Sunday, March 22, 2015

Refreshing Agar Agar Dessert with Fruit

(6 servings)


Agar agar, a jelling agent which is derived from seaweed is ideal for vegan or vegetarian diets. It has a texture similar to gelatin, yet different; not as "rubbery". it sets without the need for refrigeration and unlike gelatin, it holds its shape in warmer weather.

In recent years whenever I have encountered the powdered form, it has contained sugar, so I having been using the bar form instead.

1 bar/stick agar agar, (about 7 gm/.25 oz)
2 1/4 cups water
1/4 cup evaporated cane juice or granulated sugar, (3-4 tbsp honey, if paleo)
2/3 cup light or regular coconut milk
1/4 tsp pure almond extract, or to taste
1 orange
2 medium mangoes

Break/rip the agar agar into small pieces and place them into a pot. Add the water and soak for about 30 minutes.


Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook, stirring until the agar agar has dissolved; about 10-12 minutes.

Add the cane sugar and stir until dissolved. Stir in the coconut milk. If you see small bits of agar agar in the mixture, cook for a few more minutes until they have dissolved. Remove from heat and add the almond extract. Taste and add more almond extract if desired.

Pour the mixture through a sieve into an 8 or 9 inch  square pan. It will be set by the time it's cooled to room temperature.

When you are ready to serve. Squeeze the juice from the orange and pour into a small bowl. Peel the mangoes and cut the flesh into dice. Add the diced fruit to the juice.


Cut the set coconut milk mixture into cubes and divide between bowls. Spoon the mango cubes and orange juice mixture over each serving.

4 comments:

  1. I've never worked with Agar Agar. But those coconut squares look like something I've had at Dim Sum restaurants. I wonder if its the same idea. GREG

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  2. Yes, Greg.. this is based on a dim sum dessert that's often made with condensed milk and served with canned fruit cocktail.

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  3. Interesting...I've never seen agar agar sticks. I get it in powder form so I'm wondering what the conversion would be. I love using it to make puddings and such and this little dessert of yours looks great! Definitely refreshing!

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  4. Mjskit, sorry for not getting back to you sooner.I am on the road at the moment. I believe a stick of agar agar is equal to about 1 1/4 tsp pure powdered agar agar.

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