Sweet Potato Jelly (Agar) – A Refreshing Dessert for Every Occasion
Sweet Potato Jelly (Agar) is a delightful and refreshing dessert, perfect for those warm summer days or as a light finish to an Asian meal. Its creamy texture, enhanced by the richness of low-fat coconut milk, makes it a satisfying treat without being overwhelming. This dessert is not only a wonderful way to use up leftover sweet potatoes but also an opportunity to enjoy a healthier alternative to traditional gelatin-based sweets. The jelly is made using agar-agar powder, which gives it a smooth, firm texture that holds its shape beautifully. You can set it in any mold you like or cut it into fun shapes using cookie cutters for a more decorative touch.
Perfect for parties, family gatherings, or a simple sweet end to your dinner, this dessert combines the earthy sweetness of sweet potatoes with the tropical flavor of pandan, making it an exotic addition to your dessert repertoire.
Ingredients & Nutritional Information
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Sweet Potatoes | 200 grams |
| Low-Fat Coconut Milk | 200 milliliters |
| Agar-Agar Powder | 20 grams |
| Sugar | 100 grams |
| Water | 750 milliliters |
| Salt | 1 pinch |
| Screwpine Leaves (Pandan) | 2 leaves |
| Pandan Extract | To taste |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 55.9 kcal |
| Fat | 0 g |
| Saturated Fat | 0 g |
| Cholesterol | 0 mg |
| Sodium | 28 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 14 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 0.6 g |
| Sugars | 10.8 g |
| Protein | 0.3 g |
Recipe Instructions
Preparation Time: 1 hour
Cooking Time: 2 hours (includes chilling)
Total Time: 3 hours
Servings: 10
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Steam the Sweet Potatoes: Start by steaming the sweet potatoes until they are soft and fully cooked. The steaming process helps preserve their natural sweetness and creates a smooth texture for the jelly. Depending on the size of your sweet potatoes, this may take about 30-40 minutes. Once done, allow them to cool slightly before moving to the next step.
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Blend the Sweet Potatoes and Coconut Milk: After the sweet potatoes have cooled, place them in a blender along with the low-fat coconut milk. Blend until smooth, ensuring the mixture is creamy and well combined. The coconut milk will give the jelly its rich flavor and enhance the natural sweetness of the sweet potatoes.
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Strain the Mixture: For a perfectly smooth texture, strain the blended sweet potato and coconut milk mixture through a fine sieve to remove any remaining fiber or lumps. This step is crucial to achieving that melt-in-your-mouth consistency.
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Prepare the Agar-Agar Base: In a medium saucepan, combine the agar-agar powder, sugar, water, and pandan leaves. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, stirring occasionally until the agar-agar dissolves completely. The pandan leaves will infuse the mixture with a fragrant, floral aroma that gives the dessert a signature Asian touch. Continue boiling for about 5-7 minutes, ensuring everything is well dissolved.
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Combine the Agar Mixture with the Sweet Potato Puree: Once the agar mixture has boiled and the agar-agar has fully dissolved, stir in the pureed sweet potato and coconut mixture. Let this simmer over low heat for an additional 5 minutes. This step allows the flavors to meld together, creating a silky-smooth jelly base.
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Add a Pinch of Salt: To balance the sweetness, add a pinch of salt to the mixture. This small addition will enhance the flavors and create a more rounded taste profile for your dessert.
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Set the Jelly: Pour the jelly mixture into a wet tray or mold. The wet surface helps the jelly come out more easily once it’s set. Allow the jelly to cool to room temperature, then place it in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or until fully set. The jelly should have a firm yet delicate texture once it has chilled.
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Serve and Enjoy: Once set, you can cut the jelly into fun shapes using cookie cutters or simply slice it into squares. The jelly can be served as individual portions or arranged in a decorative platter. Serve chilled for the most refreshing experience, and enjoy this unique and delightful dessert!
Tips and Variations:
- Molds: For a more elegant presentation, try setting the jelly in a fancy mold to create a visually striking shape. You can find various shaped molds in the kitchen supply store or use a simple loaf pan for a classic look.
- Pandan Extract: While pandan leaves are traditional for this recipe, if you can’t find them, you can substitute with pandan extract, which is available in many Asian grocery stores. Adjust the quantity to your taste.
- Sweeteners: You can adjust the sweetness of the jelly by reducing or increasing the sugar. Alternatively, you can try using natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup for a different flavor profile.
- Serving Suggestions: This dessert pairs beautifully with a cup of green tea or can be enjoyed as a stand-alone treat on a hot day. It’s light, refreshing, and not overly sweet, making it a perfect ending to any meal.
This Sweet Potato Jelly (Agar) recipe brings the flavors of Asia to your kitchen in an easy and accessible way, using just a few ingredients to create a sophisticated, yet simple dessert. Whether you’re using leftover sweet potatoes or simply looking for a new way to enjoy this nutritious vegetable, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Try it at your next gathering and impress your guests with this unique and beautiful dessert.
