Key Takeaways
- Understanding Grass Jelly: Grass jelly, or cincau, is a traditional Asian dessert made from mesona chinensis leaves, known for its smooth texture and herbal taste.
- Key Ingredients: To make grass jelly dessert, you need dried mesona chinensis leaves, water, sweetener (sugar or honey), coconut milk, and optional fruits and food coloring.
- Simple Preparation Steps: The process involves boiling the leaves, straining the mixture, cooling it, and then setting it in a mold before cutting it into squares.
- Versatile Serving Options: Grass jelly can be served chilled or at room temperature, paired with coconut milk, fresh fruits, or toppings like crushed ice and syrups for enhanced flavor.
- Health Benefits: This dessert is low in calories and provides a refreshing effect, making it a popular choice in hotter climates.
- Creative Presentations: Use clear cups for layering jelly, coconut milk, and fruit, and consider garnishing with mint or nuts for an attractive and enjoyable dessert experience.
Have you ever craved a refreshing dessert that’s both unique and easy to make? Grass jelly dessert might be just what you need. This delightful treat is not only delicious but also a fantastic way to impress your friends and family with your culinary skills.
What Is Grass Jelly Dessert?
Grass jelly dessert, known as cincau in some regions, is a traditional Asian treat made from the leaves of the mesona chinensis plant. It’s famous for its smooth, jelly-like texture and slightly herbal taste. This dessert often appears in various Asian cuisines, especially in countries like China, Taiwan, and Malaysia.
Grass jelly comes in dark, translucent squares that you can serve chilled or at room temperature. You might enjoy it in various ways—added to drinks, used as a topping for desserts, or eaten on its own with sweeteners like sugar or honey. Pair it with fruits, coconut milk, or other toppings for a delicious contrast in flavors and textures.
You can find pre-made grass jelly in supermarkets or make it from scratch using the dried plant leaves. The preparation involves boiling the leaves with water, straining the mixture, and letting it cool until it sets into a jelly.
This dessert not only satisfies your sweet tooth but also offers health benefits. Grass jelly is low in calories and provides a refreshing cooling effect on the body, making it popular in hot climates.
Ingredients Needed
Making grass jelly dessert requires specific ingredients that contribute to its unique texture and flavor. Here’s what you’ll need to get started.
Main Ingredients
- Dried Mesona Chinensis Leaves: This is the key ingredient. Use about 100 grams of dried leaves to create a rich jelly.
- Water: You’ll need approximately 1.5 liters for boiling the leaves.
- Sweetener: Choose between 100 grams of sugar or honey to add sweetness to the jelly.
- Food Coloring (optional): If desired, a few drops of green food coloring can enhance the visual appeal.
- Coconut Milk: Add about 200 milliliters of coconut milk for a creamy texture.
- Fruit: Fresh fruits like mango or longan can provide a fresh burst of flavor. You can cut up 100-200 grams.
- Toppings: Consider using toppings like crushed ice or syrup for extra sweetness.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps to create a delicious grass jelly dessert that impresses.
Preparing the Grass Jelly
- Gather 100 grams of dried mesona chinensis leaves and 1.5 liters of water.
- Boil the water in a pot.
- Once boiling, add the dried leaves.
- Simmer the mixture for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Strain the liquid through a fine mesh sieve into a separate bowl to remove the leaves.
- Allow the strained liquid to cool slightly before adding a sweetener. Use 100 grams of sugar or honey, adjusting to taste.
Making the Dessert Base
- Pour the sweetened liquid into a clean mold or shallow dish.
- Optionally, add a few drops of green food coloring to enhance appearance.
- Refrigerate the mixture for 3-4 hours, until fully set.
- Check for a firm, jelly-like texture before serving.
- Cut the set jelly into squares or your desired shape.
- In serving bowls, layer the grass jelly with coconut milk (200 milliliters) for creaminess.
- Top with fresh fruits like mango (100-200 grams) or longan for added flavor.
- Optionally, include crushed ice or syrup to enhance sweetness and presentation.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature for a refreshing treat.
Serving Suggestions
Grass jelly dessert offers many serving options that enhance its appeal. You can easily create visually appealing and delicious combinations to impress your guests.
Presentation Ideas
- Use clear, glass cups to showcase the layers of grass jelly, coconut milk, and fruit. This creates an attractive display.
- Add a sprinkle of chopped nuts or seeds on top for texture and crunch.
- Garnish with fresh mint leaves for a refreshing touch and added color.
- Serve with a drizzle of sweetened condensed milk or flavored syrup to boost sweetness.
- Combine grass jelly with mango pudding for a delightful texture contrast and tropical flavor.
- Place it alongside shaved ice for a refreshing summer treat.
- Use it as a topping for ice cream, blending the smooth jelly with creamy flavors.
- Mix it into bubble tea for a fun twist on the classic drink, adding chewy texture and a hint of herbal taste.
Conclusion
Making grass jelly dessert is a fun and rewarding experience that brings a taste of tradition right into your kitchen. With its unique texture and refreshing flavor it’s sure to impress anyone who tries it. You can get creative with toppings and serving styles to make it even more enjoyable.
Whether you’re serving it at a gathering or just treating yourself on a hot day this dessert is versatile and delightful. So go ahead and give it a try. You might just find a new favorite treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Enjoy your culinary adventure with grass jelly dessert!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is grass jelly dessert?
Grass jelly dessert is a traditional Asian treat made from the mesona chinensis plant. It has a smooth, jelly-like texture and a slightly herbal taste. Commonly enjoyed chilled or at room temperature, it can be served as a standalone dessert or used as a topping for drinks and other desserts.
How do you make grass jelly?
To make grass jelly, boil 1.5 liters of water, then add 100 grams of dried mesona chinensis leaves and simmer for 30 minutes. Strain the mixture, add sweetener, and pour it into a mold. Refrigerate for 3-4 hours until set. Cut into squares and serve with coconut milk and fruits.
What are common ingredients for grass jelly?
The main ingredients for grass jelly include dried mesona chinensis leaves, water, and a sweetener like sugar or honey. Optional ingredients can be green food coloring, coconut milk, and fresh fruits like mango or longan for added flavor and texture.
How is grass jelly served?
Grass jelly can be served in various ways: chilled in a bowl, layered with coconut milk and fruits, or as a topping for ice cream or bubble tea. Garnishing with nuts, seeds, or mint leaves enhances its appeal and adds texture.
Where can I buy grass jelly?
Grass jelly can be found in most Asian supermarkets, usually in the dessert or canned foods section. It may also be available pre-made in various forms, including ready-to-eat options or in powder form for home preparation.
Is grass jelly dessert healthy?
Yes, grass jelly dessert is low in calories and can be a refreshing treat, especially in hot weather. It provides a cooling effect and can be made healthier by reducing sugar and adding fresh fruits or using natural sweeteners.