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Hello Kawan Mastah! Welcome to our guide on how to make agar agar. Agar agar is a traditional Indonesian dessert that’s loved by people all over the world. This jelly dessert is made from seaweed and is easy to make with a little bit of practice. In this article, we’ll show you how to make agar agar from scratch, including all the tips and tricks you need to get the perfect texture and flavour. Let’s get started!
What is Agar Agar?
Before we begin, let’s talk about what agar agar is. Agar agar is a type of jelly-like substance that’s derived from seaweed. It’s commonly used in Indonesian desserts and is a popular ingredient in vegan cooking. Because it’s made from seaweed, agar agar is also a good source of fibre and has a range of health benefits.
Types of Agar Agar
There are two main types of agar agar that you can buy: powder and flakes. Powdered agar agar is the easiest to work with, and is often sold in small sachets. Flaked agar agar is a little more difficult to use, as it needs to be soaked in water before use. Both types of agar agar will give you a similar result, so it’s up to you which one you choose.
Where to Buy Agar Agar
You can buy agar agar at most Asian grocery stores, as well as some health food stores. Look for it in the baking aisle or the section where they sell other Asian food ingredients. You can also buy agar agar online from specialty stores.
Agar Agar vs Gelatin
If you’re not familiar with agar agar, you might be wondering how it compares to gelatin. Gelatin is a common ingredient in desserts and is made from animal bones and connective tissue. Agar agar, on the other hand, is vegan and is made from seaweed. Both ingredients have a similar texture and can be used interchangeably in most recipes.
Health Benefits of Agar Agar
Agar agar is a good source of fibre and can help to support digestive health. It’s also low in calories and can be a good alternative to other sweet treats if you’re trying to watch your weight. Some studies have also suggested that agar agar may have anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties, although more research is needed to confirm this.
How to Make Agar Agar
Ingredients
To make agar agar, you’ll need the following ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Agar agar powder or flakes | 10g |
| Water | 500ml |
| Sweetener (e.g. sugar or honey) | To taste |
| Flavourings (e.g. fruit juice or essence) | To taste |
Instructions
Follow these steps to make agar agar:
1. Prepare the Ingredients
Measure out the agar agar powder or flakes, water, sweetener, and flavourings.
2. Soak the Agar Agar
If using flakes, soak the agar agar in the water for 30 minutes before proceeding. If using powder, skip this step.
3. Boil the Mixture
Place the agar agar mixture in a saucepan and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for 5-10 minutes, stirring constantly.
4. Add Sweetener and Flavourings
Add your preferred sweetener and flavourings to the mixture and stir until dissolved. You can use sugar, honey, fruit juice, or any other sweetener you like. You can also add flavourings like vanilla essence, pandan leaf, or cocoa powder to give your agar agar a unique taste.
5. Pour into Moulds
Pour the agar agar mixture into moulds and allow to cool to room temperature. You can use any type of mould you like, including small bowls, cups, or a larger mould for a jelly cake. The agar agar will set as it cools, so make sure you don’t move the moulds until it’s fully set.
Tips for Making Perfect Agar Agar
1. Use the Right Ratio of Agar Agar to Liquid
The key to making perfect agar agar is to use the right ratio of agar agar to liquid. As a general rule, you’ll need around 10g of agar agar for every 500ml of liquid. If you use too little agar agar, your agar agar won’t set properly; if you use too much, your agar agar will be too firm and rubbery.
2. Stir Constantly
When you’re boiling the agar agar mixture, it’s important to stir constantly to prevent lumps from forming. If you don’t stir enough, your agar agar will be uneven and may not set properly.
3. Add Flavourings Carefully
When you’re adding flavourings to your agar agar mixture, be careful not to add too much liquid. Adding too much liquid can cause your agar agar to become too soft and not set properly. If you’re using fruit juice, for example, you may need to reduce the amount of water you use to compensate.
4. Use a Strainer
If you’re using flaked agar agar, make sure to strain it through a fine mesh strainer before adding it to the water. This will help to remove any lumps or impurities and ensure a smooth texture.
5. Allow to Set Completely
Make sure to allow your agar agar to set completely before removing it from the moulds. If you try to move it too soon, it may break or fall apart. It’s best to leave it in the fridge for a few hours or overnight to ensure it’s fully set.
FAQ
1. Can I Use Agar Agar Instead of Gelatin?
Yes, agar agar can be used as a substitute for gelatin in most recipes. However, be aware that agar agar has a stronger setting power than gelatin, so you may need to adjust the amount you use.
2. Can I Freeze Agar Agar?
No, agar agar does not freeze well and will lose its texture if frozen. It’s best to store it in the fridge and consume it within a few days.
3. Can I Use Agar Agar in Savoury Dishes?
Yes, agar agar can be used in savoury dishes as well as sweet ones. It can be used to thicken sauces, soups, and dressings, or to create savoury jellies and terrines.
4. How Long Does Agar Agar Take to Set?
Agar agar sets at room temperature, but it can take anywhere from 30 minutes to several hours depending on the thickness of the mixture and the temperature of the room. It’s best to leave it in the fridge for a few hours to ensure it’s fully set.
5. Can I Reheat Agar Agar?
Yes, you can reheat agar agar if it hasn’t set properly or if you want to melt it down to create a different texture. Simply place it back in a saucepan and heat on low, stirring constantly, until it’s melted.
That’s it, Kawan Mastah! We hope you found this guide helpful and informative. With a little bit of practice, you’ll soon be making delicious agar agar that everyone will love. Selamat mencoba!