Immerse yourself in the rich flavors of Southeast Asia with this delightful Pandan Bread Spread recipe. A classic taste of the tropics, this recipe combines the fragrant aroma of pandan leaves with the creamy indulgence of coconut cream and evaporated milk to create a unique spread perfect for a decadent breakfast or snack.
Pandan leaves and coconut cream are key ingredients in this recipe, and they might not be commonly found in every household. Pandan leaves are a tropical plant that infuses a sweet and unique flavor into dishes and desserts. You can find them in Asian supermarkets, often in the frozen section. Coconut cream, which is thicker and richer than coconut milk, can also be found in most supermarkets, especially in the Asian or international food aisle.
Ingredients for Your Pandan Bread Spread
Pandan leaves: Known for their sweet, floral flavor, pandan leaves are a staple in many Asian dishes.
Water: Used to extract the juice from the pandan leaves.
Eggs: Adds richness and texture to the spread.
Coconut cream: Gives the spread its creamy, rich base.
White Sugar: Adds sweetness to balance out the flavors.
Evaporated milk: Adds creaminess and a slight caramel flavor to the spread.
White bread slices: Serves as the platform for the tasty pandan spread.
One reader, Farra Mast says:
This pandan bread spread recipe is a game-changer! The aroma of pandan leaves combined with the creamy texture of coconut cream creates a delightful spread. It's a unique and delicious twist to traditional spreads. I highly recommend trying it out for a delightful and flavorful breakfast treat!
Key Techniques for Pandan Bread Spread Recipe
How to blend pandan leaves and water: Blend the pandan leaves and water together in a blender or food processor until smooth. Strain the mixture through a piece of cheesecloth to extract the pandan juice.
How to make the custard: Beat the eggs in a bowl, then add the coconut cream and sugar, and continue beating until the sugar is dissolved. Place the egg mixture over a double boiler and stir while heating. Add the evaporated milk and pandan juice. Stir for about 5 to 7 minutes until the mixture has thickened into a custard. Remove from heat and spoon into a serving dish.
How to serve: Serve the pandan custard with squares of white bread for a delightful spread.
How To Make Pandan Bread Spread
Make your sandwiches tastier with this rich pandan bread spread! It’s a smooth and creamy spread made with milk, coconut cream, and earthy pandan.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 5pandan leaves,chopped
- ¾cupwater
- 2eggs
- 1¼cupscoconut cream
- ¾cupwhite sugar
- ¼cupevaporated milk
- 10white bread slices,cut into squares
Instructions
-
Blend the pandan leaves and water together in a blender or food processor until smooth. Strain the mixture through a piece of cheesecloth.
-
Beat the eggs in a bowl, then add the coconut cream and sugar, and continue beating until the sugar is dissolved.
-
Place the egg mixture over a double boiler and stir while heating. Add the evaporated milk and pandan juice.
-
Stir for about 5 to 7 minutes until the mixture has thickened into a custard. Remove from heat and spoon into a serving dish.
-
Serve custard with squares of white bread, and enjoy!
Nutrition
- Calories: 640.40kcal
- Fat: 31.66g
- Saturated Fat: 25.04g
- Trans Fat: 0.03g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 2.71g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 1.84g
- Carbohydrates: 80.07g
- Fiber: 4.75g
- Sugar: 43.37g
- Protein: 14.32g
- Cholesterol: 84.55mg
- Sodium: 420.85mg
- Calcium: 165.79mg
- Potassium: 454.19mg
- Iron: 4.99mg
- Vitamin A: 46.95µg
- Vitamin C: 2.89mg
Crucial Technique Tip for Pandan Bread Spread Success
When making the pandan custard, it's crucial to stir the mixture continuously while it's heating over the double boiler. This prevents the eggs from scrambling and ensures a smooth, creamy texture. Additionally, using fresh pandan leaves will give a more vibrant flavor compared to using pandan extract. If the leaves are not available, you can substitute with pandan extract but adjust the quantity as the extract is more concentrated. Lastly, remember to strain the pandan juice thoroughly to avoid any leaf bits in your spread.
Time-Saving Tips for Making Pandan Bread Spread
Plan ahead: Prepare a list of ingredients and equipment needed before starting the recipe to streamline the cooking process.
Multi-task: While waiting for one component to cook, use that time to prepare other elements of the recipe to save time and be efficient.
Prep in advance: Chop, measure, and prepare ingredients ahead of time to minimize the cooking time and make the process smoother.
One-pot wonders: Opt for recipes that allow you to cook multiple components in a single pot or pan to reduce the number of dishes to clean and save time on washing up.
Follow the recipe: Stick to the provided measurements and instructions to avoid mistakes that could lead to time-consuming fixes.
Substitute Ingredients For Pandan Bread Spread Recipe
pandan leaves - Substitute with vanilla extract: Pandan leaves have a unique flavor, but if unavailable, vanilla extract can provide a similar aromatic and sweet flavor to the spread.
coconut cream - Substitute with heavy cream: Heavy cream can provide a rich and creamy texture similar to coconut cream, although it won't have the coconut flavor.
evaporated milk - Substitute with coconut milk: Coconut milk can add a creamy texture and a hint of coconut flavor to the spread, similar to evaporated milk.
white bread slices - Substitute with pita bread: Pita bread can be used as an alternative to white bread slices, providing a different texture and flavor to the spread.
Presenting Your Pandan Bread Spread Beautifully
Elevate the bread: Toast the white bread slices to a perfect golden brown, and cut them into elegant triangles for a sophisticated presentation.
Incorporate edible flowers: Garnish the pandan custard with delicate edible flowers, such as orchids or pansies, to add a touch of elegance and color to the dish.
Create a coconut cream swirl: Use a small spoon to create a decorative swirl of coconut cream on the serving dish, adding a visually appealing element to the presentation.
Add a sprinkle of toasted coconut: Sprinkle a small amount of toasted coconut over the pandan custard for a delightful crunch and a beautiful, natural texture.
Serve on a bed of pandan leaves: Arrange the pandan custard and bread slices on a bed of fresh pandan leaves to infuse the presentation with a vibrant, aromatic touch.
Essential Tools for Making Pandan Bread Spread
- Blender: A kitchen appliance used to blend, purée, or emulsify food and other substances.
- Food processor: A versatile kitchen appliance used for chopping, slicing, shredding, and pureeing ingredients.
- Double boiler: A set of two pans, where one fits inside the other, used to gently heat and cook delicate foods such as custards and sauces.
- Cheesecloth: A loose-woven cotton cloth used for straining liquids and making cheese.
- Mixing bowl: A bowl used for mixing ingredients together.
- Serving dish: A dish used for serving and presenting food.
- Spatula: A kitchen tool with a broad, flat, flexible blade used for mixing, spreading, and turning ingredients.
- Knife: A tool used for cutting and slicing ingredients.
- Measuring cup: A tool used to measure liquid or dry ingredients.
- Whisk: A kitchen utensil used for whipping and mixing ingredients.
Storing and Freezing Pandan Bread Spread Properly
- Allow the pandan bread spread to cool completely before storing or freezing.
- For short-term storage, transfer the spread to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 5 days.
- To freeze the spread:
- Portion the cooled spread into freezer-safe containers or resealable bags, leaving some headspace for expansion.
- Label the containers or bags with the date and contents.
- Place the containers or bags in the freezer, where the spread can be stored for up to 3 months.
- To thaw frozen pandan bread spread:
- Remove the desired amount from the freezer and transfer it to the refrigerator.
- Allow the spread to thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
- Once thawed, give the spread a good stir to redistribute any separated ingredients.
- Use the thawed spread within 3-4 days and do not refreeze.
- If you notice any signs of spoilage, such as an off smell, mold growth, or significant changes in texture or color, discard the spread immediately.
How To Reheat Leftover Pandan Bread Spread
The best way to reheat leftover pandan bread spread is to place it in a microwave-safe bowl and heat it in the microwave for 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until it reaches your desired temperature. This method ensures that the spread heats evenly and doesn't burn or become grainy.
Another option is to reheat the pandan bread spread in a double boiler. Place the spread in a heat-safe bowl and set it over a pot of simmering water. Stir the spread constantly until it's heated through. This gentle heating method prevents the eggs and coconut cream from curdling or separating.
If you prefer a more rustic approach, you can reheat the pandan bread spread in a saucepan over low heat. Be sure to stir the spread continuously and keep a close eye on it to prevent burning or sticking to the bottom of the pan. This method allows you to control the heat more precisely and achieve your desired consistency.
For a quick and easy solution, you can also enjoy the leftover pandan bread spread cold, straight from the refrigerator. The flavors will have had time to meld together, and the cool, creamy texture can be refreshing, especially on a warm day. Simply spread it on your favorite bread or use it as a dip for fresh fruit.
If you find that your reheated pandan bread spread has become a bit too thick, you can thin it out by stirring in a small amount of coconut milk or evaporated milk. This will help to restore the spread's original consistency and make it easier to spread on your bread.
Fascinating Fact About Pandan Bread Spread
The pandan plant, also known as screwpine, is commonly used in Southeast Asian cooking for its unique and fragrant flavor. It is often used in desserts, drinks, and savory dishes, and is a popular ingredient in many traditional recipes. The pandan leaves are known for their natural green color and are often used to infuse a subtle, sweet aroma into dishes. Additionally, pandan leaves are believed to have various health benefits, including anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
Is Making Pandan Bread Spread at Home Cost-Effective?
The cost-effectiveness of this pandan bread spread recipe largely depends on the availability and cost of pandan leaves. While pandan leaves may not be readily accessible in some regions, their unique flavor and aroma make them a worthwhile investment for culinary enthusiasts. The addition of coconut cream and evaporated milk may slightly elevate the overall cost, but the resulting custard spread offers a delightful tropical twist to traditional bread accompaniments. Considering the potential for multiple servings and the relatively low cost of bread, this recipe can be a cost-effective indulgence for a household. Verdict: 8/10. Approximate cost: $10-$15 USD.
Is Pandan Bread Spread Healthy or Unhealthy?
This pandan bread spread recipe, while delicious, is not particularly healthy. Here's why:
- The recipe contains a significant amount of sugar (¾ cup), which can contribute to excessive calorie intake and potential health issues like obesity and diabetes when consumed in large quantities.
- Coconut cream is high in saturated fat, which, if consumed in excess, may increase the risk of heart disease and other health problems.
- The recipe lacks fiber, as it primarily consists of refined ingredients like white bread and evaporated milk, which have been stripped of their natural fiber content.
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Reduce the amount of sugar used in the recipe, or replace it with a natural sweetener like stevia or monk fruit extract.
- Use a lighter coconut milk instead of coconut cream to decrease the saturated fat content.
- Incorporate whole grain bread or crackers instead of white bread to increase the fiber content and provide additional nutrients.
- Add fresh fruit, such as sliced bananas or mangoes, to the bread and custard to increase the nutritional value and fiber content of the dish.
- Experiment with using a portion of the egg whites only, as this will reduce the cholesterol content of the recipe.
Editor's Opinion on This Pandan Bread Spread Recipe
This pandan bread spread recipe offers a delightful combination of flavors and textures. The use of pandan leaves adds a unique and aromatic twist, while the creamy custard made from coconut cream and eggs provides a luscious and indulgent spread. The incorporation of evaporated milk adds a touch of richness, and when served with soft white bread, it creates a harmonious balance of sweetness and comfort. This recipe is a wonderful way to introduce a taste of Southeast Asia to your breakfast or snack time, and it's sure to be a hit with anyone who enjoys exploring new and exciting flavors.
Enhance Your Pandan Bread Spread Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
Delicious Alternatives to Pandan Bread Spread
Ideal Appetizers and Main Dishes to Serve with Pandan Bread Spread
Why trust this Pandan Bread Spread Recipe:
This pandan bread spread recipe offers a unique and delightful twist to your usual spreads. The use of pandan leaves provides a distinct flavor and vibrant green color, adding an exotic touch to your breakfast or snack. The combination of coconut cream and evaporated milk creates a rich and creamy texture, enhancing the overall taste experience. With the careful blending and straining of the pandan leaves, this recipe ensures the purest essence of pandan flavor. Trust in the authenticity of this recipe to elevate your culinary adventures with a delightful and aromatic spread.
Was this page helpful?
Have your own special recipe to share? Submit Your Recipe Today!