Sai Mai Lou - Chinese Coconut Milk Dessert

Ingredients

• 2 cups (470ml) coconut milk 2 cups (470ml) coconut milk
• 1/4 cup (50g) rock sugar 1/4 cup (50g) rock sugar
• 1/4 cup (60ml) water 1/4 cup (60ml) water
• 1/4 cup (40g) tapioca pearls 1/4 cup (40g) tapioca pearls
• 1/4 cup (50g) sweetened red beans 1/4 cup (50g) sweetened red beans
• 1/4 cup (40g) lotus seeds 1/4 cup (40g) lotus seeds

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 20g, 18g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 20g, 15g
• Protein: 2g
• Fiber: 1g
• Salt: 0.02g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a saucepan, combine the coconut milk, rock sugar, and water. Heat over medium heat until the rock sugar is completely dissolved.
2. 2.
   In a separate pot, cook the tapioca pearls according to the package instructions. Once cooked, rinse them under cold water and set aside.
3. 3.
   In a small saucepan, heat the sweetened red beans and lotus seeds over low heat until warmed through.
4. 4.
   Divide the cooked tapioca pearls, sweetened red beans, and lotus seeds into serving bowls.
5. 5.
   Pour the warm coconut milk mixture over the toppings in each bowl.
6. 6.
   Allow the Sai Mai Lou to cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours until chilled.
7. 7.
   Serve the chilled Sai Mai Lou as a refreshing and delightful dessert.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Tapioca pearls — Make sure to cook the tapioca pearls until they are soft and chewy. Rinse them under cold water after cooking to prevent them from sticking together.
• Sweetened red beans — Heat the sweetened red beans gently to avoid burning them. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating.
• Lotus seeds — Soak the lotus seeds in water overnight before using them in the recipe. This will help soften them and reduce the cooking time.

Tips & Tricks

• For a twist, add a few drops of pandan extract to the coconut milk mixture for a fragrant flavor.
• Experiment with different toppings like diced mango, lychee, or coconut flakes for added variety.
• Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less rock sugar according to your preference.
• Serve Sai Mai Lou in small bowls or glasses for an elegant presentation.
• Make a larger batch of Sai Mai Lou and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days for a quick and satisfying dessert option.

Serving advice

Serve Sai Mai Lou chilled for the best experience. Garnish each serving with a sprinkle of toasted coconut flakes for added texture and flavor.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, use transparent glass bowls or glasses to showcase the layers of colorful toppings and creamy coconut milk.