At Your Own Pace - April 2023

April: LEMONGRASS, MINT, AND PANDAN JELLY COOLER

Illustration: Lemongrass & Pandan

Lemongrass and pandan are both excellent sources of antioxidants that are known to help boost the immune system. They have anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce joint pain and swelling. Health benefits aside, the sweet aroma of the tea is invigorating, and is a delicious complement to savory meals.

For the Pandan Jelly:

Ingredients:

• 5 cups of Water
• 1 bundle fresh Pandan Leaves
• 1 sachet of Gulaman Powder

Instructions:

1. Boil a bundle of pandan leaves in 5 cups of water. Strain the tea, and let it cool.
2. Then, gradually add 1 sachet of gulaman powder, and continue mixing.
3. Turn the stove on, continue mixing. Cook mixture for 5 minutes until it boils.
4. Transfer the mixture to a container, through a strainer to filter out solid parts. Let it cool down, and place in the chiller.
5. Slice the hardened jelly to make cubes.
6. Transfer to a container and store in the refrigerator.

For the Lemongrass Tea:

Ingredients:

• 4 cups of Water
• 4 tsp fresh Lemongrass Leaves, chopped 
• 4 Tbsp fresh Mint Leaves 
• Juice of 2 fresh Lemons or Limes 
• 2 Tbsp Sweetener of choice (sugar, coconut sugar, agave syrup or honey)
• Ice cubes

Instructions:

1. Boil the water and add the mint leaves and lemongrass. Cover the mixture and infuse for about an hour.
2. After infusing, add the lemon/lime juice and sugar, and stir.
3. Place the tea in the chiller to cool.
4. To assemble your drink, place pandan jelly at the bottom of the glass. Then add ice as the next layer.
5. Then add about a spoonfull of the infused mint and lemongrass leaves, and pour the cold tea over.

Illustration, Pattern and Recipe by Alessandra Lanot | LifeAfterBreakfast.ph