8 Ways to Try Cooking With Coconut Oil

The fat is back, and the coconut oil has been hailed as a superfood. So, what is special about this tropical nut oil? Although it is rich in saturated fats, coconut oil has a large percentage of a beneficial fat called medium chain fatty acids. It also contains antioxidant properties and increases good cholesterol. It can even be used as a moisturizer.

READ MORE >> Is The Coconut Oil Completely Broken?

Coconut oil is solid at room temperature and becomes liquid when heated. While coconut oil has a light tropical fragrance, its flavor is quite subtle when used for cooking and baking. Try these eight attractive recipes with coconut oil to add to your repertoire.

1. CASHEW CHICKEN CURRY | FANATIC FOOD

Dinner at the table in less than 30 minutes. The chicken curry with spices and cashew is roasted in a pan with cauliflower, tomatoes and red onions. The nutty flavor of the cashew-encrusted chicken is beautifully combined with the grilled vegetables with coconut oil. The recipe makes 4 servings.

Nutrition (per serving): Calories: 351; Total fat: 18 g; Saturated fat: 6 g; Monounsaturated fat: 6 g; Cholesterol: 70 mg; Sodium: 231 mg; Carbohydrates: 19 g; Dietary fiber: 4g; Sugar: 5 g; Protein: 29g

2. MATCH AND COCONUT TRUFFLES OF THE DATE | PLATES DIETITIAN DEBBIE

Do you need a small lunchtime? Naturally sweetened with dates, these truffles are excellent as a snack that increases energy. Roll the coconut and chocolate base into grated coconut, matcha powder, cocoa or any other ingredient you like. The recipe makes 10 servings of 1 truffle each.

Nutrition (per serving): Calories: 92; Total fat: 3g; Saturated fat: 2 g; Monounsaturated fat: 0g; Cholesterol: 0 mg; Sodium: 1 mg; Carbohydrates: 20 g; Dietary fiber: 3g; Sugar: 16 g; Protein: 1 g

3. QUICHE MEDITERRANEAN CHICKEN | CLEAN EAT

This quiche breakfast is full of Mediterranean-inspired ingredients: tomatoes, feta, artichokes and fresh herbs. Eggs, coconut oil, and coconut flour form the basis of a gluten and grain free crust. The recipe makes 6 servings.

Nutrition (per serving): Calories: 320; Total fat: 22 g; Saturated fat: 16 g; Monounsaturated fat: 3g; Cholesterol: 208 mg; Sodium: 317 mg; Carbohydrates: 12 g; Dietary fiber: 6g; Sugar: 4g; Protein: 17 g

4. CHOCOLATE CHIP PEAR BLONDIE BITES | HUMMUSAPIEN

Satisfy your sweet tooth with these vegan blondie bites. They are made with whole wheat flour, coconut sugar and coconut oil instead of the usual white flour, sugar, and butter. Each bite is a mouthful of deliciously sticky chocolate and sweet pears. The recipe makes 10 servings in 2 blondie bites each.

Nutrition (per serving): Calories: 145; Total fat: 8 g; Saturated fat: 6 g; Monounsaturated fat: 0g; Cholesterol: 0 mg; Sodium: 117 mg; Carbohydrates: 24 g; Dietary fiber: 2g; Sugar: 16 g; Protein: 1 g

5. JAMAICAN COCONUT SHRIMP STEW | SKINNYTASTE

This delicious stew of shrimp with coconut milk will be a feast of flavors in your mouth. The spicy Jamaican dressing adds a kick to this light and easy-to-prepare dish. Serve over rice to absorb the delicious sauce. The recipe makes 4 servings with 6 prawns and 1/4 cup of sauce each.

Nutrition (per serving): Calories: 182; Total fat: 7 g; Saturated fat: 4 g; Monounsaturated fat: 0g; Cholesterol: 176 mg; Sodium: 225 mg; Carbohydrates: 4g; Dietary fiber: 1 g; Sugar: 0g; Protein: 23 g

6. BROOCHES OF COCONUT OF BRUSSELS WITH BALSAMIC GLAZING | IFOODREAL

Coconut oil adds a bit of vigor to roasted Brussels sprouts. These slightly charred mini cabbages are toasted with coconut oil, making them extra sweet and fragrant. Serve with a drizzle of balsamic glaze for an accompaniment full of flavor. The recipe makes 6 servings to 1 cup each.

Nutrition (per serving): Calories: 126; Total fat: 7 g; Saturated fat: 6 g; Monounsaturated fat: 0g; Cholesterol: 0 mg; Sodium: 134 mg; Carbohydrates: 14 g; Dietary fiber: 6g; Sugar: 4g; Protein: 5g

7. ZUCCHINI BREAD OF COCONUT OIL | FIT FOODIE FINDS

Cook an extra dose of vegetables with this moist zucchini bread. Made with healthy ingredients: whole wheat flour, coconut oil, zucchini, almond milk and coconut sugar, enjoy it as a snack or breakfast. Feel free to throw in chocolate chips or nuts if you wish. The recipe makes 8 servings in 1 serving each.

Nutrition (per serving): Calories: 219; Total fat: 8 g; Saturated fat: 6 g; Monounsaturated fat: 0g; Cholesterol: 23 mg; Sodium: 210 mg; Carbohydrates: 30 g; Dietary fiber: 3g; Sugar: 13 g; Protein: 5g

8. BUTTER CHICKEN ON | THE HONOR SYSTEM

The lean chicken is cooked in a fragrant blend of spices (turmeric, cumin, ginger, curry powder and cayenne pepper) to make a lightened butter chicken. Serve on a bed of quinoa or cooked wholemeal of your choice. The recipe makes 4 servings to 1 cup each.

Nutrition (per serving): Calories: 451; Total fat: 17 g; Saturated fat: 8 g; Monounsaturated fat: 5 g; Cholesterol: 63 mg; Sodium: 386 mg; Carbohydrates: 46 g; Dietary fiber: 6g; Sugar: 7 g; Protein: 27g