Delicious Coconut Fruit Cubes Recipe

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. About Coconut Water Jelly
3. Ingredients and Equipment Needed
4. Step-by-Step Instructions
   1. Preparing the Coconut Water and Agar Agar
   2. Adding Sugar and Additional Coconut Water
   3. Preparing and Prepping the Fruit
   4. Pouring the Jelly Mixture into Molds
   5. Setting and Unmolding the Jelly
5. Tips and Variations
6. Using Gelatin instead of Agar Agar
7. Serving and Enjoying the Coconut Water Jelly
8. Conclusion

Introduction

Welcome to Hot Thai Kitchen! In today's episode, we will be making a delightful dessert that is not only incredibly cute and pretty but also delicious. With only four simple ingredients, these coconut water jelly cubes with fresh fruit suspended inside will wow your guests at a party or make for beautiful edible gifts, especially with Valentine's Day just around the corner. So, let's dive right in and Create these jewel-like treats!

About Coconut Water Jelly

In Thai, this dessert is called "woon nam maprao polamai sod." This name refers to the use of agar agar, a Type of jelly, to set the dessert, as well as the main ingredients: coconut water and fresh fruit. Coconut water is the star of this recipe, and the quality of the coconut water You choose will greatly impact the flavor of the final dessert. In this video, We Are using UFC coconut water, a well-known and popular brand from Thailand that is exceptionally sweet and fragrant.

Ingredients and Equipment Needed

To make these coconut water jelly cubes, you will need the following ingredients:

• Coconut water
• Agar agar powder (or flakes/sticks if substituting gelatin)
• Sugar
• Assorted fresh fruit (e.g., strawberries, blackberries, blueberries, pineapple, mandarin oranges)

As for equipment, you will need a pot, silicone cube molds (flat-bottomed), a metal spoon, a paring knife (for prepping strawberries and mandarin oranges), and a knife (for unmolding).

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preparing the Coconut Water and Agar Agar

Start by pouring the coconut water into a pot and sprinkling the agar agar powder into it. Ensure the coconut water is still cold, as adding the agar agar while it's hot will cause clumping. Agar agar powder can be found at Asian grocery stores or health food stores. Bring the mixture to a full boil while stirring frequently to prevent clumping and ensure the agar agar is fully dissolved.

Pros: Using agar agar provides a vegan and gluten-free option for setting the dessert. It also allows the flavors of the coconut water and fruit to shine through.

Cons: Agar agar may not be as readily available as gelatin. The texture of the jelly may be slightly different compared to using gelatin.

2. Adding Sugar and Additional Coconut Water

Once the agar agar is fully dissolved, add sugar to sweeten the coconut water. The amount of sugar added can be adjusted to taste. Stir until the sugar is dissolved. Now, add the remaining coconut water to the mixture to cool it down slightly. This step helps prevent the hot dessert mixture from cooking the fruit when added later. Keep the mixture warm, as allowing it to cool completely will cause it to set and make it unusable.

Pros: Adjusting the sweetness allows for customization to personal preferences. Using coconut water as the base provides a refreshing and nutritious dessert.

Cons: The sweetness level may vary depending on the brand of coconut water used. Adjustments may be needed to achieve the desired taste.

3. Preparing and Prepping the Fruit

Select a variety of fresh fruits to add to the jelly cubes. Choose fruits with different colors to create an appealing visual presentation. Strawberries, blackberries, blueberries, pineapple, and mandarin oranges work well in this recipe. It is essential to ensure the fruit is sweet to balance the tartness of the coconut water jelly.

Pros: The assortment of fruits adds vibrant colors to the jelly cubes, making them visually appealing. The combination of sweet and tart flavors creates a harmonious taste experience.

Cons: The availability of certain fruits may be limited depending on the season. Ensure the fruits selected are of high quality to enhance the overall taste.

4. Pouring the Jelly Mixture into Molds

Use silicone cube molds with flat bottoms to create individual jelly cubes. Place the prepared fruit in the molds, ensuring they are not touching the sides extensively to allow the jelly to hold together better. Avoid placing too much fruit as it may affect the structural integrity of the jelly. Pour the warm coconut water and agar agar mixture over the fruit, taking care not to overflow the mold.

Pros: Individual molds create perfectly Shaped jelly cubes that showcase the suspended fruit beautifully. The translucent appearance of the jelly emphasizes the vibrant colors of the fruit.

Cons: Choosing the right molds is crucial. Molds that are not flat-bottomed or have a lack of surface tension may affect the final appearance and structure of the jelly cubes.

5. Setting and Unmolding the Jelly

Allow the jelly mixture to set by letting it cool to room temperature. The time required may vary, but it is crucial to prevent the jelly cubes from setting completely. To avoid disturbing the fruit position, it is recommended to periodically check and adjust any pieces that may have sunk or are sticking to the bottom of the molds. Once the jelly is fully set, carefully unmold the jelly cubes by turning the molds upside down and gently pushing them out.

Pros: The vibrant and translucent jelly cubes with suspended fruit create an eye-catching and impressive presentation. Unmolding and arranging the jelly cubes allow for creative and visually appealing plating.

Cons: Care must be taken while unmolding to minimize damage to the jelly cubes. The cooling and setting process requires patience and Attention to Detail to achieve the desired results.

Tips and Variations

Here are some additional tips and variations to consider:

• For a tropical twist, substitute some of the coconut water with a fruit Juice, such as pineapple or mango.
• Experiment with different combinations of fruits to create unique flavors and visual effects.
• Add a touch of mint or basil leaves between the fruit layers for added freshness and aroma.
• To make a clearer jelly, strain the coconut water before using. This step removes any impurities or sediment that may impact the transparency of the jelly.

Using Gelatin instead of Agar Agar

If you prefer to use gelatin instead of agar agar, it is possible, but there are a few important considerations:

• Gelatin requires different handling than agar agar. It is best to follow the instructions provided with your gelatin product.
• Use individual molds for each jelly cube as gelatin has a stronger clinging property.
• Avoid using certain fruits like pineapple, kiwi, and figs, as they contain enzymes that can prevent the gelatin from setting properly.
• Gelatin requires refrigeration to maintain its solid state. It is not suitable for leaving at room temperature for extended periods.

Pros: Gelatin provides a different texture and ease of use compared to agar agar. It is widely available and familiar to most home cooks.

Cons: Gelatin may limit the fruit options due to enzymatic reactions and requires refrigeration to retain its structure.

Serving and Enjoying the Coconut Water Jelly

For the best flavor and refreshment, serve the coconut water jelly cubes chilled. The subtle flavor of the coconut water pairs perfectly with the burst of sweetness from the fresh fruit. These delightful treats can be enjoyed with friends and family as a light and healthy dessert option. The colorful and jewel-like appearance of the jelly cubes adds a touch of elegance to any gathering or special occasion.

Conclusion

Coconut water jelly with suspended fresh fruit is a simple and delightful dessert that will impress both your taste buds and your guests. By following the step-by-step instructions, you can create these visually stunning and tasty treats that are perfect for parties or as thoughtful edible gifts. Whether you choose to use agar agar or gelatin, the burst of flavors and the refreshing qualities of the coconut water will make these coconut water jelly cubes a hit. So, don't hesitate to give this recipe a try and let your creativity shine with the variety of fruits available. Enjoy these delicious coconut water jelly cubes and share them with your loved ones!