Escape the summer heat with a delightfully refreshing dessert: layered water chestnut jelly. This light and elegant treat is surprisingly simple to make, offering a beautiful visual appeal alongside its cool, subtly sweet flavor. The delicate texture of the water chestnuts contrasts beautifully with the jiggly firmness of the jelly, creating a captivating sensory experience perfect for any occasion, from casual gatherings to elegant dinner parties. This recipe utilizes readily available ingredients, making it an accessible choice for home cooks of all levels.
Forget complicated dessert recipes! This layered water chestnut jelly is a breeze to create, and the results are stunning. Ready to learn how to craft this visually striking and refreshingly delicious summer treat? Let's dive into the simple, step-by-step instructions below.
Tools Needed
- Four small containers
- One large container
- Glass container (shaped for layering)
- Steamer
- Measuring cups
- Pot
Ingredients
- Water chestnut starch: 100g (any brand)
- Coconut sugar
- White sugar
- Coconut milk (canned)
- Water
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare the Starch Mixtures
- water chestnut starch, coconut sugar, white sugar, coconut milk, and water.
- Combine one part (1/3 cup) water chestnut starch with two parts (2/3 cup) water in the large container. Mix thoroughly and sift to remove any lumps.
- In a pot, combine one part water chestnut starch with two parts of the coconut milk mixture. Mix and sift.
Step 2. Cook the Layers
- In a separate pot, combine the remaining two parts of water with coconut sugar. Bring to a rolling boil while stirring until dissolved. Immediately remove from heat and add the starch mixture, stirring continuously until slightly thickened.
- In a separate pot, combine the remaining two parts of the coconut milk mixture with white sugar. Bring to a rolling boil and remove from heat. Add the starch mixture and stir until slightly thickened.
Step 3. Steam and Layer
- Steam each layer (red then white) for four minutes in a steamer, ensuring that the layer is cooked before adding the next. Repeat until all layers are completed.
Step 4. Chill and Serve
- Allow the dessert to cool completely before cutting and serving.
Read more: Chinese Wonton Soup: Thousand-Li Fragrance Recipe
Tips
- Ensure precise measurements for even layers.
- Coagulate the starch properly by adding it to hot liquid.
- Use the same measuring cup for each layer for consistency.
- Keep enough water in the steamer to prevent burning.
- Wait until the dessert is fully cooled before releasing it from the container.
Nutrition
- Calories: Insufficient data to calculate
- Fat: Insufficient data to calculateg
- Carbs: Insufficient data to calculateg
- Protein: Insufficient data to calculateg
FAQs
1. Can I use canned water chestnuts instead of fresh ones?
Yes! Canned water chestnuts work perfectly well in this recipe. Just make sure to drain them thoroughly before using.
2. How can I make the jelly layers more vibrant in color?
Use high-quality fruit juices or purees for more intense colors. Adding a few drops of food coloring is also an option, but use sparingly.
This layered water chestnut jelly dessert is the perfect way to cool down on a hot summer day. Its simple elegance and refreshing taste will impress your guests and leave them wanting more. Enjoy the fruits of your labor—and the delicious, refreshing treat you've created!