How to create a smooth coconut paste (both thick and thin consistencies) from fresh or desiccated coconut?

Question

Learn how to grind coconut into pastes suitable for various Indian recipes.

Answer 1

To create smooth coconut paste, blend fresh or desiccated coconut with hot water. Use less water for a thick paste and more for a thin consistency, ensuring to strain the mixture for a smooth texture.

Detailed Explanation:

Creating smooth coconut paste involves extracting the coconut milk and solids from the coconut meat. Here's a step-by-step guide for both fresh and desiccated coconut:

Using Fresh Coconut:

1. Prepare the Coconut: Crack open the coconut and scoop out the flesh. Remove the brown skin if desired for a whiter paste.
2. Grate the Coconut: Grate the coconut flesh using a coconut grater or a food processor.
3. Blend with Hot Water: Place the grated coconut in a blender. Add hot (not boiling) water. For a thick paste, use a small amount of water (e.g., 1/2 cup water per 2 cups grated coconut). For a thin paste, use more water (e.g., 1 cup water per 2 cups grated coconut).
4. Blend Until Smooth: Blend the mixture until it forms a smooth, creamy paste. This may take a few minutes, depending on your blender.
5. Strain the Paste: Place a cheesecloth or fine-mesh sieve over a bowl. Pour the blended mixture through the cheesecloth or sieve to separate the coconut milk from the solids. Squeeze the cheesecloth to extract as much liquid as possible. The liquid is your coconut milk, and the remaining solids can be discarded or used in other recipes.

Using Desiccated Coconut:

1. Rehydrate the Coconut: Place the desiccated coconut in a bowl and add hot (not boiling) water. Use approximately equal parts coconut and water. Let it soak for about 15-20 minutes to rehydrate.
2. Blend the Mixture: Transfer the rehydrated coconut and the soaking water to a blender.
3. Adjust Water for Consistency: For a thick paste, avoid adding extra water. For a thin paste, add more hot water gradually until you reach the desired consistency.
4. Blend Until Smooth: Blend the mixture until it forms a smooth paste.
5. Strain the Paste: Strain the blended mixture through a cheesecloth or fine-mesh sieve to remove any remaining solids. Squeeze the cheesecloth to extract all the liquid.

Pro Tip:

Using hot water helps to extract more flavor and oil from the coconut, resulting in a richer and smoother paste. However, avoid boiling water, as it can cook the coconut and alter the flavor.