Vegan Recipes Using Coconut Milk - Make Burmese Coconut Jelly

Hey there, fellow foodies and dessert lovers! Are you on the hunt for delicious and refreshing vegan recipes using coconut milk that are also super easy to whip up? Look no further! Today, we're diving into the delightful world of Burmese Coconut Jelly, locally known as Kyauk Kyaw. This isn't just any dessert; it's a wonderfully light, sweet, and incredibly satisfying treat that's naturally dairy free sweet and completely plant-based.
Burmese Coconut Jelly is a popular sweet and dessert in Myanmar, beloved for its cooling texture and rich coconut flavor. What makes this particular recipe stand out is its commitment to being a fantastic vegan alternative to gelatin, using agar-agar powder to achieve that perfect jelly consistency without any animal products. Whether you're a seasoned chef or just starting your journey into plant based vegan recipes, this recipe is designed to be straightforward and foolproof. It’s perfect for a hot day, a light after-dinner treat, or whenever you crave a simple yet exotic drink made with coconut milk (well, a spoonable drink!). Get ready to impress your taste buds with this authentic and easy-to-make Burmese delight, proving that vegetarian recipes using coconut milk can be utterly heavenly!

Ingredients

• 1 can (14 oz / 400ml) full-fat fresh coconut milk
• 1/3 cup agar agar powder (or a vegan gelatin substitute, ensure it's specifically for setting liquids)
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar (feel free to adjust to your personal taste, or use a sugar free coconut cream alternative if preferred)
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional, but adds a lovely aroma!)
• Fresh fruit (optional for topping, such as sliced peaches, mango, lychee, or berries)

Directions

1. Prep Your Pan: Lightly grease an 8x8 inch square pan or several individual molds with a tiny bit of neutral oil (like coconut oil or a non-stick spray). Set aside.
2. Combine & Heat: In a medium saucepan, pour in your full-fat coconut milk dairy free. Sprinkle the agar agar powder evenly over the cold coconut milk. Whisk it well to ensure there are no lumps.
3. Dissolve & Sweeten: Place the saucepan over medium heat. Continuously stir the mixture as it heats up. Add the sugar and continue stirring until both the agar agar powder and sugar are completely dissolved. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. You'll notice the mixture beginning to thicken slightly. It should reach a gentle simmer, but don't bring it to a rolling boil.
4. Add Flavor: Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract, if using.
5. Pour & Cool: Carefully pour the hot coconut milk mixture into your prepared pan or molds.
6. Set & Chill: Let the mixture cool down to room temperature on your countertop (this prevents condensation in the fridge). Once it's no longer hot, transfer it to the refrigerator. Allow it to chill and set for at least 2 hours, or until it's firm and jiggly.
7. Serve & Enjoy: Once fully set, you can cut the jelly into squares or use cookie cutters for fun shapes. Serve it chilled, topped with your favorite fresh fruit like sliced peaches, mango, or a medley of berries for an extra burst of flavor and color. A drizzle of cream of coconut dairy free can also add a luxurious touch!