Escape the summer heat with a uniquely refreshing beverage: Seaweed Longan Drink! This unexpected combination offers a surprisingly delightful taste experience, blending the subtle salinity of seaweed with the sweet, juicy bursts of longan fruit. Forget sugary sodas and artificial flavors; this drink is naturally hydrating and packed with beneficial nutrients from both the seaweed and the longan, providing a guilt-free refreshment perfect for a hot day or a light, healthy dessert. The seaweed adds a surprising umami depth, perfectly balancing the longan's sweetness.
This simple yet elegant drink is surprisingly easy to make, requiring only a few readily available ingredients. Ready to discover the magic of this revitalizing potion? Let's dive into the step-by-step instructions to create your own batch of refreshing Seaweed Longan Drink.
Tools Needed
- basin
- pot
- sieve or cloth
- cooking stove
Ingredients
- Seaweed: 2 packs (85g each)
- Longan pulp: 200g
- Chrysanthemum flowers: 10g
- Monk fruit: 2
- Rock sugar: 400g
- Salt: 1/3 teaspoon
- Pandan leaves: 150g
- Water: 8 liters + 1 liter
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare Seaweed and Base Broth
- Soak the seaweed in cold water for 30 minutes to clean it. Then, wash thoroughly.
- Combine the washed seaweed, pandan leaves, and crushed monk fruit in a pot with 8 liters of water. Bring to a boil over high heat.
- Once boiling, stir well to combine the seaweed. Simmer for 10 minutes.
- Turn off the heat and remove the seaweed using a sieve or cloth to filter out impurities.
Step 2. Make Longan Syrup
- slightly crush the monk fruit. Rinse the longan pulp quickly.
- In a separate pot, combine 400g rock sugar, 1/3 teaspoon of salt, the longan pulp, and 1 liter of water. Boil until the sugar dissolves.
Step 3. Combine and Flavor
- Add chrysanthemum flowers, reduce heat to medium, and simmer for another 10 minutes.
- Combine the strained seaweed liquid and the longan syrup. If desired, add more longan pulp.
Step 4. Chill and Serve
- Chill the drink thoroughly in the refrigerator before serving with ice.
Read more: Quick & Easy Dry Chicken Noodle Pho Recipe
Tips
- Wash the seaweed thoroughly to remove sand and dirt.
- Don't over-wash the longan pulp, or it will lose its sweetness.
- Don't add too many chrysanthemum flowers, as it may overpower the seaweed flavor.
- Stir gently while cooking to prevent the drink from becoming cloudy.
- Skim off any foam from the longan syrup to keep it fresh.
- Adjust the amount of sugar according to your preference (use less for drinking it without ice).
Nutrition
- N/A
FAQs
1. Where can I find seaweed for this recipe?
You can find dried seaweed at most Asian grocery stores, or online. Look for varieties labeled as suitable for consumption, like dulse or wakame.
2. Can I adjust the sweetness of the drink?
Absolutely! Add more or less sugar or honey to your preference. You can also use a sugar substitute if desired.
3. What if I don't have longan? Can I use other fruits?
Yes! Lychees, mangoes, or even other sweet fruits like peaches would work well as a substitute for longan.
So there you have it – a simple, refreshing, and surprisingly delicious seaweed longan drink to beat the summer heat. This unique beverage is a perfect way to enjoy the unexpected benefits of seaweed while indulging in a sweet and hydrating treat. Give this recipe a try and experience the cool, refreshing taste for yourself!