Es Cendol: A Refreshing Traditional Indonesian Drink

jfid – Es cendol is a refreshing traditional Indonesian drink, especially popular on hot days.

Made from rice flour, coconut milk, palm sugar, and pandan, es cendol offers a captivating combination of sweet and savory flavors.

Additionally, es cendol is often garnished with ice cubes, adding a cold and refreshing sensation.

In this article, we will discuss an easy-to-follow es cendol recipe and some tips to make it extra special.

Ingredients

For the Cendol:

• 100 grams of rice flour
• 50 grams of sago flour
• 1 tablespoon of lime water
• 700 ml of pandan water (from 7 pandan leaves)
• Green food coloring (if needed)
• Iced water for soaking

For the Coconut Milk Sauce:

• 500 ml of thick coconut milk
• 2 pandan leaves, tied in a knot
• 1/2 teaspoon of salt

For the Palm Sugar Syrup:

• 200 grams of palm sugar, finely shaved
• 100 grams of granulated sugar
• 200 ml of water
• 1 pandan leaf, tied in a knot

To Serve:

• Ice cubes as needed

Preparation Steps

Making the Cendol:

1. Prepare Pandan Water: Blend pandan leaves with 700 ml of water, then strain to get pandan water.
2. Mix Ingredients: In a pot, mix rice flour, sago flour, and lime water with pandan water. Stir until well combined.
3. Cook the Mixture: Heat the mixture over medium heat while stirring continuously until it thickens and is cooked through. If the green color is not vivid enough, add green food coloring as desired.
4. Shape the Cendol: Prepare a bowl of iced water. Mold the cendol mixture using a cendol mold or a strainer with large holes. Press the mixture until cendol beads form and drop into the iced water. Let sit for a while until the cendol hardens.
5. Drain: Remove and drain the cendol from the iced water.

Making the Coconut Milk Sauce:

1. Mix Coconut Milk: Boil coconut milk with pandan leaves and salt over low heat. Stir continuously to prevent the coconut milk from breaking.
2. Cook the Sauce: Cook until it boils and is fragrant, then remove from heat and cool.

Making the Palm Sugar Syrup:

1. Mix Ingredients: Boil palm sugar, granulated sugar, water, and pandan leaves until the sugar dissolves and the water boils.
2. Strain the Syrup: Strain the palm sugar syrup to remove any residue. Cool.

Serving:

1. Prepare Glasses: Take serving glasses and add a few spoonfuls of drained cendol.
2. Add Ice: Add ice cubes to taste.
3. Pour Coconut Milk Sauce: Pour coconut milk sauce into the glass until half full.
4. Add Palm Sugar Syrup: Finally, pour palm sugar syrup on top.
5. Serve: Serve es cendol immediately to enjoy its freshness.

Tips and Variations

• Add Jackfruit: For a flavor variation, add ripe jackfruit pieces to the es cendol.
• Use Thick Coconut Milk: For a richer taste, use thick coconut milk from fresh coconut.
• Shaved Ice: Use shaved ice for an even colder and more refreshing sensation.

Conclusion

Es cendol is the perfect choice to quench your thirst on a hot day. With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, you can make es cendol at home.

Enjoy its deliciousness and freshness with family and friends. Happy trying!