Cendol
This refreshing Southeast Asian dessert features vibrant green pandan-flavored jelly strands served in a creamy coconut milk base. It's sweetened with rich palm sugar syrup and is perfect for a warm day.
An original recipe by Forkin
- Total time
- 1 hr 35 min
- Serves
- 4
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Per serving
- 486 kcal
Mise en place
Ingredients
Converted for display; the recipe amounts stay equivalent.
cendol jelly
- 100 grice flour
- 25 gtapioca starch
- 3 pcspandan leaf, knotted
- 400 mlwater
- 0.5 tspgreen food coloring(optional)
- 1 cupice water
- 2 cupice cubes
coconut milk base
- 400 mlcoconut milk, full-fat
- 0.25 tspsalt
palm sugar syrup
- 150 gcoconut sugar
- 100 mlwater
- 1 pcspandan leaf, knotted
serving
- 4 cupshaved ice
Equipment
saucepan · cendol press · large bowl · colander · whisk
The method
Step by step
- 1
Prepare the palm sugar syrup by combining the coconut sugar, water, and pandan leaf in a small saucepan.
About 2 min
- 2
Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves completely.
About 5 min
- 3
Remove from heat and let it cool completely. Discard the pandan leaf once cooled.
About 10 min
- 4
In a separate saucepan, whisk together the rice flour, tapioca starch, water, and knotted pandan leaves for the cendol jelly.
About 2 min
- 5
Cook over medium-low heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens into a translucent, sticky paste.
About 10 min
Cook’s note: Stirring constantly prevents lumps from forming.
- 6
If using, stir in the green food coloring until fully incorporated.
About 1 min
Cook’s note: Start with a small amount and add more for a brighter green color.
- 7
Prepare a large bowl with ice water and ice cubes.
About 1 min
- 8
Press the warm cendol mixture through a cendol press or a colander with large holes directly into the prepared ice water.
About 5 min
Cook’s note: Working quickly ensures the jelly strands form properly before cooling.
- 9
Let the cendol strands set in the ice water for at least 15 minutes.
About 15 min
Cook’s note: This helps them firm up and maintain their shape.
- 10
While the cendol sets, prepare the coconut milk base by gently heating the coconut milk and salt in a small saucepan until warm, but not boiling.
About 5 min
Cook’s note: Heating it gently helps the flavors meld and prevents separation.
- 11
Drain the cendol strands from the ice water and set aside.
About 1 min
- 12
To serve, place a generous amount of shaved ice into individual serving bowls or glasses.
About 1 min
- 13
Add the prepared cendol jelly strands over the shaved ice.
About 1 min
- 14
Pour the warm coconut milk over the cendol and ice.
About 1 min
- 15
Drizzle generously with the cooled palm sugar syrup.
About 1 min
Cook’s note: Adjust the amount of syrup to your preferred sweetness.
Per serving
Nutrition
- Calories
- 486.1kcal
- Protein
- 3.9g
- Carbs
- 67g
- Fat
- 27.4g
- Fibre
- 3.1g
- Sugar
- 35.6g
Estimated from the recipe’s ingredient quantities. Values can vary with brands and substitutions.
Keep it good
Store components separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator.
The coconut milk base can be gently warmed; cendol and syrup are served cold.
More recipes
All recipesmain course
Cuban Picadillo
This classic Cuban picadillo features seasoned ground beef simmered in a savory tomato sauce with olives, capers, and raisins. It's a flavorful and hearty dish that comes together quickly for a satisfying weeknight meal.
45 min 432 kcalside dish
Maple Roasted Carrots
These simple roasted carrots are coated in a sweet and savory maple glaze, bringing out their natural sweetness. They make a perfect, easy-to-prepare side dish for any meal. The edges caramelize beautifully in the oven.
35 min 123 kcaldinner
Vegetarian Raclette Feast
This classic Swiss dish features melted cheese served with an array of accompaniments. It's a fun and interactive meal perfect for sharing with friends and family. This vegetarian version focuses on fresh vegetables and potatoes.
55 min 1,008 kcalside dish
Dry Fried Green Beans
Experience the vibrant flavors of Sichuan with these Dry Fried Green Beans, a classic side dish featuring perfectly blistered, tender-crisp green beans. Each bite offers a delightful balance of savory, spicy, and umami notes, making it an irresistible accompaniment to any meal. The high-heat cooking technique brings out the natural sweetness of the beans, creating a truly addictive texture.
30 min 197 kcalmain course
Robatayaki Skewers
Experience the vibrant flavors of Japanese robatayaki with these perfectly grilled skewers. Succulent chicken and shrimp, alongside tender-crisp vegetables, are bathed in a savory-sweet soy-ginger marinade, then kissed by the smoky char of the grill. This dish offers a delightful balance of textures and umami, perfect for a flavorful weeknight meal or a festive gathering.
50 min 359 kcallunch
Bánh Mì
A classic Vietnamese sandwich featuring a crisp baguette filled with savory grilled pork, tangy pickled vegetables, and fresh herbs. The combination of rich pâté, creamy mayonnaise, and a hint of spice makes for a complex and satisfying bite. This recipe breaks down the components for a fresh, homemade version.
1 hr 10 min 1,131 kcalmain course
Yudofu (Simmered Tofu)
This classic Japanese dish features gently simmered tofu in a delicate kombu dashi broth. It's a simple, comforting, and nourishing meal, often served with a flavorful dipping sauce.
25 min 185 kcal