Boiling potatoes have less starch than baking, or Idaho, potatoes and consequentially hold together better when boiled. This is why they’re often used in soups and for potato salads. Not in this soup, though. Since we want some of the potato to break down into smaller pieces and thicken the soup, baking potatoes are the perfect choice.

The feta mixture can be prepared up to 2 days in advance and refrigerated. (Do not add the pine nuts until ready to assemble, and let the mixture sit at room temperature 1 hour before assembly.) The potatoes can be assembled up to 4 hours in advance.

Note: To toast coconut, spread it in an even layer on a rimmed baking sheet and bake in a 350°F oven, stirring occasionally, until golden.

Tip: Make sure you use coconut milk (which is unsweetened) and not coconut cream (which has a hefty dose of sugar added). And because the fatty coconut solids rise to the top, it’s always a good idea to whisk the entire contents of the can before measuring out the amount you need.