Ais kacang: a refreshing Malaysian dessert ideal for the hottest days

Ais kacang, also known as ABC (Ais Batu Campur), is a very popular dessert from the Southeast Asian region, especially in Malaysia and Singapore. It is a shaved ice that is mixed with a variety of ingredients and sweet syrups, which makes it a refreshing and colorful delicacy, ideal for the hottest and most humid days, very common in the area and ideal for summer days. heat that is coming.

Ais kacang has its roots in Malay cuisine and, over the years, has become popular in other Southeast Asian cultures. Its name means “bean ice” in Malay, referring to one of the typical ingredients: red beans. The influence of various communities in the region, such as Chinese and Indian, has contributed to the evolution of this dessert and, over time, various ingredients and flavors have been incorporated.

This dessert is typically served in a tall glass or bowl, where the shaved ice is piled in a mound. The ingredients are added to the ice, and it is covered with vibrantly colored syrups.

To eat it, you can use a spoon and the mixture can be mixed lightly to combine the flavors. Because ice melts quickly, it is advisable to enjoy it as soon as possible, as the dessert becomes more liquid over time.

How to prepare ais kacang at home

Ingredients

For the shaved ice:

• Ice (block or crushed)

Filling ingredients:

• 1 cup kidney beans (cooked and sweetened, optional)
• 1 cup sweet corn (canned or cooked)
• 1 cup agar-agar gelatin (cut into cubes, optional)
• 1 cup jackfruit or mango (cut into pieces, optional)
• 1/2 cup coconut cream

The syrups:

• 1/2 cup pandan syrup (you can buy it or make it by mixing water with pandan extract and sugar)
• 1/2 cup guava syrup (or any other flavor)
• 1/2 cup condensed milk (optional)

1. Shaved ice:
   • Crush the ice in an ice maker or in a plastic bag using a kitchen hammer until it is fine and smooth.
2. Prepare the ingredients:
   • If you are using kidney beans, be sure to cook and sweeten them beforehand.
   • Cook the corn if you are not using canned corn.
   • Prepare the agar-agar gelatin according to the package instructions, then cut into cubes.
3. Assemble the ais kacang:
   • In a large bowl or glass, place a generous amount of shaved ice on top.
   • Add filling ingredients (red beans, corn, gelatin, fruit, etc.) so they look colorful and attractive.
4. Add the syrups:
   • Pour the pandan syrup and guava syrup over the ice and ingredients.
   • If desired, add condensed milk on top for an extra touch of sweetness and creaminess.
5. Decorate:
   • Add a little coconut cream on top of the dessert as decoration.
6. Serve and enjoy:
   • Serve immediately with a spoon and enjoy your Ais Kacang. You can mix the ingredients before eating or eat it in layers.