Substitute for Coconut Milk

[Bunny]

Hello,
Does anyone know of a substitute for coconut milk? I'd like to make the thai summer squash and tofu from CL July 2000 p. 130, but we don't like coconut.
Thanks in advance.

[lorilei]

You can substitute almost any milk or soy product for coconut milk.

I used to make Thai food with 1% milk all the time before I found coconut milk in my grocery store. The flavor is slightly different (doesn't have as much "Thai"), but the dish will be just as good consistency-wise!!

[Beth]

While on the topic, has anyone else noticed that even "Light" coconut milk gets most of its calories from fat? 45 of 50 per serving, but I'm not sure anything else will give the right flavor to Thai foods

[This message has been edited by Beth (edited 06-29-2000).]

[lorilei]

Beth - Coconut milk /is/ high in fat, but unlike other highly saturated fats the fat from coconut has been shown to have many health benefits due to the high concentration of lauric acid (which has antiviral and antibacterial properties). Coconut oils can also help to normalize the body's lipids.

Thai food composes a very healthy diet, and many Malaysian cultures (whose diets use a lot of coconut products) are actually very healthy and have fewer problems with high cholesterol than others.

[Deanna]

Coconut milk...isn't really anything like COCONUT...you may wish to give it a try.