Coconut Cream Soup

Coconut Cream Soup Recipe from The Bahamas | Veal and Coconut Milk Soup

Region / culture: Bahamas, The Bahamas | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 1 hour and 30 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Coconut cream soup is a delicious and creamy soup that is perfect for a cozy night in. This soup is made with tender veal, coconut water, coconut, and a blend of spices that create a rich and flavorful dish. It is a comforting and satisfying meal that is sure to warm you up on a cold day.

History

Coconut cream soup has its origins in Southeast Asian cuisine, where coconut milk and coconut cream are commonly used in cooking. The combination of coconut and veal in a creamy soup is a unique and delicious twist on traditional soup recipes. This recipe has been passed down through generations and has become a favorite in many households.

Ingredients

1 lb (454 g) veal, cut into small cubes
1 onion
1 cup flour
4 tbsp oil
1 bay leaf
salt and pepper to taste
4 hard coconuts (plus water), grated
1 cup milk
2 egg yolks, beaten

How to prepare

Place veal and onion in a cooking pot and add enough water to cover. Bring to a boil and simmer until the veal is tender.
Drain the veal and save the stock.
In the same cooking pot, blend flour and oil together. Then, add the veal stock, bay leaf, coconut water, coconut, and seasoning.
Bring the mixture to a boil and cook for 1 hour or until the coconut is tender.
If needed, you can add more water to achieve the consistency of a cream soup.
Finally, add milk and egg yolks, but make sure not to let it boil after this addition.

Variations

For a vegetarian version, you can substitute the veal with tofu or mushrooms.
Add in some vegetables like carrots, peas, or bell peppers for added flavor and nutrition.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to simmer the veal until it is tender to ensure a flavorful and tender meat in the soup.

- Adding the milk and egg yolks at the end of cooking helps to create a creamy and rich texture without curdling the milk.

- Adjust the seasoning to your taste preferences, adding more pepper or salt as needed.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the coconut cream soup hot with a side of crusty bread or a salad for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Simmering the veal until tender helps to infuse the soup with flavor and create a rich broth.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have veal, you can use chicken or beef as a substitute.

- Coconut milk can be used instead of coconut water for a richer coconut flavor.

Make Ahead Tips

This soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the soup with a sprinkle of fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley for a pop of color and flavor.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair this coconut cream soup with a crisp white wine or a light beer for a refreshing and satisfying meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop over low heat until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

- Calories per serving: 350

Carbohydrates

15g per serving

Fats

20g per serving

Proteins

25g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

This soup is rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A, vitamin C, iron, and potassium.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (milk and egg yolks) and may not be suitable for those with dairy allergies.

Summary

This coconut cream soup is a balanced meal with a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It is also rich in vitamins and minerals, making it a nutritious and satisfying dish.

Summary

Coconut cream soup is a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for a cozy night in. This recipe is easy to make and packed with flavor, making it a favorite in many households. Serve this soup with a side of crusty bread or a salad for a complete and satisfying meal.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I knew I had to try it. The thought of a creamy coconut soup was tantalizing to me, and I could already imagine the rich, smooth texture and the exotic flavors dancing on my taste buds. I had always been a lover of coconut in all its forms – from coconut milk to coconut oil to fresh coconut shavings sprinkled on top of desserts. So, when I stumbled upon this recipe for Coconut Cream Soup in an old cookbook at a flea market, I knew it was fate.

The recipe was simple enough, requiring just a few basic ingredients that I already had in my pantry: coconut milk, chicken broth, lemongrass, ginger, and a few other seasonings. I gathered everything I needed and set to work in my cozy kitchen, the sweet scent of coconut filling the air as I simmered the ingredients together in a pot.

As I stirred the soup and watched it thicken and take on a creamy consistency, memories of my past culinary adventures flooded back to me. I remembered my mother teaching me how to make her famous chicken pot pie, the recipe passed down from generation to generation in our family. I remembered the time I spent studying abroad in Thailand, learning to cook traditional dishes from local chefs who shared their secrets with me. And I remembered the countless hours I spent experimenting in my own kitchen, trying out new recipes and tweaking old favorites to perfection.

But this Coconut Cream Soup was different. It was a new challenge for me, a chance to expand my culinary repertoire and learn something entirely new. I was excited to see how it would turn out, eager to taste the first spoonful and savor the flavors that I had worked so hard to create.

Finally, after what seemed like an eternity of simmering and stirring, the soup was ready. I ladled it into a bowl, garnishing it with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice for a burst of brightness. I took a deep breath, closed my eyes, and raised the spoon to my lips.

The first spoonful was pure bliss. The soup was velvety smooth, with a subtle sweetness from the coconut milk and a hint of spice from the ginger and lemongrass. It was like nothing I had ever tasted before – a unique blend of flavors that transported me to a tropical paradise with each mouthful.

I couldn't help but smile as I savored every bite, feeling a sense of accomplishment wash over me. I had mastered the art of Coconut Cream Soup, thanks to a recipe I had discovered by chance and a passion for cooking that had been ingrained in me since childhood.

As I finished the last spoonful, I knew that this recipe would become a staple in my kitchen, a dish that I would make again and again for family and friends. And as I wiped my lips clean and set the empty bowl aside, I couldn't help but feel grateful for the culinary journey that had led me to this moment – a journey filled with love, laughter, and delicious food.