Authentic Indonesian Es Cincau Recipe: A Refreshing Grass Jelly Drink

Ingredients

  • 1 cup of Cincau (Grass Jelly), diced
  • 1 cup of Coconut Milk
  • 1/2 cup of Granulated Sugar
  • 1/4 cup of Palm Sugar
  • 1 Pandan Leaf
  • 2 cups of Water
  • 1/2 teaspoon of Salt
  • Ice Cubes to serve

Steps and instructions

  1. First, prepare the syrup by combining the palm sugar, granulated sugar, and water in a saucepan. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat.
  2. Stir in the pandan leaf and continue to cook until all the sugars have completely dissolved. Remove from heat and set aside to cool.
  3. While the syrup is cooling, prepare the coconut milk mixture. In a separate saucepan, combine the coconut milk and salt. Heat the mixture over low heat, stirring occasionally until it is well mixed and heated through. Do not let it come to a boil. Set aside to cool.
  4. Once both the syrup and the coconut milk mixture have cooled, you can start assembling the drink. In each serving glass, add a portion of the diced cincau.
  5. Next, pour the cooled syrup over the cincau, filling up to about half of the glass.
  6. Finally, top off each glass with the cooled coconut milk mixture.
  7. Serve the Es Cincau chilled with ice cubes. Enjoy as a refreshing dessert or a cooling snack on a hot day.

Tools for making

Recipe variations

  • Use different flavors of grass jelly, such as pandan-flavored or rose-flavored cincau.
  • Add toppings like sweetened red beans, diced fruits (such as jackfruit or mango), or chewy tapioca pearls to enhance the texture and taste.
  • Experiment with the sweetness level by adjusting the amount of sugar in the syrup or using alternative sweeteners like honey or agave syrup.
  • For a vegan option, substitute the regular cow's milk with plant-based milk alternatives like almond milk or soy milk.
  • Try adding a splash of fresh lime juice or a few drops of rose water for a subtle twist in flavor.
  • For a creamier version, replace the coconut milk with coconut cream or coconut creamer.
  • To make it more indulgent, serve the Es Cincau with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top.
  • For a fun presentation, serve the drink in a hollowed-out coconut shell or a tall glass with colorful layers of cincau, syrup, and coconut milk.

Recipe overview

Es Cincau is a popular Indonesian dessert drink made from diced grass jelly, sweetened with a combination of palm and granulated sugar, and complemented by the creamy flavor of coconut milk. This refreshing beverage, served chilled with ice cubes, is a fantastic way to end a meal or simply cool down on a hot day. The recipe involves the simple process of preparing a sweet syrup and a coconut milk mixture, which are then layered over the diced grass jelly in a glass. The result is a visually appealing, layered dessert drink with a delightful mix of sweet and creamy flavors, and a unique jelly-like texture from the cincau. A truly enjoyable treat that caters to the taste buds and cools the body. Enjoy making this simple yet satisfying Indonesian delight and experience a taste of tropical refreshment.

Common questions

  1. Can I use canned cincau instead of fresh cincau? Yes, you can use canned cincau as a substitute for fresh cincau. Just make sure to drain the liquid from the canned cincau before using it in the recipe.
  2. Can I use other types of milk instead of coconut milk? Yes, you can substitute coconut milk with other types of milk such as almond milk or soy milk. However, keep in mind that it will alter the taste of the traditional Es Cincau.
  3. Can I adjust the sweetness of the syrup? Absolutely! You can adjust the sweetness of the syrup by adding more or less sugar according to your taste preferences. Just make sure to taste and adjust as needed while preparing the syrup.
  4. Can I make Es Cincau in advance? It is best to assemble and serve Es Cincau immediately after preparing to maintain its freshness and texture. However, you can prepare the syrup and coconut milk mixture in advance and store them separately in the refrigerator. When you're ready to serve, simply assemble the drink by combining the components.
  5. Can I add toppings or garnishes to my Es Cincau? Yes, you can add various toppings or garnishes to enhance the flavor and presentation of Es Cincau. Some popular options include grass jelly cubes, coconut flakes, diced fruits, or even a scoop of ice cream.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Saucepan - Used for preparing the syrup and coconut milk mixture.
  • Serving Glasses - Used to serve the Es Cincau.
  • Stirring Spoon - Used for stirring the syrup, coconut milk mixture, and other ingredients.
  • Measuring Cups - Used to measure the quantities of cincau, coconut milk, sugar, and water accurately.
  • Knife - Used to dice the cincau into small pieces.
  • Ice Cube Tray - Used to make ice cubes for serving the Es Cincau chilled.

Origin stories

Es Cincau is a well-loved traditional Indonesian beverage, hailing from the multi-cultural archipelago of more than 17,000 islands. The name "Es Cincau" itself refers to "iced grass jelly". Grass Jelly, or cincau, is a type of jelly made from a plant known in the scientific community as Platostoma Palustre. The plant has a rich history of use in traditional medicine not only in Indonesia, but also throughout Asia. Today, it stars in Es Cincau, a drink that is a study in contrasts—with the delicate texture of the cincau playing off against the rich, creaminess of the coconut milk, and the sweetness of the palm sugar syrup. Every sip is a refreshing treat, a cool respite in the tropical heat. What's interesting is that while cincau is known for its cooling properties, it's also believed to aid digestion, making Es Cincau a sweet treat that's both enjoyable and beneficial.

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.