Delicious Homemade Ice Kachang Recipe

Ingredients

1 cup of red beans
1 cup of sweet corn
3 cups of shaved ice
1 cup of palm seed (Attap Chee)
1 cup of grass jelly (Chin Chow), cut into small cubes
2 tablespoons of evaporated milk
1 cup of colored jelly, cut into small cubes
1/2 cup of sugar syrup
1/2 cup of brown sugar syrup
1/2 cup of rose syrup

Steps and instructions

Soak the red beans in water for a couple of hours, then boil until they become soft. Strain and set aside.
Cook the sweet corn until it's done. Strain and set aside.
Prepare the shaved ice by using an ice kachang machine or a blender. You can also manually shave the ice using a knife or a food processor.
Arrange the ingredients in a bowl. Start by placing a handful of red beans, sweet corn, palm seed (attap chee), grass jelly (chin chow), and colored jelly at the bottom of the bowl.
Pile the shaved ice on top of the ingredients in the bowl, forming a mound.
Drizzle the sugar syrup, brown sugar syrup, and rose syrup over the mound of shaved ice.
Pour the evaporated milk over the top of the mound.
Serve immediately. Ice Kachang is best enjoyed on a hot day or as a dessert after a meal.

Tools for making

Ice Kachang machine - A specialized machine used to shave ice into fine flakes.
Blender - An alternative to the ice kachang machine, can be used to crush ice for the recipe.
Knife - Used to manually shave ice if an ice kachang machine or blender is not available.
Food processor - An alternative to using a knife to manually shave ice.
Bowl - Used to serve the ice kachang.
Strainer - Used to strain the cooked red beans and sweet corn.
Spoon - Used for mixing and serving the ice kachang.
Measuring cup - Used to measure the ingredients accurately.

Recipe variations

Add different fruits such as mango, lychee, or kiwi to the ice kachang.
Experiment with different flavored syrups like chocolate, strawberry, or pandan.
Add a scoop of ice cream on top of the shaved ice for a creamy twist.
Include additional toppings like peanuts, sesame seeds, or chocolate chips.
Try using different types of jellies such as agar-agar or fruit jellies.
Make it a healthier version by using natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup instead of sugar syrup.
For a unique twist, substitute the shaved ice with frozen yogurt or sorbet.
Create a savory version by adding ingredients like roasted peanuts, pickled vegetables, or savory sauces.
If you prefer a vegan option, skip the evaporated milk and use coconut milk or a non-dairy alternative instead.
For a refreshing twist, add a squeeze of lime or lemon juice over the ice kachang.

Recipe overview

Ice Kachang is a popular dessert in Southeast Asia, particularly in Singapore and Malaysia. It's an indulgent treat that's perfect for cooling down on a hot day or as a sweet ending to a meal. The dessert consists of a mountain of finely shaved ice, topped with various sweet ingredients such as red beans, sweet corn, palm seeds, jellies, and syrups. This recipe will guide you through the process of making Ice Kachang at home. It's a straightforward process that involves boiling, assembling, shaving ice, and drizzling with an array of syrups. This dessert is not only refreshing and delicious but is also a feast for the eyes with its vibrant colors and intriguing textures. Get ready to take your taste buds on an adventure!

Common questions

Can I use canned red beans instead of soaking and boiling them?
No, it is recommended to use dried red beans and soak them before boiling. Canned red beans may have a different texture and flavor.
Can I substitute the sweet corn with frozen or canned corn?
Yes, you can use frozen or canned corn as a substitute for fresh sweet corn. Just make sure to cook it according to the package instructions before using it in the recipe.
What can I use as a substitute for palm seed (Attap Chee) if I can't find it?
You can substitute palm seed with lychee fruit or any other tropical fruit of your choice. Alternatively, you can omit it from the recipe.
What is a good alternative to grass jelly (Chin Chow)?
If you can't find grass jelly, you can use agar-agar jelly or basil seeds as a substitute. You can also omit it if you prefer.
Can I use regular syrup instead of rose syrup?
Yes, you can use any flavored syrup of your choice instead of rose syrup. Some popular alternatives include pandan syrup, strawberry syrup, or mango syrup.

Serving dishes and utensils

Ice Kachang Machine - A machine specifically designed to shave ice finely for making Ice Kachang.
Blender - An alternative to the Ice Kachang machine, a blender can be used to crush ice for making the dessert.
Knife - Useful for cutting the grass jelly and colored jelly into small cubes.
Bowl - A bowl is needed to serve the Ice Kachang.
Strainer - Used to strain the cooked red beans and sweet corn.
Measuring Cup - Helps in accurately measuring the ingredients.
Spoon - Used for drizzling the sugar syrups and evaporated milk over the shaved ice.

Origin stories

Ice kachang, a popular dessert in Singapore and Malaysia, has a humble beginning. It started as a simple concoction of shaved ice with red beans during the 1950s and 60s, often sold by street vendors to quench the thirst in the hot weather. Over time, it evolved and absorbed influences from various cultures, mirroring the multicultural society of Singapore and Malaysia. The dessert we know today with its colorful syrups, sweet corn, palm seeds, and jelly is a testament to the ever-evolving culinary landscape of Southeast Asia. Its delightful blend of textures and flavors is much like the region itself — diverse, vibrant, and full of surprises.

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.