Canned Coconut Cream

Coconut cream is a highly versatile ingredient that offers a distinctive taste to dishes, and its creaminess can elevate both sweet and savory recipes. Despite its popularity in cooking, people often struggle with how to properly use it, often substituting it incorrectly or not knowing how to incorporate it best in dishes. One common mistake is overusing coconut cream, which can result in overtly saturated, heavy dishes. As coconut cream is very rich and flavorful, a little goes a long way, so it is important to add it mindfully. It's also common for people to use coconut milk and coconut cream interchangeably, but they are not the same. Coconut cream is thicker and richer than coconut milk and should be used when a recipe calls for a thicker consistency. The two can be substituted for one another, but it might alter the final dish's texture and flavor. Coconut cream also separates when heated quickly, so it is recommended to heat it slowly, on a low temperature, to avoid curdling. Another helpful tip when using coconut cream is to place the can in the refrigerator a few hours before using it. This allows the cream to separate from the liquid more easily, giving you a much creamier texture. Moreover, remember that coconut cream can add a bold coconut flavor to dishes, so knowing how to balance this flavor with other ingredients in a recipe is vital to achieve the desired taste. To get the most out of coconut cream, opt for a good quality brand without additives or fillers, and use it in a variety of ways such as in curries, soups, smoothies, desserts and even in your coffee as a diary-free creamer.