Coconut Milk in the Cuisine Companion – Make your own

 

I used to buy tinned coconut milk for making curries and so on, pre thermomix days. I bought the Ayam brand as I believed that it was fine no preservatives etc. However once I purchased the thermomix back in 2012 I made my own and now with the Cuisine Companion I’ve been making it and thought I really should share this with other CC owners.
I’ve done lots of  research over the years into tinned coconut milk, even preservative free ones.
There are a few points here that really make it worthwhile to make your own coconut milk. With a machine like the Tefal Cuisine Companion there really is no reason not to !
Price – I used to purchase Coles Shredded Coconut for $2.50 approx for 500g. However this does have a preservative in it So I have switched a number of years ago to an Organic Shredded coconut from Loving Earth which I do buy in bulk but you can also buy in smaller quantities although not as economical So I highly recommend getting a larger quantity and sharing with friends.
300 g of shredded coconut plus 900g of filtered water and 10minutes makes around 600g of coconut milk
The Shredded Coconut from Coles cost me approx $1.50 for the 300g of shredded coconut ! However it’s even less when bought in bulk. And of course there are no preservative in organic Shredded coconut.
A Can of Ayam coconut milk costs around $3.50 for 270mls !!!!
As you can see that is a major difference in price !
Taste – The taste quite frankly just doesn’t compare to tinned coconut milk, its completely fresh and full of flavour
Other health factors – Tinned Cans contain BPA !

In June 2016 Ayam did announce this but its still not 100% definite although certainly if you had to reach for a can of coconut mil this one would be the better option.
“We can confirm that our BPA free cans are BPA-NI (BPA-not intentionally added). The inner surfaces (lining), which are in contact with the food, are all coated with a “BPA-free” lacquer, which is organosol and/or polyester based, and not known to contain Bisphenol A (BPA).”
What is BPA ?
BPA is used in the lining of certain canned foods. BPA especially leaches into canned foods that are acidic, salty or fatty, such as coconut milk, tomatoes, soup, and vegetables.
Women who are trying to get pregnant, pregnant or breastfeeding, children and other vulnerable populations (chronically ill): should avoid canned coconut milk products except for those that are BPA-free, like Native Forest and Arroy-D. Note: Native Forest is organic, but Arroy-D is not.
People with digestive problems (IBS, IBD, GERD, etc.): may want to avoid coconut products entirely, except for coconut oil
Healthy people: may be fine with canned coconut milk, provided they don’t react to the guar gum, and provided they’re willing to take the side of industry scientists that claim BPA doesn’t cause harm in humans
Cheong Liew, chef at Adelaide’s The Grange, says that unless they are lined with plastic, tinned coconut milk has a tainted flavour. – I have to say I agree with him even if they are lined with plastic !

For me – once I made coconut milk , I’ve never looked back and only rarely have a can of plastic lined coconut cream in my pantry for emergency use.

I buy Loving Earth Brand of Organic Shredded coconut now, in bulk and Just love the taste. I highly recommend it and I have no affiliation with the company I just love their products !

How to make your own Coconut Milk in the Cuisine Companion –

• Using the Ultrablade 
• Blitz coconut at speed 12 for 20-30 seconds
• Add in water
• Heat for 10 minutes at 100degrees on speed 6
• Mix at speed 10 for 30 seconds 
• Note : As its very hot I use a metal sieve to get my initial quantity of milk that I need and then when its cooled I use my nut milk bag and get another 200 – 300 g (or more) of milk out.
• With the left over pulp you can dehydrate it and use it for making coconut flour or add the pulp to recipes
• TIP : Want to get coconut cream ? leave the coconut milk to sit in the fridge and you will be able to scoop off the thick cream from the top !

 

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