Coconut oil is a normal cooking oil in Karnataka, Kerala and along the coast, so you might not need a guide. But if you have just bought a jar of organic coconut oil, here are some uses worth trying.
1. Tadka and sambar
Mustard seeds, curry leaves and dried chillies crackle beautifully in coconut oil, and the oil adds a gentle sweetness to the dish. It is the usual choice for coastal curries and many dals.
2. Stir-fries and poriyal
A spoonful in a pan with beans, cabbage or beetroot and fresh grated coconut is a classic. Cook on medium heat, because the oil begins to smoke if the pan gets very hot.
3. Frying
Coconut oil is good for shallow frying. For deep frying, use refined oil, since a virgin or unrefined oil tastes strongly of coconut and breaks down faster at high heat.
4. Baking
It can replace butter in many cakes and cookies. It is solid when it is cool and liquid when it is warm, so measure it melted if the recipe calls for melted fat.
5. Hair and skin
Many families have used coconut oil for hair oiling and as a body moisturiser for generations. It is a cosmetic habit rather than a medical treatment, so do a patch test first if you have sensitive skin.
6. Oil pulling and other habits
You will hear about oil pulling. The evidence for it is thin, and it is no substitute for brushing and seeing a dentist.
A note on saturated fat
Coconut oil is high in saturated fat, so use it in moderation, as you would any cooking fat, and talk to your doctor if you have been told to watch your cholesterol.
Organic coconut oil is available in our shop.
