| Prep: 10 mins | Cook: 20 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 378 | 16g | 11g | 36g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 22g | 5g | 8g | 0.5g |
Why I Love Brazilian Vegan Manjar Branco
One recipe that holds a special place in my heart, as well as in my culinary repertoire, is the Brazilian delight, Vegan Manjar Branco. As someone who grew up in the heart of New Jersey, influenced heavily by Italian-American culinary traditions, this dessert may seem like a departure from my usual fare. However, the allure of this creamy coconut-based treat was simply too immense to resist.
Exploring Global Cuisines
Although my roots are firmly planted in the Italian-American cuisine, I’ve always found an immense joy in challenge of bringing together different cultures in the kitchen. Knowing how to prepare Vegan Manjar Branco is proof of my exploratory journey within the gastronomic universe. With its creamy texture and sweet, coconut flavor, this Brazilian custard-like dessert is simply unforgettable. This Vegan Manjar Branco recipe derived inspiration from Alex Atala, a renowned Brazilian chef, who is known for his trailblazing work in blending local ingredients with international techniques.
Harmony of Flavors and Textures
The trick to a successful Manjar Branco, as I’ve found, lies in the harmony of its ingredients. Soft coconut, vegan condensed milk, and a melodious blend of coconut milk and water give this dessert a pure, comforting flavor, reminiscent of the Brazilian beaches where it originated. The addition of cornstarch provides that particular texture that is expected of a properly made custard, while vanilla extract adds an undertone of smooth, aromatic sweetness. Topped with fresh, vibrant fruit, this dessert is a feast for both the eyes and the palate.
While you may not find many commonalities between this dish and my Italian-influenced fare, I see Manjar Branco as a delightful bridge between cuisines. I often serve it alongside espresso-soaked Tiramisu at my dinner parties. The tropical, clean flavors of the Manjar Branco cut through the rich, indulgent notes of the Tiramisu, making the combination a harmonious symphony of flavors on the dessert table.
I invite you to embark on this culinary adventure and embrace the exotic charm of Vegan Manjar Branco. Whether you’re serving it at a lively party or simply savoring it on a quiet Sunday evening, I’m sure you’ll find your own reasons to love this remarkable Brazilian recipe.
What You’ll Need
- 2 cans of vegan condensed milk (around 800ml)
- 1 1/12 cups of coconut milk
- 1 1/6 cups of pure coconut water
- 1 cup of shredded unsweetened coconut
- 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract
- 5 tablespoons of cornstarch
- 6 tablespoons of brown sugar
- 1 1/2 cups of fresh fruit (like pomegranate seeds, sliced kiwi or berries) to garnish
Method
Step One
Begin by mixing the coconut milk and vegan condensed milk together in a blender. In another bowl, pour the coconut water and gradually add the cornstarch, mixing it until it’s completely dissolved.
Step Two
Pour the milk-coconut mixture into a pan and add the dissolved cornstarch. Start heating over medium heat, stirring continuously until it begins to thicken. This would ideally take around 10-15 minutes. You would know it’s ready when it sticks to the back of a spoon.
Step Three
Add the shredded unsweetened coconut to the pan and stir for two to three more minutes on the heat. Then add the vanilla extract and stir until all the ingredients are uniformly mixed. Turn off the heat.
Step Four
Whisk in the brown sugar until it’s fully dissolved. Ensure there is no lumpy sugar residual by whisking thoroughly.
Step Five
(optional step) If you like your manjar extra smooth, you can strain the mixture through a fine sieve at this point, although this isn’t necessary if you don’t mind small pieces of coconut.
Step Six
Pour the mixture into a mold or ceramic dish. Let it cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours to set.
Step Seven
After 2 hours, the vegan manjar will be ready to serve. Garnish with fresh fruit like pomegranate seeds, sliced kiwi or berries. Enjoy your Vegan Manjar Branco!
