I absolutely love this grass jelly and coconut milk dessert because it’s the perfect blend of creamy, sweet, and refreshing, making it an ideal treat for beating the summer heat. Plus, the fun textures from the basil seeds and grass jelly cubes make it an Instagram-worthy dessert that’s as satisfying to eat as it is to share online!
Refreshing desserts are my passion, and my recipe for Grass Jelly with Basil Seeds (Sương Sáo Hạt É) is a delightful choice. This delightful treat is not only delicious but also nutritious, combining canned grass jelly, basil seeds, and coconut milk.
I use a touch of sugar and some crushed ice to achieve balance.
Ingredients
Grass Jelly:
Its renowned cooling properties lend it a unique texture.
Basil Seeds:
They are abundant in fiber and deliver a delightful, crispy experience.
Sugar:
Makes the dish sweeter, providing balance to the other flavors.
Coconut Milk:
Enriching the dessert’s smoothness, creamy and rich, enhance.
Ingredient Quantities
- 1 can of grass jelly (approximately 19 oz or 540g)
- 1 tablespoon basil seeds
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup coconut milk
- Crushed ice or ice cubes
Instructions
1. Pour the liquid out of the can of grass jelly. Cut the grass jelly into small cubes or your desired shapes.
2. In a small bowl, combine the basil seeds and 1 cup of water. Soak for about 10 minutes or until the seeds swell and become gelatinous. Then, drain the seeds and set them aside.
3. In a saucepan, mix together 2 tablespoons of sugar and 1 cup of water. Place over medium heat and stir until the sugar is completely dissolved. You now have a simple syrup. Remove it from the heat and let it cool to room temperature.
4. In another bowl, add 1 cup of coconut milk. Combine the simple syrup to adjust the sweetness to your liking.
5. Put a plentiful portion of the grass jelly cubes into glasses or bowls that you will use for serving.
6. Over the grass jelly in each serving, add 1 tablespoon of the basil seeds that have been soaked.
7. Sweetened coconut milk is poured over the grass jelly and basil seeds, so that the mixture is mostly submerged in it.
8. Complete the glass or bowl with crushed ice or several cubes of ice.
9. Blend the flavors of each serving together by stirring them gently.
10. Enjoy this refreshing dessert immediately, served by spoon.
Equipment Needed
1. Can opener
2. Knife
3. Cutting board
4. Bowl (medium-sized)
5. Bowl (small-sized)
6. Saucepan
7. Stirring spoon
8. Measuring spoons
9. Measuring cups
10. Glasses or bowls for serving
11. Spoon (for serving and stirring)
12. Strainer or sieve (for basil seeds)
FAQ
- What is grass jelly?Herbal jelly made from Mesona plant leaves is a dessert and beverage staple in Asia. Commonly found in Asian countries, grasps jelly has a unique but not off-putting flavor, its mildly bitter twist might leave the eater expecting a sweet element that is often not there.
- How do I prepare basil seeds?Basil seeds are prepared by soaking them in water for about 5-10 minutes. During this time, the seeds will swell and form a gelatinous layer around each seed.
- Can I use fresh grass jelly instead of canned?– Yes, you can use fresh grass jelly if it’s available. Just chop it into small cubes that resemble the canned variety.
- Is there an alternative to coconut milk?If you would rather use a different flavor or are steering clear of coconut, you can substitute almond milk, soy milk, or good old dairy milk.
- How should I serve this dessert?Chill the dessert and serve it with crushed ice or ice cubes on top for an exceptionally refreshing experience.
- Can I adjust the sweetness?– Absolutely, you can modify the quantity of sugar to match your taste proclivities or employ a sweetener of your fancy.
- How long can this dessert be stored?The optimal time to consume it is immediately; however, the prepped components can be stored in the refrigerator for 1-2 days.
Substitutions and Variations
Black jelly or agar dessert can be used in place of grass jelly.
Basil seeds can be substituted with chia seeds.
Honey or agave syrup can be used as substitutes for sugar.
Almond milk or regular milk can replace coconut milk for a different flavor.
Chilled coconut milk can be used in place of crushed ice or ice cubes for a creamier texture.
Pro Tips
1. Chill the Ingredients For an extra refreshing treat, refrigerate the can of grass jelly, coconut milk, and water beforehand. Using cold ingredients will make your dessert more refreshing, reducing the need for additional ice that could dilute the flavors.
2. Enhance the Coconut Milk To add depth to your coconut milk, consider adding a pinch of salt or a few drops of vanilla extract. This will enhance the flavor and offer a slightly more complex taste profile.
3. Experiment with Sweetness If you prefer a different sweetness level, try using honey or maple syrup instead of sugar for your simple syrup. This can introduce unique flavors while still sweetening the dessert.
4. Texture Variation Add some texture by including toppings such as roasted peanuts or toasted coconut flakes. They provide a pleasant crunch to complement the smoothness of the jelly and the creaminess of the coconut milk.
5. Serving Presentation Serve the dessert in clear glasses to showcase its beautiful layers. You can also garnish with fresh mint leaves or a slice of lime for an appealing and fresh presentation.
Grass Jelly With Basil Seeds Suong Sao Hat E Recipe
My favorite Grass Jelly With Basil Seeds Suong Sao Hat E Recipe
Equipment Needed:
1. Can opener
2. Knife
3. Cutting board
4. Bowl (medium-sized)
5. Bowl (small-sized)
6. Saucepan
7. Stirring spoon
8. Measuring spoons
9. Measuring cups
10. Glasses or bowls for serving
11. Spoon (for serving and stirring)
12. Strainer or sieve (for basil seeds)
Ingredients:
- 1 can of grass jelly (approximately 19 oz or 540g)
- 1 tablespoon basil seeds
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup coconut milk
- Crushed ice or ice cubes
Instructions:
1. Pour the liquid out of the can of grass jelly. Cut the grass jelly into small cubes or your desired shapes.
2. In a small bowl, combine the basil seeds and 1 cup of water. Soak for about 10 minutes or until the seeds swell and become gelatinous. Then, drain the seeds and set them aside.
3. In a saucepan, mix together 2 tablespoons of sugar and 1 cup of water. Place over medium heat and stir until the sugar is completely dissolved. You now have a simple syrup. Remove it from the heat and let it cool to room temperature.
4. In another bowl, add 1 cup of coconut milk. Combine the simple syrup to adjust the sweetness to your liking.
5. Put a plentiful portion of the grass jelly cubes into glasses or bowls that you will use for serving.
6. Over the grass jelly in each serving, add 1 tablespoon of the basil seeds that have been soaked.
7. Sweetened coconut milk is poured over the grass jelly and basil seeds, so that the mixture is mostly submerged in it.
8. Complete the glass or bowl with crushed ice or several cubes of ice.
9. Blend the flavors of each serving together by stirring them gently.
10. Enjoy this refreshing dessert immediately, served by spoon.