What is Cendol?
Cendol is a cold dessert that is popular in Malaysia. It is also consumed in many other Southeast Asian countries such as Indonesia, Singapore, Vietnam and South Thailand. It is often served in restaurants or is sold as street food in sellers. Cendol, made in different ways, almost always consists of green, chewing, jelly similar to noodles mixed with coconut cream, palm syrup and pieces of ice.
The name "Cendol" can come from the Indonesian word Jendol , which means "Bump" or "Bulge". Based on its appearance, it is easy for one to understand why this meal has this name. The main ingredients in the bowl are worm -shaped noodles that look like torn wounds and bulging. The sticky noodles are made of mung beans, also called pea flour, as well as rice flour, with a little tapioca. Green coloring and distinctive vanilla taste comes from the leaves of the pandan plant.
Before the arrival of cooling in Southeast Asia Cendol was servedn at room temperature. It was still a tasty bowl, but adding ice gave him another dimension and made it popular in warm weather. Although shaved ice is preferred, many chefs serve this dessert with chopped or even large ice cubes.
noodles can be easily made at home and is not considered a chore for Cendol connoisseurs. First, the pandan leaves are cleaned with alkaline water. Then the juice and water are combined and boiled until the mixture thickens. The dough is then pushed through the frame or sieve into the ice water basin to form the shapes of the worms. After the noodles solidify, they are rinsed with water.
as important as noodles are for Cendol, it is a syrup, known as gula in Malaysia, which gives dessert its distinctive and sweet taste. This simple syrup is made of palm sugar and water that boils until it changes and brown. Although other sugars and sweeteners can be used, manyCendol lovers say that the rich and complex tastes of palm gula are what this dessert is doing. Cendol is served in a bowl or large glass with noodles, syrup, coconut cream and shaved ice. For the variety you can add additional ingredients such as sweet red beans or cream corn.