Plant-based milk that I use daily

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Introduction

Being Punjabi, food in my culture has always revolved around milk and its countless derivatives. From lassi to paneer, dairy is often celebrated at every meal. For the longest time, it was hard to even imagine switching to anything else. But as I learned about the harsh realities of the dairy industry and how deadly it is for dairy animals, I began looking for kinder and healthier alternatives. 

(Read this blog:  why and how I embraced the plant based journey)

The very first thing I searched for was plant-based milk. To my surprise, there were many options, but one stood out because of its simplicity and flavor—coconut milk.

Making it at home turned out to be easier than I expected, and it quickly became a staple in my daily life. In this blog, I’ll walk you through how to prepare coconut milk at home and share some of my favorite recipes that make the most of it—simple, delicious, and nourishing meals you can easily recreate in your own kitchen.

How to Prepare Coconut Milk at Home

To prepare 1 cup of fresh coconut milk:

  • Take ½ cup fresh coconut, chopped into small pieces.
  • Add it to a blender with 1 cup water.
  • Blend until smooth.
  • Strain the mixture through a muslin cloth or fine strainer to extract the milk.

Your creamy, fresh, and delicious coconut milk is now ready to use!

Things to Keep in Mind with Coconut Milk

  1. Use fresh coconut for best flavor – Freshly grated or chopped coconut gives the richest and creamiest milk. Desiccated coconut can also be used, but the taste won’t be as strong.
  2. Warm water works best – Always blend coconut with warm (not hot) water. It helps extract the milk more effectively without affecting the nutrients.
  3. Don’t overheat while cooking – Coconut milk tends to curdle at high heat. Always cook on the lowest flame when adding it to curries, coffee, or desserts.
  4. Storage time is short – Homemade coconut milk stays fresh in the fridge for 2–3 days only. Always prepare small batches as it spoils quickly compared to store-bought ones with preservatives.
  5. Shake or stir before use – Coconut milk naturally separates into a thick cream layer and thin liquid when stored. Just give it a good stir or shake before using.
  6. Freezing option – If you want to preserve it longer, pour coconut milk into ice cube trays, freeze, and store in an airtight container. Use these cubes in smoothies, curries, or desserts.
  7. Choose recipes wisely – Since coconut milk has a naturally sweet and nutty flavor, it pairs best with smoothies, desserts, curries, and baked goods. For savory dishes, balance it with spices, herbs, or tangy ingredients like lemon/tomato.
  8. Watch the quantity – Coconut milk is rich in fats (healthy fats), so use in moderation if you’re tracking calories.

Recipes I Make Using Coconut Milk

Now that we have our plant-based milk ready, let’s dive into some tasty, nutritious, and easy recipes I’ve tried and loved so far.

🍎 Apple Smoothie

  • 1 apple (chopped)
  • ½ tsp cinnamon powder
  • 1 tbsp peanut butter
  • 2/3 cup coconut milk

Blend everything until smooth. Transfer to a glass and freeze for at least 1 hour before drinking. It’s creamy, refreshing, and perfect for breaking your fast during intermittent fasting.

🍌 Banana Shake

For 1 glass:

  • 1 medium banana
  • 2/3 cup coconut milk
  • ½ tsp cinnamon powder
  • 1 tsp cocoa powder
  • 1 tbsp peanut butter

Blend everything together until creamy and frothy. This makes for a filling and energy-boosting drink.

☕ Plant-Based Coffee

  • 1 tsp coffee powder
  • 1 tbsp sugar (or to taste)
  • 2/3 cup coconut milk

Whisk the coffee powder and sugar with little amount of hot water until frothy. On a very low flame, warm the coconut milk (do not boil, as it curdles at high heat). Gently pour the frothy coffee mixture into the milk, stir well, and your soothing plant-based coffee is ready. Best enjoyed with homemade rusk (recipe coming soon!).

🥣 Banana Oats

  • ½ cup coconut milk
  •  ⅓ cup oats
  • 1 tsp cacao powder
  • ¼ tsp cinnamon powder
  • 1 tbsp chia seeds/flax seeds
  • 1 date, finely chopped (soaked overnight)
  • 1 banana (sliced)

Mix everything together in a bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. The oats soak up the milk beautifully, and the flavors blend into a delicious, wholesome meal. This was my go-to breakfast for nearly two years when I first began my plant-based journey.

🍫 Chocolate Cake (for two people)

  • ½ cup whole wheat flour
  • 1 tbsp cacao powder
  • 3 tbsp coconut sugar (or jaggery powder)
  • ¼ tsp baking powder
  • A pinch of baking soda
  • A pinch of salt
  • ½ cup coconut milk
  • 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
  • ½ tsp vanilla extract

Method:

  1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
  2. In a bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients—flour, cacao, sugar, baking soda, and salt.
  3. Add the wet ingredients—coconut milk, vinegar, and vanilla. Mix gently until combined.
  4. Pour the batter into a small greased tin and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
  5. Let it cool slightly before serving.

This is a rich, moist, and guilt-free cake that perfectly satisfies chocolate cravings.

🌾 Sweet Dalia

  • ½ cup raw dalia (broken wheat)
  • Water as needed
  • 1 crushed cardamom
  • 2/3 cup coconut milk
  • Sweetener of choice (jaggery, shakkar, or mishri)

Cook dalia in water on low flame until soft. Add cardamom while cooking for aroma. Once done, stir in coconut milk and sweetener to taste. Serve warm. This makes a light, comforting, and nutritious dinner, especially when you’re craving something sweet.

Conclusion

Switching from dairy to plant-based milk wasn’t easy at first, but discovering coconut milk made the transition enjoyable and nourishing. Not only is it simple to prepare at home, but it also opens up endless possibilities in the kitchen—from smoothies and shakes to desserts and everyday meals.

For me, coconut milk is more than just an alternative—it’s a reflection of mindful living, where food is not only delicious but also compassionate and wholesome. If you’re exploring plant-based options, I hope these recipes inspire you to give coconut milk a try. Who knows, it might just become a daily staple in your life too.

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