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Rau Cau

A crisp Vietnamese dessert jelly featuring alternating layers of coconut milk and rich coffee set with agar-agar.

30 minEasyServes 8140 cal/serving

VietnameseDessertStovetopVeganVegetarianHalal-friendlyKosher-styleGluten-FreeNut-FreeDairy-FreeSoy-FreeEgg-FreeShellfish-FreeSesame-FreeLow-SodiumPork-FreeAlcohol-FreeNightshade-FreeCorn-Free

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Ingredients

  • 2.5 tsp agar-agar powder
  • 4 cups water
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup canned coconut milk
  • 1 tbsp instant espresso powder

Instructions

  1. 1

    Combine 4 cups water and 2.5 tsp agar-agar powder in a saucepan and let sit for 15 minutes.

  2. 2

    Bring saucepan to a simmer over medium heat, stirring until powder fully dissolves.

  3. 3

    Stir in 1 cup granulated sugar until completely dissolved, then remove from heat.

  4. 4

    Divide liquid equally into two pots over low heat; stir 1 cup canned coconut milk into one and 1 tbsp instant espresso powder into the other.

  5. 5

    Pour a thin layer of coffee liquid into a glass pan and rest for 5 minutes until softly set.

  6. 6

    Gently pour a thin layer of coconut liquid on top and repeat alternating layers.

  7. 7

    Refrigerate for 2 hours until firm, then cut into square pieces.

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Questions

How long does Rau Cau take?

As written, 30 minutes: 15 of prep and 15 of cooking. The longest single stretch is the hands-off wait in step 7, 2 hours. That wait sits outside the stated prep and cook times, so plan around it.

Is there a substitute for espresso powder in Rau Cau?

The entry for Rau Cau calls for 1 tbsp instant espresso powder. In its place: Twice as much instant coffee, or leave it out. It deepens chocolate rather than adding coffee flavor.

How many calories are in Rau Cau?

One serving (the recipe makes 8) is about 140 calories, with 1 g protein, 26 g carbohydrate and 4 g fat, plus 1 g fiber and 20 mg sodium. The figures are estimates computed from the ingredient list.

How do I store and reheat Rau Cau?

Keep Rau Cau covered in the refrigerator and eat it within three days. Chilled and set desserts lose their texture in the freezer.

Can I halve or double Rau Cau?

Yes. As written it serves 8. Halved, the agar powder drops from 2.5 tsp to 1.25 tsp; doubled, it is 5 tsp. Every line in this entry carries its half and double quantity, and the app's batch dial rewrites them inside each step. When doubling on the stovetop, use your widest pan or work in two batches so the food sears instead of steaming.

Serve it with

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