 cup for this recipe.

Tender Coconut Water: Freshness & Benefits

Freshly extracted tender coconut water is best! It has a naturally sweet and refreshing flavor. It’s also packed with electrolytes, making it a super hydrating drink.

Milk: Full Fat vs. Low Fat Options

I recommend using full-fat milk for the richest, creamiest texture. However, you can use low-fat milk if you prefer, but the consistency might be slightly thinner. About 240ml of milk is ideal.

Cardamom: The Queen of Spices – Varieties & Aroma

Cardamom adds a beautiful fragrance and flavor. I prefer using green cardamom powder, but you can use black cardamom for a smokier note if you like. A little goes a long way!

Ghee: Clarified Butter – Traditional Uses & Substitutes

Ghee gives a lovely nutty flavor to the cashews. If you don’t have ghee, you can use unsalted butter or coconut oil as a substitute. About 5-7ml of ghee is perfect.

Cashew Nuts: Roasting for Enhanced Flavor

Roasting the cashew nuts really brings out their flavor. Don’t skip this step! They add a lovely crunch to the creamy milk.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get cooking!

1. First, pour the milk into a saucepan and heat it over medium heat. Once it starts to simmer, reduce the heat to low and let it cook for about 5 minutes. This helps thicken it slightly.
2. Now, take the milk off the heat and let it cool completely to room temperature. This is important – you don’t want to add the coconut to hot milk!
3. While the milk is cooling, let’s prepare the coconut. Pop the tender coconut pulp and a little of the water into a blender. Grind it until it’s smooth or slightly coarse, depending on your preference. I like to leave a few small bits of pulp for texture.
4. Next, heat the ghee in a small pan. Add the cashew nuts and fry them until they turn golden brown and crispy. Be careful not to burn them! Set them aside to cool.
5. Once the milk is cool, pour the ground coconut mixture into a mixing bowl. Add the cooled milk, condensed milk, fried cashews, and cardamom powder.
6. Give everything a good mix until it’s well combined.
7. Finally, pour the mixture into serving glasses or a bowl. Cover it and chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving. Garnish with the reserved coconut bits.

Expert Tips

Here are a few tips to help you make the best Tender Coconut Milk ever!

• Achieving the Perfect Consistency: If you want a thicker consistency, you can add a teaspoon of cornstarch dissolved in a little milk to the saucepan while simmering the milk.
• Preventing Separation: To prevent the milk from separating, make sure the milk is completely cool before adding the coconut mixture.
• Enhancing the Coconut Flavor: For an extra boost of coconut flavor, you can add a few drops of coconut extract.

Variations

Want to switch things up? Here are a few ideas:

• Vegan Tender Coconut Milk: Substitute the milk with coconut milk and use maple syrup or agave nectar instead of condensed milk.
• Gluten-Free Tender Coconut Milk (Naturally Gluten-Free): This recipe is naturally gluten-free, but always double-check the labels of your ingredients to be sure.
• Spice Level Adjustment – Adding a Hint of Saffron: My friend Priya loves adding a pinch of saffron strands soaked in a tablespoon of warm milk for a luxurious touch.
• Festival Adaptations – Serving During Onam or Ganesh Chaturthi: This is a popular dessert during Onam and Ganesh Chaturthi. You can serve it in small clay bowls for a traditional touch.

Serving Suggestions

This Tender Coconut Milk is delicious on its own, but you can also serve it with:

• A sprinkle of chopped pistachios
• A drizzle of honey
• Some fresh fruit slices

Storage Instructions

Leftover Tender Coconut Milk can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. It might thicken slightly upon chilling, so you can add a splash of milk to loosen it up before serving.

FAQs

Got questions? I’ve got answers!

What is the best way to open a tender coconut?

Carefully chop off the top with a cleaver or sturdy knife. You can also pierce the soft eyes with a straw.

Can I use coconut milk from a carton instead of fresh tender coconut pulp and water?

You can, but the flavor won’t be as fresh and vibrant. If you do use carton coconut milk, look for a good quality brand with a high coconut content.

How can I prevent the tender coconut milk from becoming grainy?

Make sure the milk is completely cool before adding the coconut mixture, and don’t over-blend the coconut pulp.

Can this recipe be made ahead of time?

Yes, you can make it a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator. The flavors will actually meld together even more!

What are the health benefits of tender coconut water and pulp?

Tender coconut water is incredibly hydrating and rich in electrolytes. The pulp is a good source of fiber and healthy fats.

Enjoy making this delicious and refreshing Tender Coconut Milk! Let me know how it turns out in the comments below. Happy cooking!