Choosing coconut milk for curry

Coconut milk, coconut drink or coconut cream?

A drink intended for cereal is not automatically a suitable replacement for cooking coconut milk. Coconut cream can also have a different consistency. Choose the product type specified by your recipe, and compare the ingredients and nutrition information on the actual pack rather than deciding from the photograph alone.

Choose the pack size around the dish

First note how much the recipe needs. Then compare a larger can of coconut milk with a smaller pack. Check the unit: grams and millilitres should not automatically be treated as identical for every product. Unit pricing helps compare cost, but it does not tell you how much you will actually use.

Control consistency as you cook

Coconut milk may separate into firmer and more liquid parts in the pack. Follow the usage instructions and mix it if the recipe needs an even liquid. Add extra liquid gradually. The final thickness also depends on the vegetables, pan shape and cooking time; there is no universal amount that works for every can.

A focused curry shopping list

• Coconut milk in the format your recipe needs
• Vegetables or another main ingredient
• The spices or curry paste specified by the recipe
• Rice or bread to serve alongside
• Fresh ginger, garlic or herbs where the recipe calls for them

When using a prepared paste, check its ingredients, salt content and recommended quantity first. Adding coconut milk does not automatically make an arbitrary blend mild or suitable for a particular diet.

Plan for any unused portion

If the recipe needs only a little, decide how you will use the rest before buying. Follow the manufacturer's storage instructions after opening. A lower unit price alone is not a reason to buy more than you can use sensibly.

Continue planning in the shop

Add relevant curry mixes and pastes or basmati rice to your list. Product pages show current ingredients, prices and availability. The basket shows the delivery options available for your complete order before you place it.