Ais Kacang: A Traditional Malaysian Delight Recipe

Ingredients

  • 2 cups of shaved ice
  • 1 cup of red beans, soaked overnight
  • 1 cup of sweet corn, canned
  • 1 cup of grass jelly, diced
  • 1 cup of attap chee (palm seeds)
  • 1/2 cup of Leong Fun (black jelly), diced
  • 1/2 cup of peanuts, crushed
  • 1 cup of evaporated milk
  • 1/2 cup of red rose syrup
  • 1/2 cup of Gula Melaka (palm sugar syrup)
  • 1/2 cup of condensed milk (optional)

Steps and instructions

  1. Soak the red beans overnight. Drain the water, then boil in a fresh pot of water until they become soft. This could take up to two hours. Once cooked, drain and set aside to cool.
  2. Prepare your toppings which include the diced grass jelly, Leong Fun, attap chee, and sweet corn. Set these aside.
  3. Crush the peanuts and set them aside.
  4. Prepare the syrup mixture by combining the red rose syrup, Gula Melaka, and optional condensed milk. Stir well to ensure all the sugar is dissolved.
  5. Start assembling the Ais Kacang. Begin with a base layer of the cooked red beans.
  6. Add a generous amount of shaved ice on top of the beans.
  7. Arrange your toppings (grass jelly, Leong Fun, attap chee, sweet corn) over the top of the ice.
  8. Pour the syrup mixture over the ice and toppings, ensuring an even distribution.
  9. Drizzle a generous amount of evaporated milk over the top.
  10. Sprinkle the crushed peanuts on top as a final touch.
  11. Serve immediately with a spoon and a straw.

Tools for making

  • Blender - For crushing the ice and creating a snow-like texture
  • Saucepan - To cook the red beans
  • Knife - For dicing the grass jelly and Leong Fun
  • Spoon - For stirring and serving
  • Straw - To drink the melted ice and syrup
  • Measuring cups - To accurately measure the ingredients

Recipe variations

  • Use different types of beans such as kidney beans or black beans instead of red beans.
  • Experiment with different fruits as toppings, such as diced mango, jackfruit, or lychee.
  • Add a scoop of flavored ice cream on top of the shaved ice.
  • Replace the traditional red rose syrup with other flavored syrups like pandan syrup or strawberry syrup.
  • Add a layer of jelly cubes made from different flavors like mango, coconut, or pandan.
  • Include other types of nuts such as almond flakes or cashew nuts as an additional topping.
  • For a healthier option, use natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup instead of Gula Melaka.
  • Add a dollop of whipped cream on top of the Ais Kacang.
  • Experiment with different types of milk or non-dairy alternatives like almond milk or coconut milk.
  • Create a layered Ais Kacang by repeating the ice, toppings, and syrup layers.

Recipe overview

Ais Kacang, also known as "ABC", is a classic Malaysian dessert that's delightfully refreshing, especially on a hot day. This dessert is a wonderful medley of textures and flavors, created by combining shaved ice with various toppings such as red beans, sweet corn, grass jelly, and palm seeds. Then, it's all generously drizzled with evaporated milk and a vibrant, sweet syrup made from red rose and palm sugar. The finishing touch is a sprinkling of crushed peanuts, adding a delightful crunch. The process of making Ais Kacang involves preparing each ingredient separately before assembling the dessert, but the effort is well worth it. Expect to enjoy a sweet, creamy, and icy treat that's rich in flavor and full of interesting textures.

Common questions

  1. Can I use canned red beans instead of soaking and cooking them myself?
    Yes, you can use canned red beans as a time-saving alternative.
  2. Can I substitute any of the toppings?
    Absolutely! Feel free to customize your Ais Kacang with your preferred toppings or add additional ones.
  3. Can I use regular jelly instead of grass jelly?
    While the traditional recipe calls for grass jelly, you can experiment with different types of jelly if you prefer.
  4. Can I adjust the sweetness of the syrup mixture?
    Yes, you can adjust the sweetness of the syrup mixture by adding more or less Gula Melaka and condensed milk to suit your taste.
  5. Can I make Ais Kacang in advance?
    It is best to assemble and serve Ais Kacang immediately to ensure the ice doesn't melt too quickly. However, you can prepare the toppings and syrup mixture in advance to save time.
  6. Is Ais Kacang dairy-free?
    Ais Kacang traditionally includes evaporated milk, but you can omit it or replace it with non-dairy alternatives if you have dietary restrictions.
  7. Can I use a blender to crush the ice?
    Yes, you can use a blender or a shaved ice machine to crush the ice if you don't have access to shaved ice.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Blender - Used to crush the ice into shaved ice consistency.
  • Pot - Used for boiling the red beans.
  • Knife - Needed for dicing the grass jelly and Leong Fun.
  • Strainer - Used to drain the cooked red beans.
  • Crusher or Mortar and Pestle - Required for crushing the peanuts.
  • Measuring Cups - Essential for accurately measuring the ingredients.
  • Spoons - Needed for serving the Ais Kacang.
  • Straws - Used for sipping the melted ice and syrup.

Origin stories

Ais Kacang, which translates to "bean ice", hails from Malaysia and is a cherished dessert that conjures memories of balmy afternoons and is often associated with fond childhood memories. It is believed to have originated in the 1950s as a simple shaved ice dessert sold by street vendors and has since evolved into a colorful, layered creation that includes sweet red beans, jelly, and an array of other toppings. Interestingly, this dessert mirrors the multicultural makeup of its country of origin, presenting an assortment of textures, flavors, and ingredients that harmoniously come together, much like the diverse communities of Malaysia. Each serving of Ais Kacang is a delightful exploration of this Southeast Asian nation's rich cultural tapestry.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.

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