Coconut jelly with chia seeds is not an unfamiliar dish for the Vietnamese, especially on hot summer days. It may sound complicated, but in fact, this treat is very easy to make. In just about half an hour, your family can enjoy this refreshing chilled dessert. Let’s explore two recipes to make coconut jelly with chia seeds in this article.
1. Coconut jelly with chia seeds and fresh fruit (without cooking)
If you enjoy quick and healthy treats, this recipe with fresh fruit will be the perfect choice. With just a few steps to prepare the ingredients, you will have a refreshing drink that is tasty as well as visually appealing, one that everyone will love.
1.1 Ingredients
Packaged coconut jelly (choose the flavor you like)
150 ml coconut milk (canned or freshly pressed)
1 vanilla tube or a few drops of vanilla extract
Fresh fruit: ripe mango, dragon fruit, strawberries (or any fresh fruit you prefer)
2 to 3 tablespoons honey or coconut-flavored syrup
50 grams chia seeds
Ice cubes (if you enjoy it cold right away)
1.2 How to make
1.2.1. Step 1: Prepare coconut jelly and chia seeds
Pick your preferred packaged coconut jelly. You can choose GC Food Caramel Coconut Jelly for a unique flavor twist.
For chia seeds, soak them in water for about 5 minutes until they create a gel-like consistency.
1.2.2. Step 2: Prepare the fruit
Prepare fresh fruit, cut them into small cubes or, if you want to be more creative, use molds to cut into hearts, stars, or other fun shapes.
1.2.3. Step 3: Mix the coconut base
Mix the coconut milk with a little vanilla, then add honey or syrup to taste. Stir gently until smooth and fragrant.
1.2.4. Step 4: Decoration
Combine the coconut jelly and coconut milk mixture in a glass, then top with the prepared fruit. Enjoy this delicious dessert with your family.
Tip: If you want to enjoy it right away, add a few ice cubes. To store for later, refrigerate the mixture and serve chilled whenever you like for a cool, refreshing coconut jelly with chia seeds and fruit.
This dish can also be turned into a tropical fruit parfait by simply adding a layer of granola or nuts on top for extra crunch.
1.3 Final result
A colorful glass of coconut jelly with chia seeds, fruit, and coconut milk features crunchy jelly, sweet fresh fruit, and creamy coconut milk with a light vanilla aroma. Served cold, it’s an extremely refreshing treat that both kids and adults will love.
2. Traditional coconut jelly with chia seeds
Coconut jelly with chia seeds & red dates is the “star” for hot summer days: refreshing, delicious, also they can be stored in the fridge for a whole week without spoiling.
2.1 Ingredients
With just a few familiar ingredients - raw coconut jelly, red dates, chia seeds, rock sugar, pandan leaves, and a hint of coconut flavor - you can easily make a mildly sweet, refreshing, and nutritious pot of jelly for the whole family.
2.2 Cleaning the ingredients
Soak then rinse the ingredients in water for a few hours to remove the initial sourness. This not only helps the jelly pieces expand nicely but also keeps their signature crunchy texture. When quickly blanched in boiling water, the jelly becomes clearer and loses any unpleasant smell.
2.3 Cooking
After the preparation, marinate the jelly with rock sugar for about one hour. This allows each piece of jelly to absorb natural sweetness evenly, preventing the broth from becoming too sweet while ensuring the jelly itself is flavorful.
After that, put the marinated jelly into a large pot of water with a few tied pandan leaves. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook slowly for about twenty minutes. At this stage, add chopped pitted red dates, then cook for a few more minutes so the aroma blends into the broth.
2.4 Final result
Finally, add the pre-soaked chia seeds to the pot, then turn off the heat. The result will be crunchy, refreshing jelly pieces in lightly sweet broth, mixed with the nutty flavor of red dates and the popping texture of chia seeds. Together, they create a tasty and cooling sensation at the same time.
With all of that, you’ve completed 2 refreshing recipes that are both simple & delicious, loved by everyone. Store them in the fridge for later, you’ll have a ready-to-enjoy “cooling treat” for the whole family.