Coconut milk - Leite de Côco

Despite the name, coconut milk contains no dairy whatsoever; the "milk" is nothing but coconut blended with hot water, then strained. Although it is quite easy to make at home, coconut milk can be found in any supermarket and has become a common storecupboard ingredient in many a home kitchen. Most coconut milks are sold tinned or in a glass bottle and they can sit for a long time in your storecupboard (while the homemade version will last only a few days in the refrigerator). Make sure you shake the can or bottle well before using it. Sometimes, the coconut milk can solidify so much that shaking is not enough. In this case, place the unopened tin or bottle in a bowl with hot water for 20 minutes to help liquefy it again. If your coconut milk is too thick, you can always thin it out with a few teaspoons of warm water.