Candied Agar-Agar (Agar-agar Kering)

It is the time of the year again. The sun is blazing and it is scorching hot outside. But I'm not complaining. My laundry is able to dry in no time on such days. Hallelujah! Laundries aside, I wanted to make full use of this God-sent resource. I decided to make candied agar-agar or more fondly known as agar-agar kering.

Candied agar-agar is a jelly-like candy. It looks something like the Gummy Bears you buy outside. However, the texture differs. It has a less chewy feel. Those who have eaten agar-agar would know. The only difference is this one is more condensed (harder). Traditionally, the ethnic Malay serves this on special occasions such as Hari Raya and weddings. My first and only time I had this was when a kind classmate of mine brought this to school and treated us (thanks Suzie!). Simply delicious!

Making this is easy. All you have to do is throw everything into a pot and bring to a boil, pour into a mold and cut when hardened. The tedious part is actually getting it dried under the sun. Mine took about 5 days. By the end of the fifth day, 1/4 of this candy is gone due to constant snitching. Don't say I never warn you!

The recipe below can make a small batch. If you intend to make a lot, simply double the ingredients.

Candied Agar-agar

Ingredients

30 g agar agar
120 g rock sugar
200 g sugar
1.5 litre water
pandan leaves
colouring of your choice

Cooking Instruction

Add all ingredients except colouring into a pot and bring to boil. Cook until agar agar dissolves. Add in colouring of your choice. Remove from fire and pour it into a tray. Let agar-agar cool and harden. Once agar-agar is hard enough, use a knife to cut into desired shape and sizes. Put these pieces under the hot sun to dry. Once these candy is dried enough it will leave a thin layer of crunchy sugar coating adding texture to the otherwise mundane taste.