South Indian Style Creamy Coconut Sauce

Ingredients

In this South Indian adaptation, the traditional French béchamel sauce is transformed into a creamy coconut sauce by replacing regular milk with coconut milk. The addition of South Indian spices like curry leaves, mustard seeds, and turmeric gives it a distinct flavor profile. This adaptation adds a touch of sweetness and a subtle spiciness to the sauce, making it a perfect fit for South Indian cuisine. We alse have the original recipe for Béchamel sauce, so you can check it out.

• 2 cups (470ml) coconut milk 2 cups (470ml) coconut milk
• 3 tablespoons (45g) all-purpose flour 3 tablespoons (45g) all-purpose flour
• 3 tablespoons (42g) unsalted butter 3 tablespoons (42g) unsalted butter
• 1 teaspoon mustard seeds 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
• 1 sprig curry leaves 1 sprig curry leaves
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• Salt to taste Salt to taste

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 20g, 15g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 15g, 2g
• Protein: 3g
• Fiber: 1g
• Salt: 0.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. 2.
   Add the mustard seeds and curry leaves, and sauté until the mustard seeds start to pop.
3. 3.
   Add the flour to the saucepan and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly.
4. 4.
   Slowly pour in the coconut milk while whisking continuously to avoid lumps.
5. 5.
   Add the turmeric powder and salt, and stir well to combine.
6. 6.
   Cook the sauce over low heat for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens to a creamy consistency.
7. 7.
   Remove from heat and let it cool slightly before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Coconut milk — Use full-fat coconut milk for a creamier and richer sauce.
• Mustard seeds — Toast the mustard seeds in a dry pan before adding them to the sauce to enhance their flavor.
• Turmeric powder — Be careful while handling turmeric powder as it can stain surfaces and clothes easily.

Tips & Tricks

• Adjust the spiciness by adding more or less turmeric powder.
• For a thicker sauce, increase the amount of flour.
• Add a squeeze of lemon juice for a tangy twist.
• Garnish with fresh cilantro for added freshness.
• Use this sauce as a base for South Indian curries or as a dip for dosas and idlis.

Serving advice

Serve the South Indian Style Creamy Coconut Sauce warm over steamed rice, dosas, or idlis. It also pairs well with vegetable curries, grilled meats, or roasted vegetables.

Presentation advice

Drizzle a little extra sauce on top of the dish for an appealing presentation. Garnish with a sprinkle of turmeric powder and a few curry leaves to add a pop of color.