Coconut milk or gata is not available in all parts of the world. Luckily, the Philippines being a tropical country, plenty of coconut tree plantations makes the ingredient readily available for every Filipino home. That’s why we all grew up eating and enjoying delicious meals with gata, may it be on a regular day or on special occasions.
Who can resist eating Bicol Express, Ginataang Hipon, Laing, and Maja Blanca? These are just some of the most famous food normally cooked using gata. From meat, fish, veggies and even desserts, the whole nation has plenty of food recipes for the well-loved coconut milk. But how about taking the fondness to the next level? What if one can still use gata on some food recipes we thought were already good without it? Below is a list of some food recipes we never expected would taste even better with coconut milk!
Pork Sinigang
If you think that we can’t mix the sourness of sinigang with the creaminess of coconut milk, then you’re wrong! There exists a very simple recipe of pork sinigang with gata to put a different flavor to it. After cooking the meat, some veggies and adding the usual sampaloc mix, one may then proceed adding the coconut milk before finally finishing the dish by adding string beans and kangkong. Then one may enjoy the sour-creamy taste of the dish!
Carbonara
Who would’ve thought that coconut milk could be a perfect pasta sauce? Yes, it is! One may substitute it to the usual all-purpose cream used to prepare the dish. Or if both ingredients are available, it is up to the cook’s discretion whether to use both. The cooking process will be the same when using all-purpose cream. The coconut milk will be added after sautéing the typical ingredients such as garlic, mushroom, bacon and parsley. Depending on the desired creaminess, all-purpose cream and gata may be mixed and the ratio may vary per individual preference. Once the dish is ready, other toppings such as cheese and pepper may be optional to add.
Beef Caldereta
This Spanish-influenced dish has become a favorite on fiestas and special occasions. The usual ingredient used for the sauce is tomato paste. However, if one wishes to give caldereta a twist, coconut milk could be a go-to ingredient for it. After sautéing garlic, onion and pork belly, ripe tomatoes or tomato paste (small amount) will be added. Then, when the pork becomes a little tender, coconut milk could be added together with liver spread. Let it simmer for some time depending on the desired thickness. Veggies and other remaining ingredients are added when the pork is cooked.
Pancit Canton
Pancit is a common merienda choice by most Filipinos. It’s usually made out of noodles, veggies and some chicken meat. Soy sauce us the main condiment necessary to complete the recipe. But what if coconut milk replaces soy sauce in making pancit? It sounds peculiar but you won’t know how good it tastes until you try it. A small amount of coconut milk is added in replacement of the soy sauce when cooking the pansit. The secret of making this recipe effectively delicious is to add more amounts of the ingredients such as the meat and veggies to make it tastier and enjoyable. Aside from the usual chicken meat, one may also choose to add prawns if it compliments the overall taste of the dish.
Surprise your family and friends with these unexpected coconut milk-based recipes. Level up your cooking with Royce Foods Coconut Milk! Get it today!
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