Grass Jelly / Suong Sao / Thach Den
Make delicious Grass Jelly (Suong Sao / Thach Den) with this easy recipe. Grass Jelly is a wonderfully refreshing jelly with a glassy smooth texture. Similar to agar agar, it's plant-based and is vegetarian. (Grass Jelly is made from the leaves of the cincau plant, a member of the mint family.) This jiggly cold treat is perfect on a hot summer day. Cut the Grass Jelly into cubes and serve over crushed ice for a simple chilled dessert. Another tasty option is to cut the jelly into small pieces and add to your favorite icy beverage. Give this no-fail recipe a try and share your comments with me.
- Prep time
- 5 min
- Cook time
- 10 min
- Yield
- 6 servings
- Difficulty
- EASY
Ingredients
Quantities are shown as originally provided.
- 1.8 oz grass jelly powder
- 1/3 cup sugar
- 4 cups water (, divided)
Instructions
- 1
Transfer the grass jelly powder into a medium saucepan. Add the sugar and 2 cups water. Stir together dissolving the powder. Add the remaining 2 cups water and mix well.
- 2
Let the mixture rest for 10 minutes.
- 3
Over Medium heat, start warming the mixture. Using a spatula, stir the mixture, scraping the bottom of the pan where the powder settles.
- 4
In 3-4 minutes the mixture thickens and becomes lumpy. Using a whisk, quickly stir until the mixture is smooth. Continue stirring, bringing the mixture to a gentle boil. Turn off the heat and continue stirring for 1 minute making sure the mixture is smooth and free of lumps.
- 5
Transfer the Grass Jelly mixture to a heat-safe dish or bowl. Pop any bubbles with a toothpick or skim with a spoon.
- 6
Allow to cool at room temperature for 1 - 1 1/2 hours.
- 7
Transfer into the refrigerator and chill for at least 2 hours.
- 8
To remove the jelly, invert the dish onto a large cutting board. Cut the grass jelly into cubes.
- 9
To serve, add some crushed ice into a dessert bowl. Add the Grass Jelly cubes. Sprinkle the jelly with a bit of sugar.
- 10
Optionally, use a wavy knife to cut the jelly into smaller pieces and add to your favorite icy beverage.
- 11
Store any remaining Grass Jelly in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.