Light and Creamy Coconut Milk Alternative
This Light and Creamy Coconut Milk Alternative is a delicious and versatile substitute designed for those who love the rich flavor of coconut milk but wish to reduce their saturated fat intake. By blending fat-free half-and-half with a touch of coconut extract, cornstarch, and sugar, you'll create a creamy concoction that's perfect for curries, soups, rice dishes, and more, without the guilt. It's an excellent way to enjoy the tropical essence of coconut in your meals, without compromising your dietary goals. This recipe yields enough to replace 1 cup of traditional canned coconut milk and can be tailored to suit your taste by adjusting the sweetness and thickness. Multiply the recipe as needed for larger meals or multiple servings.
N/A
Servings
22.5
Calories
4
Ingredients
Ingredients
fat-free half-and-half
1 cup (none)
coconut extract
1/4 teaspoon (none)
cornstarch
1/2 tablespoon (none)
sugar
1 teaspoon (none)
Instructions
1
In a mixing bowl, combine fat-free half-and-half, coconut extract, cornstarch, and sugar.
2
Using a whisk, blend the ingredients together until smooth and well incorporated.
3
Let the mixture sit for a minute or two, then whisk it one more time to ensure the cornstarch is fully dissolved and no lumps remain.
4
Use this mixture as a substitute for 1 cup of canned coconut milk in your favorite recipes.
5
Always give the mixture a quick whisk before adding it to your dish, as the cornstarch may settle slightly.
Nutrition Information
0.125
Fat
4.5
Carbs
0.5
Protein
1.75
Sugar
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Light and Creamy Coconut Milk Alternative?
It is a delicious and versatile substitute for canned coconut milk designed to reduce saturated fat intake while maintaining a rich flavor.
How many calories are in this coconut milk alternative?
This recipe contains approximately 22.5 calories per serving.
What are the primary ingredients needed?
The recipe requires fat-free half-and-half, coconut extract, cornstarch, and a small amount of sugar.
How much fat is in this substitute compared to traditional coconut milk?
This alternative is very low in fat, containing only 0.125 grams per serving.
Can I use this recipe in curries?
Yes, it is specifically designed to be used in curries, soups, and rice dishes.
How much coconut milk does one batch of this recipe replace?
This recipe yields enough mixture to replace 1 cup of traditional canned coconut milk.
How do I prepare the mixture?
Whisk the fat-free half-and-half, coconut extract, cornstarch, and sugar together until smooth, let it sit for a minute, then whisk again.
Why is cornstarch included in the recipe?
Cornstarch is used to provide the desired thickness and creamy consistency found in canned coconut milk.
Is there sugar in this coconut milk alternative?
Yes, the recipe uses 1 teaspoon of sugar, which results in 1.75 grams of sugar per serving.
Can I adjust the sweetness or thickness?
Yes, you can tailor the recipe to your taste by adjusting the amounts of sugar and cornstarch.
How much coconut extract should I use?
The recipe calls for 1/4 teaspoon of coconut extract to provide the tropical flavor.
What is the protein content of this recipe?
Each serving contains approximately 0.5 grams of protein.
How many carbohydrates are in this substitute?
There are 4.5 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Is this recipe dairy-free?
While categorized as a dairy-free alternative in tags, the recipe uses fat-free half-and-half; for a strictly dairy-free version, ensure your half-and-half is plant-based.
Can I double or triple this recipe?
Yes, you can multiply the recipe as needed for larger meals or multiple servings.
Does this recipe contain fiber?
No, this specific coconut milk alternative does not contain any fiber.
Why do I need to whisk the mixture again before adding it to my dish?
You should whisk it again because the cornstarch may settle slightly while the mixture sits.
Is this recipe suitable for fat-free diets?
Yes, it is designed as a fat-free alternative with only 0.125g of fat per serving.
What equipment do I need to make this?
You only need a mixing bowl and a whisk.
How long does it take for the cornstarch to dissolve?
Letting the mixture sit for just a minute or two after the initial whisking is enough time for the cornstarch to fully dissolve.
Can this be used in sauces?
Yes, the recipe is ideal for various sauces that require a creamy coconut base.
What is the preparation level for the ingredients?
All ingredients used in this recipe require no prior preparation.
Is there any sodium or cholesterol in this recipe?
The recipe data indicates that sodium and cholesterol levels are negligible or not present.
Is this a cooked recipe?
The mixture itself is whisked cold, but it is intended to be added to dishes during the cooking process.
How much fat-free half-and-half is used?
The recipe uses 1 cup of fat-free half-and-half as the base.
What makes this 'light'?
It is 'light' because it replaces high-fat coconut cream with fat-free half-and-half and thickening agents.
Can I use this for tropical desserts?
While designed for savory dishes like curries, its sweetness and coconut flavor make it adaptable for certain desserts.
Does the mixture have lumps?
If whisked correctly and allowed to sit, the cornstarch should fully incorporate, leaving no lumps.
Is the coconut flavor strong?
The 1/4 teaspoon of coconut extract provides a distinct tropical essence without the heavy fats of actual coconut.
Is this a quick recipe to make?
Yes, it can be prepared in just a few minutes by whisking the four ingredients together.