Coffee Agar Jelly with Chilled Sweet Milk

Ingredients

• 3 espresso (freshly brewed shots)
• 2 tbsp granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
• 1 tsp agar agar powder (enough to set 2 cups of liquid)
• water (enough to bring total coffee liquid to 2 cups)
• 1 cup oat milk (or milk of choice)
• 2 tbsp sweetened condensed milk (adjust for desired sweetness)
• vanilla ice cream (optional, for serving a là mode)

Steps

1. 1

   In a small saucepan, combine the 3 shots of espresso, sugar, and agar agar powder.

2. 2

   Add enough water to the saucepan to bring the total volume of liquid to 2 cups.

3. 3

   Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring to a gentle simmer. Simmer for 1 minute to ensure the agar agar is fully activated.

4. 4

   Transfer the coffee mixture into a shallow dish or container.

5. 5

   Gently remove any air bubbles from the surface of the liquid for a smooth finish.

6. 6

   Allow the mixture to cool at room temperature, then transfer to the refrigerator until completely set and firm.

7. 7

   While the jelly sets, prepare the sweet milk by whisking together the oat milk and sweetened condensed milk in a small pitcher or jar.

8. 8

   Place the sweet milk in the refrigerator to chill.

9. 9

   Once the coffee jelly has set, use a knife to cut it into uniform cubes.

10. 10

    Place the coffee jelly cubes into serving glasses and pour the chilled sweet milk over them. Serve immediately, optionally topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Notes

To substitute agar agar with gelatin: Use one 7g pouch (like Knox) for the 2 cups of liquid. Bloom the gelatin in cold water first, then dissolve into the hot coffee. Do not boil gelatin as it can lose its setting power. Agar agar provides a firmer, more 'bouncy' texture typical of Japanese coffee jelly.

Nutrition per serving

• dessert
• coffee
• vegetarian
• snack
• refreshing
• no-bake
• japanese-inspired