In the realm of culinary delights, there exists a unique and refreshing treat that has captivated taste buds for centuries - grass jelly, an exquisite dessert with a rich history and tantalizing flavor. Crafted from the leaves of Mesona chinensis, commonly known as "leaf jelly" or "cincau," this translucent delicacy has earned a place of prominence in various Asian cuisines, particularly in Southeast Asia, where it is cherished for its cooling properties, delicate texture, and versatile applications. Whether you seek a thirst-quenching beverage, a delectable dessert, or a nutritious addition to your culinary creations, grass jelly stands ready to delight and enchant your senses. As you embark on this culinary journey, discover the secrets behind this remarkable ingredient and explore a world of culinary possibilities that await.
Let's cook with our recipes!
GRASS JELLY (涼粉)
Grass jelly is very common and classic summer dessert among Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan, mainland China and south east Asia.
Provided by Tracy O.
Categories Dessert
Time 55m
Number Of Ingredients 5
Steps:
- Weight the dried platostoma palustre plant 40 g which is around 3 cups.
- Wash, soak and rinse the dried platostoma palustre plant to remove dust and sand.
- In a big pot, add 8 cups of water, ½ teaspoon baking soda and the washed platostoma palustre plant. Then, turn on a high fire and boil it. When it's boiling, turn the fire to medium small and simmer for 30-45 minutes.
- After that, let it cool off, use your hands to rub the plants to get the slimy thing out and mix with the liquid.
- Then, use a strainer bag to remove the big pieces of herb.
- After that, use a fine strainer to remove smaller pieces of herb. Remember to do this step twice. (The result of liquid is around 4-4.5 cups. And, I like 4.5 cups texture better.)
- Next, in a small container mix 4 tablespoons of water and 4.5 tablespoons of cornstarch or potato starch.
- Pour the cornstarch mixture from step 7 into the liquid, keep stirring until it thickens. (Also, potato starch has better texture. However, cornstarch works well.)
- Pour the thicken mixture into a container and refrigerate for 3-6 hours.
- After that, cut the grass jelly into cubes.
- You can serve with syrup.
- Or, serve it with condensed milk, milk, coconut milk and fruits.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 37 kcal, Carbohydrate 8 g, Protein 1 g, Fat 1 g, SaturatedFat 1 g, Sodium 164 mg, Fiber 1 g, Sugar 1 g, ServingSize 1 serving
GRASS JELLY DESSERT
Grass jelly dessert is a harmony of rich coconut, bright fruit, chewy tapioca pearls, taro balls or mochi and ice cream of your choice. Asian dessert shops in Chinatown usually sell this dish as a set combination, but there are rare shops that sell a mix-and-match version where you can create your own based on your preferences. Our coconut milk mixture is similar to the ones from the dessert shops, with a balanced flavor that goes with any topping, but feel free to make it more or less sweet by adjusting the amount of sweetened condensed milk.
Provided by Food Network Kitchen
Categories dessert
Time 45m
Yield 4 servings
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- Whisk together the coconut milk, sweetened condensed milk, ice cubes and a pinch of salt in a medium bowl or 4-cup pitcher. Refrigerate the coconut milk mixture until chilled.
- Divide the grass jelly (if some liquid goes onto the plate, it's ok), mango, strawberries and tapioca pearls among 4 shallow bowls. Pour about 2/3 cup of the chilled coconut mixture into each bowl. Top with a scoop of ice cream, if desired, and enjoy immediately.
Tips:
- Choose the right grass jelly: Look for grass jelly that is made with high-quality ingredients and has a smooth, jelly-like texture.
- Prepare the grass jelly properly: Rinse the grass jelly under cold water before using it. If you are using dried grass jelly, soak it in water for at least 30 minutes before cooking it.
- Sweeten the grass jelly to your liking: Grass jelly is naturally slightly bitter, so you may want to add a sweetener such as sugar, honey, or syrup. You can also add other flavors such as pandan leaves, coconut milk, or fruit.
- Chill the grass jelly before serving: Grass jelly is best served chilled. You can chill it in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or overnight.
- Serve the grass jelly with your favorite toppings: Grass jelly can be served with a variety of toppings such as shaved ice, tapioca pearls, red bean, or fruit. You can also add a drizzle of condensed milk or coconut milk.
Conclusion:
Grass jelly is a refreshing and delicious dessert that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. It is a good source of dietary fiber and antioxidants. Grass jelly is also a low-calorie food, making it a good choice for people who are watching their weight. There are many different ways to prepare and serve grass jelly, so you can find a recipe that suits your taste. Experiment with different recipes and toppings to find your favorite way to enjoy this delicious dessert.
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