Thai Red Rubies

Thai Red Rubies Recipe - Authentic Thai Dessert

Region / culture: Thailand | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 5 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Thai Red Rubies, also known as Tub Tim Grob, is a popular Thai dessert that is both visually stunning and delicious. This dessert features water chestnuts coated in tapioca flour, giving them a unique ruby-like appearance. The red rubies are then served in a sweet coconut milk mixture, creating a refreshing and flavorful treat.

History

Thai Red Rubies is a traditional Thai dessert that has been enjoyed for generations. The dish is believed to have originated in the royal palaces of Thailand, where it was served to the royal family and their guests. Over time, the recipe has been passed down through families and has become a beloved dessert enjoyed by people all over Thailand and beyond.

Ingredients

1 cup of water
1 cup of sugar
30 water chestnuts
3 drops of red food coloring
0.75 cup of tapioca flour
2.5 cups of coconut milk
rose essence or jasmine essence

How to prepare

Sugar syrup

Dissolve the sugar in water by bringing it to a boil.
This process takes about 1 minute.
Then remove it from heat and chill in the refrigerator.

Water chestnuts

Peel the skin off the water chestnuts.
Dice them into small cubes measuring about 3 to 5 mm on each side.
Mix the diced water chestnuts with red food coloring, ensuring they are not too big or too small.
Place the diced water chestnuts into a plastic bag containing tapioca flour and shake well to coat them with flour.
Transfer the water chestnuts from the bag into a sieve.
Sieve away the excess flour.
Bring water to a boil in a saucepan.
Add the water chestnuts to the boiling water and simmer for just 2 minutes.
Remove the water chestnuts from the water and drain them.
Allow them to cool in iced water.

For serving

Combine the sugar syrup, coconut milk, and rose or jasmine essence.
Scoop a couple of spoonfuls of the water chestnuts into each dessert serving glass bowl and fill it with the coconut milk mixture.
Add some ice cubes to the bowl and serve immediately.

Variations

For a twist on the traditional recipe, try using different food coloring to create different colored rubies.
You can also add diced mango or pineapple to the dessert for a tropical twist.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to dice the water chestnuts into small, uniform cubes to ensure even cooking.

- Coating the water chestnuts in tapioca flour helps to give them their signature red color and adds a nice texture to the dish.

- Simmering the water chestnuts for just 2 minutes helps to soften them slightly without making them mushy.

- Serving the dessert with ice cubes helps to keep it cool and refreshing.

Serving Suggestions

Thai Red Rubies can be served as a refreshing dessert on a hot day or as a sweet treat after a spicy Thai meal. They can be garnished with fresh mint leaves or additional coconut milk for added flavor.

Cooking Techniques

The key cooking techniques for Thai Red Rubies include boiling the water chestnuts, coating them in tapioca flour, and simmering them in sugar syrup. It is important to follow these steps carefully to ensure the water chestnuts are cooked properly and have the right texture.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you cannot find water chestnuts, you can substitute them with diced jicama or even lychee fruit. You can also use pandan leaves instead of rose or jasmine essence for a different flavor profile.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the sugar syrup and coconut milk mixture ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until ready to serve. The water chestnuts should be prepared just before serving to ensure they are fresh and have the right texture.

Presentation Ideas

Thai Red Rubies can be served in individual glass bowls or cups for a beautiful presentation. You can garnish them with a sprinkle of shredded coconut or a drizzle of condensed milk for added sweetness.

Pairing Recommendations

Thai Red Rubies pair well with other Thai desserts such as mango sticky rice or coconut ice cream. They also go well with a cup of Thai iced tea or coffee.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Thai Red Rubies are best served fresh, but any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, simply microwave the dessert for a few seconds until warm.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Thai Red Rubies contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Thai Red Rubies contains approximately 40 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Thai Red Rubies contains approximately 10 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Thai Red Rubies contains approximately 2 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Thai Red Rubies are a good source of vitamin C, calcium, and iron.

Alergens

Thai Red Rubies may contain coconut milk, which can be an allergen for some individuals.

Summary

Thai Red Rubies are a delicious dessert that is relatively low in protein and high in carbohydrates and fats. They are a good source of vitamins and minerals, but individuals with coconut allergies should be cautious.

Summary

Thai Red Rubies are a delightful and visually appealing dessert that is sure to impress your guests. With their unique texture and refreshing coconut milk base, they are the perfect way to end a Thai meal or enjoy on a hot day. Try making this traditional Thai dessert at home and experience the flavors of Thailand in your own kitchen.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was immediately drawn to it. It was a hot summer day in Bangkok, and I had taken a break from exploring the bustling markets to grab a refreshing drink. As I sipped on my Thai iced tea, I noticed a vendor selling a colorful and enticing dessert called Thai Red Rubies. Intrigued by its vibrant red color and shimmering appearance, I decided to give it a try.

The vendor handed me a small bowl filled with small, ruby-like gems floating in a pool of coconut milk. I took a bite and was instantly hooked. The sweet and chewy texture of the red rubies paired perfectly with the creamy coconut milk, creating a harmonious balance of flavors. I knew right then and there that I had to learn how to make this delicious dessert.

I struck up a conversation with the vendor, a friendly Thai woman named Nisha, who kindly shared her recipe with me. She explained that Thai Red Rubies are made from water chestnuts coated in tapioca flour and soaked in a mixture of rose water and red food coloring. The coated water chestnuts are then served in a sweet coconut milk syrup, creating a delightful and refreshing treat.

Eager to recreate this dessert at home, I purchased the ingredients from the market and headed back to my kitchen. I followed Nisha's instructions carefully, mixing the tapioca flour with water to form a sticky paste and coating the water chestnuts in the mixture. As I dropped the coated water chestnuts into the boiling water, I watched in amazement as they transformed into brilliant red rubies.

Once the red rubies were cooked, I carefully transferred them to a bowl filled with cold water to cool down. Meanwhile, I prepared the coconut milk syrup by simmering coconut milk with sugar and a pinch of salt until it thickened slightly. I added a splash of rose water for a floral aroma and let the syrup cool to room temperature.

Finally, it was time to assemble the dessert. I drained the red rubies and placed them in serving bowls, pouring the sweet coconut milk syrup over the top. The red rubies glistened in the light, looking like precious jewels in a bowl.

I took a bite and closed my eyes, savoring the sweet and creamy flavors that transported me back to the bustling streets of Bangkok. I couldn't believe that I had successfully recreated this delicious dessert in my own kitchen. From that day on, Thai Red Rubies became a staple in my repertoire of recipes.

Over the years, I have shared this recipe with friends and family, each time adding my own twist to make it unique. Some prefer to add a dollop of coconut ice cream on top, while others enjoy a sprinkling of toasted sesame seeds for extra crunch. No matter how it is served, one thing remains constant - the joy and delight that this dessert brings to those who taste it.

As I sit here reminiscing about my journey to learn how to make Thai Red Rubies, I am filled with gratitude for the experiences and people who have enriched my life through food. Cooking has always been a passion of mine, and I am grateful for the opportunity to learn and create new dishes that bring joy to others.

So the next time you find yourself in a new place, surrounded by unfamiliar sights and sounds, don't be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and try something new. You never know what delicious discoveries await you, just like the day I stumbled upon the recipe for Thai Red Rubies in the bustling markets of Bangkok.