Glossary

Coconut milk is not the liquid from inside the nut, but the extract of freshly grated coconut flesh after soaking in hot water and straining off the liquid. It is readily available in tinned form from authentic Asian and Caribbean stores and supermarkets. Coconut cream is sold in hard blocks. It can be diluted with hot water before using or added straight to the simmering liquid in the pan. Both give a distinctive taste and smoothness to curries, sauces and rice.