Authentic Tender Coconut Milk Recipe – Indian Summer Cooler

Last Updated on 4 months by Neha Deshmukh

Authentic Tender Coconut Milk Recipe – Indian Summer Cooler

Hey everyone! If you’re anything like me, you’re always on the lookout for a refreshing drink to beat the Indian summer heat. And honestly, nothing quite hits the spot like a cool, creamy glass of Elaneer Payasam – that’s what we call it at home! This tender coconut milk recipe is a family favorite, and I’m so excited to finally share it with you. It’s unbelievably easy to make, and the taste? Pure bliss.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This isn’t just a drink; it’s a little slice of summer happiness. It’s naturally sweet, incredibly hydrating, and packed with the delicate flavor of tender coconut. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to use up that delicious tender coconut water you get when you crack open a fresh one. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll be making it all season long! It’s perfect for a quick afternoon treat, a festive gathering, or just when you need a little something to cool you down.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create this little piece of paradise:

• 2 cups Milk (approx. 475ml)
• 0.25 cup Sugar (approx. 50g) – adjust to your sweetness preference!
• 0.75 cup Tender Coconut Flesh (approx. 150g)
• 0.5 cup Tender Coconut Water (approx. 120ml)
• 0.75 cup Coconut Milk (approx. 180ml) – freshly made is best!
• 0.25 tsp Cardamom Powder (approx. 1.25g)

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients for a sec, because quality really makes a difference here.

• Tender Coconut: Seriously, use the freshest you can find! The flavor is just so much better. Look for coconets that feel heavy for their size and have plenty of water inside.
• Coconut Milk Consistency: Homemade coconut milk can vary in thickness. If yours is a little thin, don’t worry – it will still taste amazing! You can also use the thick cream that rises to the top of refrigerated canned coconut milk.
• Cardamom: Freshly ground cardamom powder is always best. It has a much more vibrant aroma. If you only have cardamom pods, lightly crush them and grind them yourself. A little goes a long way!

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get cooking! It’s super simple, I promise.

1. First, pour the 2 cups of milk into a saucepan and bring it to a gentle boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer, stirring occasionally, until it reduces to about 1.5 cups. This usually takes around 8-10 minutes.
2. While the milk is simmering, prepare your tender coconut. Scoop out the flesh and roughly chop it. Then, blend the tender coconut flesh with the ½ cup of tender coconut water until you have a slightly coarse mixture. Don’t over-blend – we want some texture!
3. Now, let’s make some fresh coconut milk! Grate about 1 cup of coconut (from a mature coconut, not the tender one) and blend it with 2 cups of warm water. Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth, squeezing out as much milk as possible. You should get around ¾ cup of lovely coconut milk.
4. Once the milk has cooled down completely, it’s time to combine everything. In a large bowl, add the cooled milk, the tender coconut mixture, the freshly made coconut milk, and the cardamom powder.
5. Give it a good stir to make sure everything is well combined. Then, cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 4-5 hours, or even overnight. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
6. Finally, serve chilled in bowls or, if you’re feeling traditional, in beautiful clay pots!

Expert Tips

Want to make this recipe even better? Here are a few of my secrets:

• Consistency is Key: If you prefer a smoother drink, blend the coconut mixture for a little longer.
• Preventing Curdling: Make sure the milk is completely cooled before adding the coconut mixture. Adding it to hot milk can cause it to curdle.
• Boost the Coconut Flavor: For an extra coconutty kick, add a tablespoon of coconut cream along with the coconut milk.

Variations

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

• Vegan Option: Swap the dairy milk for your favorite plant-based milk – almond, soy, or oat milk all work well.
• Sugar-Free Option: Use a natural sweetener like stevia or monk fruit to taste.
• Spice Level: Add a tiny pinch of nutmeg or a sliver of saffron for a warm, aromatic twist. My grandmother always added a pinch of nutmeg!
• Festival Adaptation: This is a popular drink during Onam and other summer festivals in South India. You can garnish it with chopped pistachios or almonds for a festive touch.

Serving Suggestions

This Elaneer Payasam is delicious on its own, but here are a few ideas to elevate your serving:

• Garnish with a sprinkle of cardamom powder or chopped pistachios.
• Serve with a side of traditional Indian sweets like gulab jamun or rasgulla.
• For a more substantial treat, add a few pieces of fruit like mango or pineapple.

Storage Instructions

Leftovers? Lucky you! Store any remaining Elaneer Payasam in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. It might separate a little, so just give it a good stir before serving.

FAQs

Got questions? I’ve got answers!

• What is the best type of coconut to use for this recipe? Definitely use tender coconets (Elaneer) for the flesh and water. They have a delicate sweetness that’s perfect for this drink.
• Can I use store-bought coconut milk? Yes, you can! But freshly made coconut milk really does taste better. If using canned coconut milk, choose a good quality brand and refrigerate it beforehand to separate the cream.
• How can I adjust the sweetness level? Feel free to adjust the amount of sugar to your liking. Start with ¼ cup and add more, a tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired sweetness.
• How long does this Elaneer Payasam stay fresh in the refrigerator? It’s best enjoyed within 2 days.
• What is the significance of serving this drink in clay pots? Serving in clay pots (matka) keeps the drink naturally cool and adds a traditional touch. Plus, it just tastes better, doesn’t it?

Enjoy this little taste of India! I hope you love it as much as my family does. Let me know in the comments how it turns out for you!