Can I use almond milk from a carton?
Yes, you can use unsweetened almond milk from a carton. Replace the blanched almonds and 2 cups of water with 2 cups of unsweetened almond milk. You may need to adjust the sugar content.
DESSERT
Silky Almond Tofu with Sweet Lychee
Indulge in a delightful, wobbly almond-flavored dessert, perfectly paired with the succulent sweetness of fresh lychee. This elegant treat is a refreshing conclusion to any meal, especially on a warm day.
HOW TO MAKE IT
Let's cook.
01
If using blanched almonds, blend them with 1 cup of water until very smooth. Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth, pressing out all liquid. Discard the almond pulp. If using almond flour, whisk it with 1 cup of water until smooth.
02
In a medium saucepan, combine the strained almond milk (or almond flour mixture), the remaining 1 cup of water, granulated sugar, and agar-agar powder. Whisk well to dissolve the agar-agar.
03
Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 2 minutes, continuing to stir, until the agar-agar is fully dissolved and the mixture thickens slightly.
04
Remove from heat and stir in the almond extract. Pour the mixture into a shallow dish or individual molds. Let it cool at room temperature for 15 minutes.
05
Refrigerate the almond tofu for at least 3 hours, or until firm and set. Once set, cut the almond tofu into 1-inch cubes.
06
Arrange the almond tofu cubes and drained lychees in serving bowls. Drizzle with the reserved lychee syrup before serving.
About This Recipe
Indulge in a delightful, wobbly almond-flavored dessert, perfectly paired with the succulent sweetness of fresh lychee. This elegant treat is a refreshing conclusion to any meal, especially on a warm day.
Simple ingredients.
Big flavor.✦
Big flavor.✦
Chef's Tips
For an extra smooth almond tofu, strain the almond milk twice. Adjust sugar to your preference; some prefer a sweeter tofu. Ensure agar-agar is fully dissolved to prevent a grainy texture.
Easy Substitutions
You can use canned peaches or mandarins instead of lychees. For a richer flavor, substitute half of the water with milk. If agar-agar is unavailable, gelatin can be used, but follow package instructions for setting liquid as ratios differ.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover almond tofu and lychees separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Combine just before serving for best texture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve chilled as a light dessert after a meal. Garnish with a sprig of fresh mint for color. Offer a side of additional lychee syrup for those who prefer extra sweetness. Pair with a light green tea for a complete experience. Serve in small, elegant glass bowls for a refined presentation.
Common Mistakes
Not boiling the agar-agar mixture long enough can result in a tofu that doesn't set properly or has a grainy texture. Not straining the almond mixture thoroughly can leave a gritty texture. Adding almond extract while the mixture is still boiling can cause some flavor to evaporate. Over-sweetening the tofu can overpower the delicate almond and lychee flavors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh lychees?
Absolutely! If using fresh lychees, you can make a simple syrup with 1/4 cup sugar and 1/4 cup water, boiled and cooled, to drizzle over the dessert.
Why is my almond tofu not setting?
The most common reason is that the agar-agar was not fully dissolved. Ensure you bring the mixture to a full boil and simmer for at least 2 minutes, stirring constantly.
MORE TO KNOW
Agar-agar is a plant-based gelling agent derived from seaweed, commonly used in Asian desserts. Unlike gelatin, it sets at room temperature and remains firm even in warm conditions, making it perfect for this wobbly, yet stable almond tofu. It also provides a slightly firmer texture than gelatin, which is characteristic of traditional almond tofu. When working with agar-agar, it's crucial to bring the mixture to a full boil and simmer for the recommended time to ensure complete dissolution and proper setting.
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