Grass Jelly Balls

$Grass jelly balls are a fun and tasty treat. They come from grass jelly, which is made from the leaves of the Mesona chinensis plant. The jelly has a dark color and a soft, wobbly texture. When you cut it into cubes, it looks very appealing. In this dish, we mix the jelly with tapioca pearls and coconut milk for a sweet and creamy dessert. You can enjoy them chilled, making them perfect for hot days. Grass jelly has a long history in Asian cuisine. It is popular in countries like China, Taiwan, and Thailand. People often serve it as a dessert or drink. In some cultures, grass jelly is seen as a cooling food. Many believe it helps with digestion and keeps you hydrated. It is common to see grass jelly in bubble tea or other sweet treats. This shows how loved it is around the world. Grass jelly offers several health benefits. It is low in calories, which makes it a great snack. It contains antioxidants that can help your body fight off free radicals. These are harmful substances that can cause cell damage. Grass jelly also has fiber, which is good for your digestion. This treat can be a healthy option when you want something sweet without added guilt. Enjoying grass jelly balls can be a fun way to treat yourself while still being mindful of your health. To make grass jelly balls, gather these simple items: - 1 cup grass jelly, cut into small cubes - 1/2 cup tapioca pearls (small size) - 1/4 cup coconut milk - 2 tablespoons sugar (adjust to taste) - 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract - Fresh mint leaves for garnish - Crushed ice (optional) These ingredients work together to create a delightful treat. The grass jelly brings a unique herbal flavor, while the tapioca pearls add a chewy texture. If you can’t find an ingredient, don’t worry! Here are some swaps you can use: - For grass jelly, use agar-agar or another jelly. - Instead of tapioca pearls, try small rice balls or sago. - Coconut milk can be replaced with almond or soy milk. - If you need a sugar alternative, use honey or maple syrup. These substitutions can change the taste slightly but still yield a tasty result. You can find grass jelly at many local Asian grocery stores. Look in the dessert or jelly aisle. Many stores sell it in cans or packages. You can also purchase grass jelly online through platforms like Amazon or specialty food websites. This way, you can stock up and enjoy this treat anytime! To make Grass Jelly Balls, you need to start with the tapioca pearls. First, boil 3 cups of water in a pot. Once the water is bubbling, add the tapioca pearls. Stir them gently. This step helps keep them from sticking together. Cook the pearls for 15 to 20 minutes. They should turn clear when they are done. After cooking, take the pot off the heat and let the pearls sit for 10 more minutes. This resting time makes them even softer. Finally, drain the pearls and rinse them under cold water. This stops the cooking and removes extra starch. Set them aside for later. Next, let’s make the sweet coconut milk base. In a bowl, combine 1/4 cup of coconut milk, 2 tablespoons of sugar, and 1/4 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Mix well until the sugar is fully dissolved. This mixture adds a creamy, sweet touch to your Grass Jelly Balls. You can adjust the sugar to suit your taste. If you like it sweeter, feel free to add a little more. Now it's time to put everything together. Take serving bowls and layer the grass jelly cubes at the bottom. Next, add the cooked tapioca pearls on top of the jelly. Pour the sweet coconut milk mixture over these layers. If you want a fun twist, add crushed ice on top. This gives a nice chill to your treat. Finally, garnish with fresh mint leaves. They add color and a burst of freshness. Enjoy your Grass Jelly Balls as a healthy treat! For the full recipe, check out the earlier section. {{image_2}} To make perfect tapioca pearls, start with a pot of water. Boil 3 cups of water before adding the pearls. Stir gently to keep them from sticking. Cook until they turn clear, about 15-20 minutes. After cooking, let them rest in hot water for 10 minutes. This helps them soften more. Rinse the pearls under cold water to stop the cooking. This step also removes extra starch, giving them a nice texture. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container. Keep the grass jelly and tapioca pearls separate. This keeps them fresh longer. Place the coconut milk mixture in a different container. Store in the fridge for up to three days. When serving again, just mix the items back together. You can add a bit of fresh coconut milk to revive the flavors. One common mistake is overcooking the tapioca pearls. They can turn mushy if cooked too long. Another mistake is not rinsing the pearls after cooking. Rinsing is key to achieving the right texture. Avoid using too much sugar in your coconut milk. You can always add more later if needed. Lastly, don't skip the mint leaves for garnish. They add a fresh taste and make your dish look nice! Grass jelly balls are fun and versatile. You can serve them in many ways. One simple style is in a bowl with crushed ice. This keeps them cool and refreshing. You can also layer them in a glass for a beautiful look. Add colorful fruits on top for a pop of color. This makes the dish more appealing. You can change the taste with different ingredients. For a fruitier flavor, try adding fresh fruits like mango or berries. You can also use flavored syrups instead of sugar. Matcha or pandan extract can add depth to your dish. If you like a creamier texture, use almond milk or soy milk instead of coconut milk. These changes can make your grass jelly balls unique and exciting. Grass jelly balls can be used in many other recipes. You can add them to smoothies for extra texture. They also work well in desserts like puddings or parfaits. Try mixing them into a fruit salad for a fun twist. The chewy texture adds a nice contrast to softer fruits. You can find more ideas in the full recipe. Yes, you can make Grass Jelly Balls in advance. Prepare the grass jelly and tapioca pearls ahead of time. Store them in the fridge. When you're ready to serve, just mix the components. This saves time and keeps things fresh. Just remember to add the coconut milk mixture right before serving for the best taste. Grass Jelly Balls are versatile. You can serve them with fresh fruit like mango or strawberries. They also pair well with sweetened condensed milk. For a fun twist, add a scoop of ice cream on top. You can even serve them in a fruit salad for a colorful dish. The options are endless! Yes, this recipe is mostly vegan! Just ensure the grass jelly you use is plant-based. The coconut milk is already vegan, and you can substitute sugar with a vegan sweetener. This way, you can enjoy a tasty treat that fits your diet. Grass Jelly Balls are a great choice for everyone! For the full recipe, check out the detailed steps to create this delicious treat. Grass jelly balls are a delightful treat that offer cultural charm and health benefits. They combine simple ingredients like tapioca pearls and coconut milk. Making them involves easy steps and a bit of creativity. Remember to try different flavors and serve styles for fun. Avoid common mistakes to ensure your dessert shines. With the tips and insights shared, you’re ready to enjoy and share this tasty dish! Explore the world of grass jelly balls and make it your own. Enjoy every bite!$

Discover the delightful taste of Grass Jelly Balls, a refreshing dessert that's easy to make! With just a few simple ingredients like grass jelly, tapioca pearls, and coconut milk, you can create a delightful treat perfect for any occasion. Whether you enjoy it chilled or topped with fresh mint, this recipe is sure to impress.

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Ingredients

1 cup grass jelly, cut into small cubes

1/2 cup tapioca pearls (small size)

1/4 cup coconut milk

2 tablespoons sugar (adjust to taste)

1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

Fresh mint leaves for garnish

Crushed ice (optional)

Instructions

Begin by cooking the tapioca pearls. In a pot, boil 3 cups of water, then add the tapioca pearls. Stir gently to prevent sticking and cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until they become translucent.

Once cooked, remove the pot from heat and let the pearls sit in the hot water for an additional 10 minutes.

Drain the tapioca pearls and rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process and to remove excess starch. Set aside.

In a separate bowl, mix the coconut milk, sugar, and vanilla extract, stirring until the sugar dissolves completely.

In serving bowls, layer the grass jelly cubes at the bottom.

Top the grass jelly with the cooked tapioca pearls.

Drizzle the sweetened coconut milk mixture over the layers.

If desired, add crushed ice on top for a refreshing texture.

Garnish with fresh mint leaves for a pop of color and added freshness.

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 mins | 35 mins | Serves 4

- Serving Suggestions: Serve chilled, and for an added touch, consider garnishing with a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds or a few slices of fresh fruit.