Sweet and Creamy Lychee Sago Recipe
Lychee Sago – a refreshing and delicious dessert that’s perfect for hot summer days. As an Israeli chef, I’m always looking for new ingredients and flavor combinations to excite my taste buds. When I first discovered lychees, I was immediately hooked on their sweet, juicy flavor. And when combined with the chewy texture of sago pearls, it creates a delectable dessert that can satisfy your sweet cravings.
Growing up in Israel, fresh tropical fruit was not always available year-round. But, by using canned lychees and coconut milk, I can enjoy this dessert any time of the year. The creamy coconut milk adds richness to the dish, while the tangy lemon juice balances out the sweetness of the lychees.
Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just looking for a quick snack, this lychee sago recipe is sure to impress. With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, this recipe will create a restaurant-worthy dessert that your friends and family won’t forget.
So why not indulge in something a little different? Try out this delightful lychee sago recipe and experience the tropical flavors for yourself!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This lychee sago recipe is a dessert that will quickly become your new favorite. Whether you have a sweet tooth or not, this dessert will leave you craving more. Here’s why you’ll love this recipe:
Firstly, it’s incredibly refreshing. When you take a spoonful of this dessert, the first thing you’ll notice is the juicy and succulent lychee. Combined with the creamy and rich coconut milk, it creates a perfect balance of flavors that will leave your taste buds tingling.
Secondly, it’s easy to make! You don’t need to be an expert chef to whip up this delicious sago pudding. With simple ingredients like sago pearls, lychees, and coconut milk, you can create a stunning dessert in no time.
Thirdly, it’s versatile! This recipe is easy to customize based on your preferences. If you don’t like lychees, substitute them with mangoes or papayas. Add some grass jelly for more texture or try Gula Melaka for an added sweetness.
Lastly, it’s gratifying. It’s not only satisfying but also a pleasure to look at. With its bright colors and smooth texture, this dessert can make anyone instantly hungry.
Overall, this lychee sago recipe is a must-try! It’s a perfect dessert for any occasion – be it family gatherings, parties or just as an after-meal treat. Don’t take my word for it- give it a try and see for yourself why everyone loves this dessert!
Ingredient List
Before we start making this delightful dessert, let’s have a look at the ingredients that we will need to make it. Here’s what you’ll need:
For the Sago:
- 1 cup sago pearls
- 2 cups cold water
- Water, for boiling
For the Pudding:
- 400ml Coconut milk
- 1/2 cup condensed milk
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 3 gelatin sheets
- 1 can (567g) lychees, drained and syrup reserved
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
For Serving:
- Lychees – Fresh or canned lychees for garnish
- Mango – Fresh diced mango for garnish
These ingredients can be easily found in your nearest grocery store or supermarket. If you are unable to find a specific ingredient, don’t worry! I have also included some substitutions and variations that you could consider. Now that we have gathered all the ingredients, let’s move on to why this recipe is going to be worth your while.
The Recipe How-To
Now that you have gathered all the necessary ingredients, it’s time to start cooking! Do not worry; this recipe is quite easy to make, and the preparation time is only about 15 minutes. Follow the instructions below, and you will have a delicious lychee sago dessert.
Step 1: Cook the Sago
Start by boiling 2 cups of water in a pot over medium heat. Add the 1 cup of sago pearls and stir gently for a few minutes. Lower the heat and simmer on low heat (covered) for about 15-20 minutes or until the sago pearls are translucent.
Step 2: Rinse and Cool Sago
Once cooked, rinse the sago pearls with cold running water using a fine-mesh strainer until any excess starch is removed. Transfer to a large bowl and add ice-cold water. Let it cool in ice-cold water for 1-2 minutes before draining off the water again.
Step 3: Combine Lychee and Coconut Milk
In another bowl, drain and mix 400ml of lychees with the remaining syrup. Add 400ml of coconut milk in another bowl, along with additional 1 cup of coconut cream and condensed milk (1/2 cup) while stirring.
Step 4: Mix All Ingredients Together
Next, combine coconut milk mixture with lychee syrup and stir well. Slowly add in cooked sago and stir gently.
Step 5: Chill and Serve
Pour your creation into bowls or glasses, add some lychees on top, then chill in the fridge for at least an hour before serving.
Voila! Your lychee sago dessert is ready to serve. It’s not only quick to make but cooling and refreshing as well – perfect for any hot day or night!
Substitutions and Variations
If you want to switch up the flavors in this lychee sago recipe, there are plenty of substitutions and variations you can try. Here are a few ideas:
– Mango Sago: Swap out the lychees for fresh or frozen mango chunks. You can also add some diced papaya for extra tropical flavor.
– Coconut Tapioca Pudding: Use tapioca pearls instead of sago and cook them according to package instructions. Mix in coconut milk, coconut cream, or condensed milk for a creamy and decadent dessert.
– Lychee Gelatin: For a firmer texture, dissolve gelatin sheets in hot water and stir in lychee juice or syrup. Let it set in the fridge before serving with diced lychees on top.
– Sago Melaka: Follow the traditional Malaysian recipe by simmering sago pearls with gula melaka (palm sugar) until thick and sticky. Serve with coconut cream and nata de coco (coconut jelly).
– Mango Coconut Tapioca Dessert: Mix cooked tapioca pearls with diced mango, coconut milk, and a drizzle of condensed milk. Top with grass jelly cubes for a fun contrast in texture.
Feel free to add your own twist to this recipe by experimenting with different fruits, sweeteners, and toppings. The possibilities are endless!
Serving and Pairing
Now that you’ve made this delightful lychee sago recipe, it’s time to think about how to serve and pair it with other dishes. This dessert is perfect for serving as a light and refreshing conclusion to a heavy meal, or for indulging in during a hot summer day.
One way to enjoy this sago lychee treat is by serving it chilled in individual cups or bowls. Beautifully garnish your presentation with fresh lychee fruit or edible flowers to add an elegant touch. Top each serving with a drizzle of lychee syrup, or even some zest of lemon juice for an extra tangy element.
This dish also pairs wonderfully with other popular Asian desserts like mango sago or grass jelly. For an authentic Asian dessert spread at your next celebration, serve these classic desserts alongside one another with some black tea.
If you want to take things up a notch, try pairing this dish with a refreshing cocktail such as a fruity mojito. The lychee flavor harmonizes well with mint and lime, making this the perfect post-meal drink.
Whether you choose to serve lychee sago as a standalone dessert or pair it with other scrumptious dishes, your guests are in for a sweet treat that they will undoubtedly love.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Preparing lychee sago takes a little effort, so imagine if you can make it ahead of time! Sago and lychees mix beautifully with creamy coconut milk, making this recipe a great candidate for make-ahead. You may prepare the sago and the coconut pudding separately, then combine them together and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
To serve, give it a good stir to combine all ingredients since they might have separated while in storage. For best results, serve the lychee sago chilled.
Sadly, lychee sago doesn’t freeze well. Freezing changes the texture of the sago and may cause it to be tough and chewy; thus, it’s not recommended to freeze it.
If you happen to have leftovers, cover the lychee sago tightly with plastic wrap, place them in an airtight container or wrap them in foil separable portions. Leftovers can last 2-3 days stored properly in the refrigerator.
To reheat your serving size of lychee sago dessert, scoop out the desired amount into a microwavable bowl or cup, add some extra coconut milk (if needed), and reheat in a microwave for 20-30 seconds or until hot. Avoid overheating as anything more than 30 seconds will make it too hot and ruin its texture.
Tips for Perfect Results
To make sure your lychee sago comes out perfect every time, here are some tips you can follow:
Firstly, it is important to properly soak and cook the sago pearls. Rinse the sago pearls several times until the water runs clear, then soak them in cold water for at least 30 minutes before boiling. This will ensure that the sago pearls cook evenly and prevent them from clumping together.
When cooking the sago pearls, use a large pot with plenty of water to prevent them from sticking together. Keep stirring the pearls while they cook to prevent them from sinking to the bottom of the pot or sticking together.
Another important tip is to only add the lychees and other fruits to the pudding mixture after it has cooled down completely. If you add them too soon, they may become discolored and lose their taste.
For a creamier texture, use coconut cream or coconut milk instead of regular milk when making your pudding mixture. The addition of condensed milk also helps to enhance the flavor and sweetness of the dessert.
If you are looking for a more luxurious version, try adding some lychee or mango gelatin sheets to your pudding mixture before chilling. This will give your dessert an extra burst of flavor and texture.
Lastly, don’t forget to adjust the amount of sugar according to your preference. Some people may find the sweetness level in this recipe adequate while others may want more or less sugar added.
FAQ
As we wrap up this lychee sago recipe, I’ll answer some frequently asked questions about the dish. It’s common to have some inquiries after trying out a new recipe, or if you’re a first-timer, so let’s clear the air before you get started!
What is sago dessert made of?
Sago pudding is a popular dessert, enjoyed worldwide. It’s typically prepared by boiling sago pearls, adding sugar and other flavorings to create a tasty, sweet pudding. Many regions, especially Southeast Asia, like Indonesia and Malaysia, are well-known for their delicious sago-based desserts.
What can I do with a can of lychees?
As a scribe for Israeli chef Ehud, I have been asked to write about several recipes that feature lychee. Some of these dishes have already been tested and rated by customers, such as the refreshing lychee and lime sorbet, which received a high rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars. On the other hand, the lychee martini may not have been as successful, with a rating of 2 out of 5 stars. However, the other dishes, including lychee and ginger sorbet, frozen lychee and mint cocktails, lychee and rosewater ice cream, Thai prawn and lychee salad, lychee and passion fruit panna cottas, and tropical fruits in lemongrass syrup, have yet to receive a rating but are sure to be delicious.
What does lychee go well with?
Lychee, a fruit that shares similarities with the rambutan, can be beautifully combined with other tropical and Asian fruits such as pineapple, durian, jackfruit, coconut, and kiwi. Furthermore, lychee also harmonizes well with tangy and citrus fruits including lemon, lime, orange, and pomegranate. In addition to that, it can also be paired deliciously with sweet notes like strawberries, raspberries, and pear. The aroma of rose water, matcha, vanilla, and white chocolate can also complement the flavor of lychee in various recipes.
Why is my sago pudding watery?
If you’re aiming for a thick and creamy tapioca pudding, using whole milk is paramount. The fats in the milk contribute to the desired texture, preventing the pudding from being too runny. To achieve an even thicker consistency, try cooking the tapioca pearls a bit longer than the package directions. This can help the pearls absorb more moisture, resulting in a hearty and dense pudding.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, this lychee sago recipe is a delicious and refreshing dessert that is sure to impress anyone who tries it. With its unique combination of flavors and textures, it’s no wonder why this dessert has become so popular in recent years. Whether you’re looking for a sweet treat to enjoy yourself or something that will impress your guests, this recipe has got you covered.
So why not give it a try? With all the ingredients easily available at your local supermarket, you can whip up this delicious dessert in no time. And if you follow the tips and tricks provided in this article, you’ll be able to achieve perfect results every time.
Overall, I highly recommend giving this recipe a shot. In my opinion, it deserves 5 stars for its taste, simplicity and versatility. So grab your gelatin sheets, sago pearls and coconut milk and get ready to make some mouth-watering lychee sago!
Lychee Sago Recipe
Ingredients
- 150 ml pureed lychee
- 10 ml lemon juice
- 6 whole lychee
- 100 g sago, cooked
- 100 ml water
- 2 g gelatin sheets
Instructions
- Gelatin to be soaked in cold water whilst water is being boiled.
- Dissolve the gelatin into the boiling water.
- Add lychee puree and set the mixture aside.
- After the mixture has cooled abit, add lemon juice.
- Divide the sago into 6 portions.
- Set the sago portions into shot glasses and add a whole lychee each.
- Top each shot glass with the prepared mixture.
- Cool and set in refridgerator.