Added to curries and soups
This refers to a base ingredient, most commonly **coconut milk**, that is added to curries and soups to provide a rich, creamy texture. It is made from the grated flesh of mature coconuts, often blended with water, and is a staple in Southeast Asian, South Asian, and Caribbean cuisines.
🍽️ Nutrition at a glance
Coconut milk is high in fat, particularly saturated fat, but also provides a good source of calories for energy. It is a notable source of minerals like manganese and copper, with a typical serving containing around 200-300 calories.
Nutrition breakdown
| Calories | 230 kcal |
| Protein | 2.3 g |
| Carbs | 3.4 g |
| Fat | 23.8 g |
| Fiber | 0 g |
| Sugar | 1.5 g |
| Sodium | 15 mg |
| Manganese | 1.8 mg |
| Copper | 0.3 mg |
| Iron | 3.8 mg |
| Magnesium | 37 mg |
| Phosphorus | 60 mg |
| Potassium | 263 mg |
| Selenium | 6.1 mcg |
| Folate | 16 mcg |
Per 1/2 cup (120 g) · estimated, varies by recipe
💡 What's interesting
Its high fat content is what gives curries and soups their characteristic luxurious mouthfeel and helps carry the flavors of spices. Nutritionally, it is unique for being a plant-based source of medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), which are metabolized differently from other fats.
