How to Make Coconut Milk

Coconut milk used to be an exotic ingredient – something hardly anyone used in their western kitchens. Times, however, have changed. These days, with more and more people experimenting with Thai, Indian and other eastern dishes at home, coconut milk has become a staple on supermarket shelves. The good news is that you do not have to buy it – you can make your own. The process is simple. Chop fresh coconut flesh roughly into smallish chunks. Place in a large bowl, and pour over boiling water – just enough to moisten the flesh. Leave the liquid to soak into the coconut, and when the water is cool, and has turned milky, squeeze the chopped coconut in your hands, to release the milk. Once you have removed most of the liquid, you ca n strain the remaining coconut mixture through a sieve to remove the last of the flesh.