Elaichi Kesar China Grass is a milk-based vegetarian pudding made with agar agar and flavoured with cardamom and saffron.
We move on to the alphabet E this month and I have chosen to cook Elaichi Kesar China Grass as my recipe from my Thali’s. China Grass is made with Agar – Agar or Kanten as the Japanese call it. Before we go to the recipe, let’s first understand about Agar -Agar.
What is Agar Agar ?
Agar Agar is a jelly-like substance extracted from seaweed. It is completely vegetarian and allows to set the desserts at room temperature, giving them a glossy, smooth finish.
What are the Forms of Agar Agar ?
Agar-Agar is available in two varieties.
1 . Strips
2. Powder
Powder definitely is easier to use, but not very easily available in India. It is the strips that we have been using.
How do we use Agar Agar ?
Agar Agar is odourless and colourless, as a result, one can easily use it in any desserts that need to set. It is mixed with boiling water or milk and one has to cook till it dissolves. It sets easily at room temperature.
Health Benefits of Agar Agar
Agar-agar contains fewer calories and is low in saturated fat and cholesterol. It is an excellent source of calcium, iron, folate, fibre, and manganese, so it has many health benefits –
1. Aids Weight Loss
2. Relieves Constipation:
3. High Iron Content
4. Vegetarian Substitute
5. Rich In Important Minerals
6. Good For Skin and Hair
China Grass is one dessert that is made in many countries. It has different versions, but the basic remains the same. My Muslim friends tell me that even they make it on regular basis. It is simple and quick to make with very few ingredients. One just needs to boil milk, add agar agar , flavouring and sugar and leave it to set. Elaichi China Grass is one of my Thali Recipes which goes for the A to Z Series.
I keep changing the flavours, and each flavour is equally good. One can make the vanilla flavour, or you could try with just nuts. The dessert can also be made with coconut milk or juice. For today it is the cardamom flavour along with saffron and nuts. I had prepared this dessert for the Iftar Platter which was made for the September Mega Marathon, where our theme was Thali and Platter Festival.
Some of my recipes with Agar Agar
Elaichi Kesar China Grass
Ingredients
500 ml milk
4 gms agar agar strands
Sugar to taste
1/4 tsp Cardamon powder
Saffron
Almonds
Pistachios
Method
Put the milk to a boil.
Soak half the saffron in a tbsp of water.
Wash the agar agar strands and add them to the milk.
Let the milk boil till agar agar dissolves.
Add cardamom powder and sugar.
Rub the dissolved saffron and add to the milk.
Let boil once.
Pour in individual bowls.
Garnish with saffron strands, almonds, pistachios and cardamom powder.
Let set at room temperature.
Place in refrigerator for at least one hour.
Serve chilled.
Elaichi Kesar China Grass
Ingredients
- 500 ml milk
- 4 gms agar agar strands
- Sugar to taste
- 1/4 tsp cardamon powder
- Saffron
- almonds
- Pistachios
Instructions
- Put the milk to boil.
- Soak half the saffron in a tbsp of water.
- Wash the agar agar strands and put them in. The milk.
- Let the milk boil till agar agar dissolves.
- Add cardamom powder and sugar.
- Rub the dissolved saffron and add to the milk.
- Let boil once.
- Pour in individual bowls.
- Garnish with saffron strands, almonds, pistachios and cardamom powder.
- Let set at room temperature.
- Place in refrigerator for at least one hour.
- Serve chilled.
Notes
Vaishali, you are brilliant! This is just the recipe I need. I have couple of big bags of agar agar strands and it has been sitting in y pantry forever. This is such an easy recipe. So the texture is like a pudding or more runny like a kheer?
Sandhya – the pudding will set – you can even make in a big tray and cut into pieces. – something like a wobbly jelly!
Amazing dessert. I love this idea. The aroma of cardamom and kesar in any dessert is a big plus. Thanks for sharing the recipe.
I always love the flavor of cardamom and nuts and this elaichi kesar china grass looks too tempting and delicious. The perfect dessert to serve at parties.
Cardamom and saffron must have made this pudding extra special with inviting flavors.