Coconut, fresh or desiccated

If the recipe asks for fresh coconut, use about 65% of the weight. Soak in an equal weight of hot water for 10 minutes and use with the soaking water; the dish is slightly drier and more concentrated.

If the recipe asks for desiccated coconut, use about 150% of the weight of fresh grated coconut. Squeeze and adjust the dish's water; it gives a wetter, milder result.

For gravies only, use about 150–200 ml thick coconut milk for 100 g grated coconut. Add late and do not boil hard; it gives richness but no grated texture.