Dragon Fruit China Grass Recipe – Easy Coconut Milk Dessert

Last Updated on 4 months by Neha Deshmukh

Dragon Fruit China Grass Recipe – Easy Coconut Milk Dessert

Hey everyone! If you’re looking for a dessert that’s as beautiful as it is delicious, you have to try this Dragon Fruit China Grass recipe. It’s light, refreshing, and the vibrant pink color is just stunning. I first made this for a summer get-together, and it was a total hit – everyone kept asking for the recipe! It’s surprisingly easy to make, and perfect for those days when you want something sweet but not overly heavy.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Dragon Fruit China Grass dessert is a winner for so many reasons. It’s naturally vegan (yay!), requires minimal cooking, and is a fantastic way to showcase the unique flavor of dragon fruit. Plus, the creamy coconut milk base makes it incredibly satisfying. It’s a beautiful dessert that’s sure to impress, but doesn’t require hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create this gorgeous dessert:

• 10 gm China grass strands
• ½ cup water (120ml)
• 1 large dragon fruit
• 400 ml coconut milk
• 3 tbsp brown sugar

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients! Getting these right will make all the difference.

Dragon Fruit: Varieties & Selection

Dragon fruit, also known as pitaya, comes in a few different varieties. You’ll typically find the red-skinned variety with white flesh, or the pink-skinned variety with red flesh. I prefer the pink-skinned one for this recipe because it gives a more vibrant color! When choosing, look for fruit that’s firm but gives slightly to gentle pressure.

China Grass: What is it & Where to Find It

China grass (also called agar-agar flakes) is a vegetarian gelatin substitute derived from seaweed. It’s a staple in Indian desserts and is what gives this dessert its lovely wobble. You can usually find it in the Indian grocery store, often in the baking or dessert section.

Coconut Milk: Full-Fat vs. Low-Fat Options

For the richest, creamiest texture, I recommend using full-fat coconut milk (400ml). However, you can use low-fat coconut milk if you prefer a lighter dessert. Just be aware that it might not set as firmly.

Brown Sugar: Alternatives & Flavor Profile

Brown sugar adds a lovely caramel-like depth to the dessert. If you don’t have brown sugar, you can substitute with granulated sugar, or even coconut sugar for a more natural sweetness.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get cooking! Don’t worry, it’s easier than it looks.

1. Soften the China Grass: Start by soaking the 10 gm of china grass strands in ½ cup (120ml) of water for about 15-20 minutes. This will soften them up and make them easier to dissolve.
2. Dissolve the China Grass: Once softened, gently melt the china grass over low heat, stirring constantly until it’s completely dissolved. You shouldn’t see any strands remaining.
3. Add Coconut Milk & Sugar: Pour in the 400 ml of coconut milk and add the 3 tbsp of brown sugar. Heat gently, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Don’t let it boil! We just want everything nicely combined.
4. Incorporate the Dragon Fruit: Peel and mash the dragon fruit pulp in a bowl, leaving some small chunks for texture – I like a little bit of bite! Add the mashed dragon fruit to the coconut milk mixture and stir well for about a minute.
5. Set & Chill: Pour the mixture into individual serving bowls. Let it cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until fully set.
6. Serve & Enjoy: Once set, serve chilled and enjoy!

Expert Tips

Here are a few things I’ve learned over the years to make this recipe perfect every time.

Achieving the Perfect Set

The key to a good set is ensuring the china grass is completely dissolved. Any undissolved strands will result in a grainy texture.

Preventing China Grass from Clumping

Stir constantly while melting the china grass. Low and slow is the way to go! Avoid high heat, as this can cause it to clump.

Enhancing the Dragon Fruit Flavor

If your dragon fruit isn’t super flavorful, you can add a squeeze of lime juice to brighten it up.

Variations

Want to switch things up? Here are a few ideas:

Vegan Dragon Fruit China Grass

This recipe is already vegan! Just double-check your brown sugar doesn’t contain any bone char if you’re strictly vegan.

Lower Sugar Option

Reduce the brown sugar to 2 tablespoons, or substitute with a natural sweetener like stevia or monk fruit. My friend, Priya, makes this with dates for sweetness – it’s delicious!

Spice Level: Adding a Hint of Cardamom or Ginger

A pinch of cardamom powder or grated ginger can add a lovely warmth to the dessert.

Festival Adaptations: Summer Cooling Dessert

This is a perfect dessert for hot summer days or festive occasions like Holi or Diwali. It’s light, refreshing, and visually appealing.

Serving Suggestions

This dessert is lovely on its own, but here are a few ideas to elevate it:

Garnish Ideas: Coconut Flakes, Fruit Slices

Sprinkle with toasted coconut flakes or garnish with fresh fruit slices like mango or kiwi.

Pairing Suggestions: With Indian Meals

It pairs beautifully with a spicy Indian meal, providing a cooling contrast. It’s also great after a rich biryani or curry.

Storage Instructions

How Long Does It Last?

This dessert will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing Instructions

While you can freeze it, the texture might change slightly upon thawing. It’s best enjoyed fresh! If you do freeze it, store it in an airtight container for up to a month.

FAQs

Got questions? I’ve got answers!

What is China grass and is it healthy?

China grass is a plant-based gelatin alternative. It’s a good source of fiber and minerals, but it’s relatively low in calories and nutrients overall.

Can I use agar-agar instead of China grass?

Yes, you can! Agar-agar powder can be used as a substitute, but you’ll need to use less – about 1 teaspoon of agar-agar powder for every 10 gm of china grass strands.

How do I know when the China grass is fully dissolved?

The mixture should be clear and free of any visible strands. Stir continuously and heat gently until completely dissolved.

What if my dragon fruit isn’t very sweet?

Add a tablespoon of sugar or a squeeze of lime juice to enhance the flavor.

Can I make this dessert ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can make it a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. It actually tastes better after it’s had a chance to chill and the flavors have melded.

Enjoy making this beautiful and delicious Dragon Fruit China Grass dessert! Let me know how it turns out in the comments below. Happy cooking!