My key ingredient ... coconut milk

Chef Shashwat Shivam, who heads Jodhpur Royal Dining at Roda Al Murooj in Dubai, tells us why coconut milk is his favourite ingredient to work with

Chef Shashwat
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Lactose-free and fibre-rich coconut milk can be used as a base for curries, smoothies and desserts. To make your own, simply blend unsweetened coconut flakes with hot water, pour through a strainer and squeeze through a cheese cloth, and refrigerate. Shashwat Shivam, the executive chef at Jodhpur Royal Dining at Roda Al Murooj in Dubai, tells us why coconut milk is his favourite ingredient to work with: “It has a natural sweetness and coolness, as well as plenty of medicinal properties. Plus, it does not overpower the smell or taste of a dish, when mixed with tropical fruits or natural sugar, such as palm sugar.”

Coconut and palm sugar brûlée with macerated berries

Coconut and palm sugar brulee with mascerated berries
Coconut and palm sugar brulee with mascerated berries

Ingredients for the brûlée

2tsp gelatin

16tbsp heavy cream

1 vanilla bean

5 egg yolks

2tbsp sugar

7tbsp coconut milk powder

2tbsp palm sugar

Ingredients for the macerated berries

2tbsp strawberries

2tbsp blueberries

2tbsp red currants

1tsp lemon juice

2tsp sugar

Method

 Soak the gelatin with cold water and put aside.

 In a heavy-bottom saucepan, mix the heavy cream and vanilla bean, and bring to a boil.

 Whisk the egg yolks and sugar together, and temper with boiled cream.

 Using a double boiler, cook the sugar, egg yolks and cream mixture together until it reaches 80°C.

 Take the pan out of the double boiler, add coconut milk powder and palm sugar, and whisk until smooth.

 Melt the gelatin and add it to the brûlée mixture.

 Fill four ramekin moulds with the mixture and allow it to set in the fridge for about four hours.

 Mix all the ingredients for the macerated berries.

 To serve, sprinkle sugar
on top of the brûlée, caramelise with a blowtorch, and garnish with the berries.

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