🇮🇩 Indonesian Cuisine · Drinks

Es Dawet

Prep

20 mins

Cook

10 mins

Serves

4

Difficulty

Medium

Pandan jelly noodles in a sweet coconut milk and palm sugar broth poured over crushed ice.

Ingredients

  • 1 kg chicken thighs
  • 2 cups fried shallot crackers (krupuk)
  • 1 tbsp minced garlic
  • 2 tsp palm sugar
  • 3 tbsp neutral vegetable oil
  • 2 bean sprouts, chopped
  • a handful of fresh Thai basil, chopped
  • lime wedges, for serving
  • 500ml tamarind water
  • a pinch of coriander seeds
  • 1 cup shallots, sliced
  • a drizzle of sambal

Instructions

  1. 1

    Combine the fried shallot crackers (krupuk) and tamarind water in a saucepan, blender, or pitcher, stirring well.

  2. 2

    Add the ground cumin and sambal, stirring gently so their flavor infuses the mixture.

  3. 3

    Heat gently over low heat (or blend, or steep, depending on the drink) until well combined and fragrant, about 10 mins.

  4. 4

    Strain through a fine sieve to remove any solids, if needed.

  5. 5

    Sweeten to taste with roasted peanuts, adjusting gradually until the balance feels right.

  6. 6

    Chill in the refrigerator, or pour straight over ice, depending on whether it is served cold or hot.

  7. 7

    Garnish with Thai basil just before serving.

  8. 8

    Pour into your favorite glass or cup and enjoy.

Tips

Make a big batch and keep it chilled in the fridge — the flavor often deepens after a few hours.

If serving warm, gently reheat just before pouring rather than letting it come to a boil.