| Prep: 30 mins | Cook: 45 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 300 | 18g | 15g | 28g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 20g | 2g | 5g | 0.08g |
Oh, the Gac fruit and coconut milk dessert, such an exotic yet simple dish to prepare! It’s one of those recipes that comfortably takes me away from my usual Atlantic coast kitchen, all the way to the tropics of Southeast Asia. Just think about it – the vibrant, intense red-orange hue of the Gac fruit, mixed with the creamy texture of coconut milk, a touch of sweet from sugar, a hint of the exotic with a pinch of vanilla extract and a robust addition with sago pearls. Imagine topping it off with some jackfruit and mint leaves for that extra punch of flavor and color!
The Warmth and the Wonder
Truth be told, I fell in love with this Gac fruit and coconut milk dessert due to its sheer simplicity, and the surprising depth and complexity of its flavors. Moreover, it always reminds me of the time spent with my daughters, Erin and Samantha. We treasure our gastronomical adventures beyond our New England fare, and a tropical, vibrant dessert like this one marries well with so many of our traditional dishes – say perhaps, following a hearty lobster roll party or a cozy clam chowder dinner.
The Health Aspect
Undeniably, any food lover would swoon over the mix of flavors this delightful dessert has to offer, but beyond that, it’s the health benefits that give this dessert an edge. The Gac fruit is packed with vitamin C, beta-carotene, lycopene and other antioxidants – all excellent for boosting our immune system and maintaining great skin. Plus, don’t get me started on coconut milk; it’s a good source of healthy fats that help lower cholesterol levels and promote heart health. It nicely ties together the health-conscious foodie in me with the adventurous chef.
To sum it up, my love for this Gac fruit and coconut milk dessert isn’t just rooted in its distinct, luscious flavors and effortless making. It’s also about the unexpected journey it takes me on – from the serenity of my kitchen in Portland, Maine, to the captivating energy of a Southeast Asian market. Try serving it alongside a plate of crispy spring rolls or after a spicy Pad Thai to transport your taste buds to a foreign land, right from the comfort of your own home. Whether you’re looking to mix up your dessert repertoire or you’re keen to explore new flavors and ingredients, this recipe is a must-try!
What You’ll Need
- 2 Gac fruits
- 4 cups of coconut milk
- 1 cup of white sugar
- 1 cup of water
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 1 cup of sago pearls
- 1/2 cup of diced jackfruit (optional)
- Mint leaves for garnish
Method
Step One
Begin by cutting the Gac fruits into quarters and peeling away their rinds. Set the orange pulp aside and get rid of the seeds.
Step Two
Next, combine the extracted Gac fruit pulp with coconut milk in a pot. Cook it on low heat, stirring frequently, until the fruit pulp is well combined with the coconut milk. This usually takes about 15 to 20 minutes. Do not let the mixture boil.
Step Three
Then, add 1 cup of sugar into the pot and stir until it is completely dissolved. Then, stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract for extra flavour.
Step Four
In a separate bowl, soak the sago pearls in water for about 10 minutes until they become transparent. Then, cook them in boiling water until they become soft and translucent. Drain and rinse the sago pearls with cold water to remove excess starch.
Step Five
Transfer the cooked sago pearls into the pot with the Gac fruit and coconut milk mixture. Stir well and let the mixture simmer for about 5 more minutes.
Step Six
Cut the jackfruit into cubes if using, and add them to the pot. Stir well and remove the pot from the heat.
Step Seven
Let the dessert cool, then transfer it into individual serving bowls. Serve it chilled and garnish it with mint leaves before serving.
