Cooking with Rajiv: How to Make Coconut Milk from Scratch

Rajiv loves making traditional Tamil food at home, and a staple ingredient is coconut milk. Rajiv shares the traditional method of making coconut milk from scratch, using a fresh coconut. This coconut milk should be used the day it's made. It will keep in the refrigerator for about 24 hours before it changes consistency.

[@EnfinLibreNM]

I'm a pastry chef at a very popular restaurant, and the owner LOVES coconut. One of our most popular desserts is Coconut Cream pie which I had almost perfected but personally was never been happy with. I'd using canned coconut milk but after watching your video, decided to try making my own Coconut Milk from scratch. OH MY GOSH!! What a complete game changer. I've almost doubled the number of pies in the last 3 weeks and we're still running out. Thank you Rajiv. This is awesome.

[@rajivsurendra]

Aw, what a great thing! I'm so honored to have contributed to your change! I wanna try your pie!!!

[@EnfinLibreNM]

@@rajivsurendra OK...I'm sitting here trying to figure out how to get a Coconut Cream pie to New York City from New Mexico. (I use coconut macaroons as part of the crust so there's a coconut flavor throughout.) OR...you could come visit New Mexico and I'll show you around. Guaranteed you'd fall in love with the food here and would be taking back a bunch of roasted green chile in your suitcase. I have some Native American friends who are incredible artists, silversmiths and weavers -- so if you ever run out of ideas for videos, come visit and meet the amazing artisans around here.

[@torontocan]

I went back to making my own coconut milk after your video. What an inspiration.

[@EnfinLibreNM]

@@torontocan It's fun, isn't it? Great stress reliever.

[@makloch]

Omg, my favorite! I’d order one now if I were close!

[@nevar23]

I've never had any interest in making my own coconut milk but dang, Raji makes me want to do everything.

[@monicanaranjo507]

Same 😂😂😂😂

[@ruth6596]

lol true

[@JodytheBrien]

Just went a bought a coconut for the first time in my life 😂

[@eatmoremusic3650]

EVERYTHING

[@doloresw]

Yeah he is selling us on all the things to do or make! Just love to watch, and learn. He makes you feel like he is just talking to you like there no camera involved. Lol love it

[@almedamarujepaloysali2143]

Living here in the Philippines. I can bet a million times that cooking using fresh coconut milk is unbeatable compared with any other milk. Pilipino's love "ginataan" (usually vegetables dishes with coconut milk). Hard work is very much paid off.

[@eily_b]

The first birth of a yt channel for me. So often I read comments like "I've been your subscriber since you had 5000 subscribers and I am so proud how far your channel had come." And now I witness this channel growing and gaining more and more viewers. So thrilling. And this one already started out with 15.100 at the time I write this in January 23. 🥰

[@rajivsurendra]

Thank you! Please spread the word to anyone you know that might be interested in my videos!

[@Jen-pz6qg]

@@rajivsurendra So artful!!! So delightful!!! Thank you so much, so glad to have found your channel!!!

[@katfangtastic1420]

Omg omg omg I only just saw your channel trailer yesterday, and subscribed immediately! Just woke up to the New Year and lo & behold there's not 1 but 3 lovely new videos waiting!! I AM SO EXCITED AND DELIGHTED to watch them all as soon as I get some breakfast on the way. What a wonderful way to start off the year 😊. Happy New Year everyone!

[@asalwaysashntir]

I am not a fan of coconut at all, but my grandmother is; one day I’ll buy that tool and make some coconut treats alongside her in the kitchen before it’s too late. Thank you for sharing this technique and the family stories. It never feels like a random KZbin video but more of an educational story from a friend. Happy New years!

[@TerraTopics]

Yesterday was too late baby. Do it tomorrow please 😢❤

[@m.maclellan7147]

They sell that tool on Am*zon for 45 bucks !

[@bhanani5480]

Well said, his channel is the channel I never knew I needed even if it's just to hear his stories

[@kalyanishah17]

Finally he has his own channel! I made our bed all fancy like Rajiv showed and my husband is HERE for it! As asian kids we always chose quick functional vs fancy functional. I like this fancy stuff. We deserve this fancy stuff. Keep giving, Rajiv!❤️

[@RoseCottageColleen]

3 videos to welcome us in to 2023! I don't see myself ever doing this, but I loved watching the process. Thank you for sharing!

[@cherylswindells3845]

Excellent video! Love this! Quick note - the background music was way too loud. Just a note. No criticism. I’m thrilled you have your own channel 😃👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@rajivsurendra]

Thanks, I'll let my boss know about the music.

[@traceye.6428]

@@rajivsurendra I agree Rajiv, I like the music, just at a way lower volume so I don’t miss hearing your wonderful voice and words!

[@daniellemacgregor6848]

Thank you so much for starting a KZbin channel. I love how you show us how to enjoy the beauty of everyday of life.

[@lifeisabeach888]

Rajiv, you are showing us how rewarding slow living can be. And I love your kitchen - it's small but it's dynamite! What I mean is everything has a history. I can tell your silverware is antique, the mirror near the stove, those french lace curtains in your room, oh I could go on and on. You have items of value, from the good old days when artisans made things by hand. What you have is a perfectly curated home. I love your lifestyle and your videos. Have a wonderful and successful 2023!

[@HeyitsmeGahbriehla]

I’ve binged your HGTV videos and am ecstatic to find you made your own KZbin channel! Can’t wait to see what you have to show us and maybe people you’d like to introduce us to ◡̈ 💛

[@PavithraKodmad]

Great video Rajiv! In south India we use a little stool with the blade. It helps get all the little white bits. Also we use a clean thin white cloth to strain the coconut milk. It’s super efficient than using hand and sieve. You can just dip the whole thing in water and get more milk.

[@rochelle9562]

I was wondering about using gauze cloth also. Thanks for the tip.

[@tiramisu5901]

Also known as “cheese cloth”.

[@sandrapersaud3105]

Pavithra Kodmad - I live in Canada but originally from Guyana, South America. We also used a stool with a blade, and I used to grate dozens of coconut to make oil.

[@pandantales1682]

That's the way coconut is traditionally grated in the Philippines as well.

[@empressenskye]

What a great start for 2023! Thank you for letting us share your inspired living and blessing us with your beautiful spirit.

[@princesspuffypants]

I am so excited for your new channel, Rajiv. May you have all the well deserved success in 2023!

[@429nix]

Rajiv, you make this old man smile with every entry you put out, HGTV, Instagram and now here on KZbin! Your appreciation of the traditional ways of life and bringing their values back to life. And your expressed joy in teaching them and sharing them with us. Love your wit and your humor. Keep it up, Happy New Year and much luck with your channel! 👍

[@betsylindsay8480]

Thank for for these gems. Much appreciated. Between the antidote about your Mother ripping out imperfect hems (obviously from the upholstery video), and now hearing about her expecting you to grind out every morsel of coconut, your pursuit of excellence seems to be in your genes and was reinforced by nurturing and example. Bravo!

[@mollyday6890]

Anyone else adore the moment at @11.35 where Rajiv pauses as the top runs 😍😎

[@keronakerona]

My Jamaican mom flooded me with childhood memories this past Christmas holiday with the sight and sound of her grating coconut to get fresh milk for a pudding (a dense “cake”). That “shhii-shhuu shhi-shhuu” sound means she is putting in work! I appreciate this video so much!

[@madelinedelvalle3666]

@Keronakerona Please share your moms recipe! Would love 2 try.

[@caroleem1319]

Can’t wait to see what raj does with carving out a Jackfruit!!

[@annwright1885]

Recently discovered your wonderful & inspiring Chanel. Thank you! Time well spent 🙂

[@caramelsubmerged7426]

Enjoyable, well presented and delightful! Thank you for teaching these techniques and sharing your cultural traditions, this was indeed a treat!

[@peterhurst7377]

I'm recovering from a c section. With little mobility your videos are inspiring me to bring life into my home with a new son and how I'd like to add to raisin him. Thank you. Your mom did a great job!

[@evelinfigueroa385]

i just got back for a trip to cuba to meet my father side of the family for the first time. I spent one afternoon with my great aunt in the countryside where she made me a no frills lunch and for dessert, hand scraped dulce de coco with the last little bit of sugar she had left. Ive never been a fan of this dessert in the US but Im guessing the fresh off the tree coconut makes the difference. This just brought me back to my favorite meal of the trip 🥰

[@jenniferwalker9616]

Perfect start to the New Year! I lived in Tamil Nadu in south India for a bit and miss Tamil food, so I am excited to see and try your recipes 😋

[@vinnpang]

watching this while drinking my fresh coconut water is DIVINE. Love your vids Rajiv!!

[@abhilashasinha]

We are so blessed that this content is free. It hits you in the solar plexus when he said about how the ancestors are connected to him in the noisiest city in the world in 2023. Beautiful.

[@jjupiter1218]

I feel like this channel is teaching me how to be a true civilized adult

[@iluvyou345]

Love this!!! Would love to see more videos about Sri Lankan food, and maybe even a guide/visit to a Sri Lankan grocery store!

[@m.maclellan7147]

Yes, I second this. I am a HUGE fan of Indian food, but know nothing about Sri Lanka food ! Eager to learn more !

[@coneil72]

My ignorant self always thought coconut water WAS coconut milk. Mind expanded!

[@KellyGrahamLloyd]

Thank you, Rajiv! I love your videos & production style. The topics presented are always so interesting & your personality shines!!❤

[@loquatly]

Love your energy that's somehow measured and a little frenetic in excitement at once. Really wonderful to see the channel, and looking forward to future productions. The curry recipes, hair routine, accessories (especially the beautiful matching gold cuffs)--would love to hear about all!

[@johnmacnary4998]

One of my resolutions for the new year is to make better use of what I attend to. I’m so happy to see Rajiv will have wonderful content for us all to attend to throughout the new year and beyond! Bravo!

[@SheRaSeven1]

Looks good. I made coconut oil once and it took a long time. You have much patience and skill. I will try to make the milk, it looks fun.

[@suzanalbright8670]

❤ Thank you! I learned so much! I had not known how to choose or open or scrape a coconut. This was all so interesting.

[@mik20241]

I love your little family stories. I’m first generation American. My parents are Dutch-Indonesian. Growing up in a big family we all had to chip in and help. The best memories were made in the kitchen with my cousin’s and Tante’s prepping and cooking for a get together. Sometimes our grandmother would be visiting. She was an amazing cook, an awesome storyteller (in her combination English, Malay and Dutch), and definitely the boss in the kitchen! 🥰 You DID exactly what Oma asked without delay! Now I’m “Oma” (grandmother). Thinking back to those early days in the kitchen just warms my heart.

[@sandrabrown6326]

This is so interesting. I know I could pick out a good coconut for sure with your video. I have never had coconut milk. I hope you include in your videos of stories of your homeland. So very interesting. I know your parents are so proud of you. You know so much about so many things. I want to hear about it all. I am a senior citizen, so I am trying to absorb it all. Thank you so much Rajiv

[@thejackjackgirl]

Hey Rajiv I really enjoyed watching you crack open the coconut and story about the back yard being the usual place in Sri Lanka - I'm Australian, and remember cracking Macadamia nuts ( falling from your own tree or the neighbours hanging over the fence) with a bit of broken brick as a toddler outside the back door.... a life skill for sure...and off course you get to eat your own nuts. ... Macadamia nuts. Jacinta :)

[@asmc84]

This is beautiful and your words are always lovely and on point. I'm Portuguese, been living in the caribbean for 8 years and we get really good coconut and coconut milk from the store. But this makes me want to go to to my mother in law's house and make some with her and learn her special technique. Thank you Rajiv, for sharing your culture, your knowledge and your kindness.

[@michralta2762]

Your videos are so relaxing. What an enjoyable delicious lifestyle you have created. Thank you for sharing your works. I appreciate things as you do, so I understand there is a spiritual tint to all. Beautiful way of living.

[@annamironova9990]

You go Rajiv! Congrats on your own channel! You've got yourself a subscriber all the way from Stockholm, Sweden.

[@jameailwilson8410]

Rajiv: I love that you’re on KZbin! This channel is just what I needed: The art of living. Love the class on coconuts. Love the ode to classic cursive writing in your intro. I noticed you have a copper tea kettle. I recently bought a vintage one. How do you care for yours? I haven’t used mine yet, but I want to. Any tips?

[@mystiquesgirl]

I look forward to seeing your videos. So happy you have your own channel 😊

[@marjoriejoasil5576]

Keep it up Rajiv! I’m so motivated to disconnect but only connect online to learn more practical and holistic ways of doing things with my hands. I’m looking forward to you upcoming vids. Pace yourself and breathe into this journey. No pressure but only gratitude and appreciation your presentation and care.

[@marjoriejoasil5576]

*appreciation on how you presented your videos.

[@Delala]

LOVED the childhood stories!! 😁❤ This was definitely the video I didn’t know I needed. Absolutely love your content so far!! 🙌🏻

[@selciajasmeen3132]

Hi i am soo happy finally u started ur own channel and please do post soap and candel making videos.... congratulations for your start ...

[@carlajones2169]

Congratulations Rajiv! I’ve been waiting for you to have your own channel so I could support you! Your many interest and knowledge are recognized and appreciated! Not all young people spend time around their elders (for different reasons) so they miss out on some important lessons that last a life time. I commend you for bringing what you have to the screen and now directly getting the benefit! I’ll be watching!

[@prasha88]

Iniya puthandu nal vazhthukkal 😊

[@IsinMoon]

You are a phenomenal teacher! Patient, thorough, easy to follow and understand. Love it!

[@charlotter.morrill6503]

SO glad you are up and running on KZbin! Keep up the good work

[@Fayelin449]

Yes Rajiv, please teach us how to cook Tamil recipes. 😋

[@juliaolivia398]

Yes!! Tamil recipes!!!

[@mikaylageier9577]

I'm so excited for the recipes!!!

[@meercatt]

Yay! So glad to see this channel! Congratulations ❤❤❤😊

[@tachiebillano6244]

Here in the Philippines, there are two traditional tools used to scrape coconut meat off the shell. One is the kayuran -- a narrow wooden bench you sit astride on (like you would on a horse), which has a metal claw extending to one side that's long enough to come up between your legs and within reach of your hands. That claw is where you manually run the shell over several times until you've scraped every last bit of the precious meat off. The kayuran is typically used in coconut plantations, fresh food markets ("palengke"/ "palenque") or in households with big families that use plenty of coconut cream ("kakang gata" -- the first squeeze) and coconut milk ("gata" -- subsequent extraction) in their cooking. For smaller households or urban homes than don't scrape coconut that often, we have hard wooden or smaller metal versions of that kayuran claw. (Looks like a fork with shallow tines and you wield it like one, running it through the meat to scrape.) Not as effective as the real kayuran blade at scraping the shell clean, though, but it'll do. 😂

[@priyar.6732]

We use that in Guyana too, I never knew the name. Thanks.

[@constancehartwell7841]

I’m excited to see more recipes!! Congratulations, Rajiv!! 🫶🏾

[@edendavis6835]

So excited for the recipes to come!

[@ThePerfectCurry]

Best wishes. Looking forward to seeing more videos

[@jilluk27]

Another brilliant video - thank you for reaffirming the value of old fashioned cooking tips.❤

[@bevboersen5778]

Awesome Rajiv. Looking forward to seeing more of your content, so relaxing.

[@makloch]

Love everything coconut! Loved this!

[@sunnydaysatl]

I’m so happy to see that you gave us what we been asking for. ….I know you will have so much success with your channel.

[@quinnb3109]

This is so cool. Love to see it ❤

[@jhansiwaters5607]

So happy to see your own YT channel. Excited for the content to come!

[@Myrtle5834]

thank you!!!! this is incredible

[@manuelamanuela8255]

I love it! Thank you Rajiv.

[@lollyreg97]

Yes, we will now need those recipes!

[@lexijay1542]

Great video! Thanks for sharing, Rajiv. what a treat!

[@lillustpotion]

What a perfect start to 2023! Thank you Rajiv!

[@WhiteCottages]

Definitely going to do this, thanks Rajiv!

[@anthonygens]

Rajiv you are so amaizing. Keep going it's a pleasure!

[@hughesky1]

Rajiv, Thank you for these amazing, calming, and interesting videos!

[@jerrinpothen2351]

Hi Rajiv! Can you please show us how to make a good Tamil chicken curry? Love your channel.

[@traceybradshaw]

So thrilled that you have ventured into your own channel Rajiv. I’ve been loving all of the videos you have created over the past couple of years or so and now to have regular posts full of wisdom delivered in your wonderfully clear and calming manner has been a joyful treat to start off the New Year.

[@ladyandaharp]

How absolutely fascinating! Love all your work and thrilled to see you have a KZbin channel now.

[@juliaolivia398]

You are a lovely teacher. I have watched you for quite a while and am so happy that now you have your own UTUBE channel! Yay for you! Yay for your many followers!! 💗

[@melodyschulz5283]

Hey Rajiv! Just wanna say I enjoy watching your videos!

[@tmcdgreen]

Beautiful , I'm so glad you started your own channel!!

[@luckyduckie2000]

That was awesome. Always nice to learn something new. Thanks

[@CM_CM_]

I didn't realise it was coconut milk from the thumbnail! Mobile is so poor for showing titles! This was fun to watch and educational, I love it!

[@MariposaRising]

I am so excited about your channel. You make the most routine things feel like a special occasion.

[@CoastalGoneCountry]

This was so interesting! I especially like when you explained how to pick a coconut. I feel more confident to buy them now. Do you have coconut beverage recipes to recommend maybe?

[@marcheafghanequebec3112]

Modest and Brilliant Rajiv! À true friend to my hearth. Greeting from the North

[@MsLazyPerfectionist]

Learned something new here today. So informative and cool!!

[@DForDelecTable]

Loving your videos! I love coconut & I'm learning new things! ❤

[@juliannacrandall4448]

Wow! I love your style, and your appreciation for the traditional and handmade. I'm looking forward to more amazing content!

[@SunflowerRae]

Just binge-watched all three new videos. I love them! Would also love some more videos on your clothing, classics, fabrics etc. I recently bought an authentic Guernsey because of you!!

[@slucas6303]

Thank you Rajiv for gifting us not one but three videos on new year day! I can see not only you collect antique ironstone but also yellowware as well. Me too! Me too!🤛🤛🤛

[@lynnmccreary6750]

Of course I loved this Rajiv. Wonderful! You are such a good teacher.

[@janeyjanedee2493]

I watched them all…loved them all. I’m so happy you have a KZbin channel. You are an absolute delight!❤

[@LaLaLaAllDayLong]

Love the note about the auntie! We all have relatives like that

[@ChaiTogether]

This has to be my favorite topic so far! 😍

[@elenamigaldi7404]

Thanks! Love your videos!

[@queerissimo]

This was a chore as a kid too--this video took me back! nowto find a coconut grater ...

[@annabedia2784]

I'm very happy you've finally created your channel. I wish you all the best on this journey .

[@xxxxxbexyxxxxx]

I'm so happy that you are doing some cooking videos! I can't wait to learn more about Tamil food 😊

[@christopherleodaniels7203]

Love this page. I can’t turn on the bell notifications.

[@Ninha1574]

Never, ever seen or heard about coconut scraper! Will look for now! ☺️

[@heatherinparis]

How interesting to discover the coconut scraper! Now to find one where I live. Great video. Channel subscribed.

[@tina9289]

Happy new year! I wish you success with your new channel. Warm greetings from Germany.😊

[@cheekyllamacreations]

That was fascinating! Thank you, Rajiv! I can’t wait to see more Tamal recipe videos, especially curries…my favourite food!

[@charliemontecristo4508]

And thank you so much for showing us how to do this. 💓

[@oliviaat100]

So excited for you and to see where this channel takes you! And feeling pretty lucky that I get to be a recipient of all your knowledge and craft. Thank you for sharing! Also, I love the story about your aunt getting on you for leaving coconut flesh in the coconut...food carries such powerful memories!