Traditional Indonesian Es Dawet Recipe: A Refreshing Dessert Drink for Summer

Ingredients

1 cup of rice flour
1 teaspoon of salt
2 cups of cold water
2 cups of pandan juice
1 cup of sugar
2 cups of coconut milk
1 cup of cooked black glutinous rice
1 cup of diced jackfruit
Ice cubes, as needed

Steps and instructions

In a mixing bowl, combine the rice flour and salt. Gradually add cold water while continuously stirring to create a smooth and lump-free mixture.
Pour the mixture into a saucepan, add pandan juice, and heat over medium flame. Keep stirring until the mixture thickens and starts to boil.
Prepare a Dawet mold and place it over a bowl filled with cold water. Press the heated mixture into the mold to create Dawet noodles. Let the noodles sit in the cold water until they harden.
In a separate saucepan, create a syrup by combining sugar and 1 cup of water. Bring the mixture to a boil and keep stirring until the sugar is completely dissolved. Let it cool down.
In another saucepan, heat the coconut milk over low heat. Do not let it boil to prevent it from curdling. After heating, set it aside to cool.
To assemble the Es Dawet, put a handful of Dawet noodles in a glass. Add some black glutinous rice and diced jackfruit.
Pour the cooled syrup and coconut milk into the glass. Add some ice cubes.
Serve the Es Dawet immediately and enjoy the refreshing Indonesian dessert.

Tools for making

Mixing Bowl - Used to combine the rice flour, salt, and water to create the batter.
Saucepan - Used to heat and cook the mixture for the Dawet noodles.
Dawet Mold - Used to shape the Dawet noodles into thin strands.
Bowl - Filled with cold water to cool down and harden the Dawet noodles.
Separate Saucepan - Used to create the syrup by boiling sugar and water.
Saucepan - Used to heat the coconut milk without boiling.
Glass - Used to serve the Es Dawet.

Recipe variations

Use black rice instead of black glutinous rice for a different texture and flavor.
Replace pandan juice with pandan extract or pandan essence for convenience.
Add a pinch of salt to the coconut milk for a savory twist.
Experiment with different toppings such as shredded coconut, sliced almonds, or sesame seeds.
For a vegan version, substitute coconut milk with almond milk or soy milk.
Add a teaspoon of rose water or vanilla extract to the syrup for a floral or aromatic note.
Incorporate different fruits such as mango, lychee, or banana to customize the flavor.
For a richer taste, use coconut cream instead of coconut milk.
Add a tablespoon of condensed milk to the syrup for a creamier sweetness.
For a gluten-free option, replace rice flour with tapioca flour or cornstarch.

Recipe overview

Indulge in the sweet and refreshing flavors of Indonesia with this authentic Es Dawet recipe. This popular dessert drink combines the unique textures of Dawet noodles, made from rice flour and pandan juice, with the sweetness of sugar syrup and the creaminess of coconut milk. The addition of black glutinous rice and diced jackfruit adds extra layers of texture and taste, making this a truly special treat. Although the process may seem intricate, each step is simple and straightforward. So, get ready to transport your senses to the tropical island of Indonesia with every sip of this delightful dessert. Enjoy the process and most importantly, enjoy your homemade Es Dawet!

Common questions

Can I use regular flour instead of rice flour?
No, rice flour is essential for the texture and consistency of Es Dawet. Regular flour will not yield the same results.
Where can I find pandan juice?
Pandan juice can be found in Asian grocery stores or you can extract it yourself by blending pandan leaves with water and straining the mixture.
Can I use canned coconut milk?
Yes, canned coconut milk can be used. However, fresh coconut milk will provide a richer and more authentic flavor.
Can I omit the black glutinous rice?
Yes, you can omit the black glutinous rice if desired. It adds a nice texture, but the Es Dawet will still be delicious without it.
Is there a substitute for jackfruit?
If you can't find jackfruit, you can substitute it with other tropical fruits like mango or banana.
Can I make Es Dawet in advance?
It is best to assemble and serve Es Dawet immediately to enjoy its freshness. However, you can prepare the individual components in advance and assemble just before serving.

Serving dishes and utensils

Mixing bowl - A bowl used for combining the rice flour, salt, and water to make the Dawet mixture.
Saucepan - A pan used for heating the Dawet mixture, creating the syrup, and heating the coconut milk.
Dawet mold - A mold used for shaping the Dawet noodles.
Glass - A container used for serving the Es Dawet.
Spoon - Utensil used for stirring the mixture and serving the Es Dawet.

Origin stories

Es Dawet is a beloved dessert from Indonesia, particularly prevalent in the region of Central Java. Its unique green color comes from the pandan leaf, a commonly used ingredient in Southeast Asian cooking, giving the dessert its distinct fragrance. What makes Es Dawet truly fascinating is that it is traditionally sold by vendors who carry two baskets on a pole, one containing the ingredients and the other containing small stove and cooking utensils. As they walk through the streets, they announce their presence with a distinctive horn, bringing the delightful sweetness of Es Dawet to neighborhoods. This dessert not only pleases the palate but also encapsulates the vibrant street-food culture of Indonesia.

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.