Last Updated on September 8, 2023
Gandasturi is a traditional Indonesian delicacy that has been enjoyed for generations. It’s amazingly flavorful and incredibly easy to make! This uses simple ingredients.
With just a few steps you can impress your family and friends with an authentic dish that’s sure to create lasting memories. The key to making a great gandasturi is in the preparation of the mung beans, as this gives the dish its unique texture and flavor.
Read on to learn everything about the ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and variations of this delicious gandasturi recipe. From preparation to serving, you can make this dish with ease.
What is Gandasturi?
Gandasturi is an Indonesian dessert that has been enjoyed for centuries. It’s a traditional treat made from mung beans, pandan leaves, vanilla powder, sugar, flour, and salt. The dough is then formed into small balls or circles and fried until golden brown.
The final dish is crispy on the outside but soft on the inside with a unique flavor. The texture of gandasturi is what sets it apart from other desserts. The mung beans give the dish a unique depth of flavor and delightful aroma that’s sure to tantalize your taste buds!
The addition of the pandan leaves also adds a subtle hint of fragrance to each bite. Gandasturi is an easy-to-make dish that can be enjoyed for any occasion.
It’s great as an after-dinner treat, served with a hot cup of tea, or even as part of breakfast! With the right ingredients and technique, you can make this traditional dish in no time.
How did I first get introduced to Gandasturi?
I first heard about Gandasturi from my grandmother, who used to make desserts for special occasions. To me, it seemed like a complicated recipe, but I was determined to try and recreate the flavor and texture that she had described.
So armed with her instructions, I began my journey into making this traditional Indonesian delicacy. I started by soaking the mung beans in water for at least an hour, then drained and rinsed them before putting them into the food processor.
Next came the dough-making process—flour, rice flour, salt, vanilla powder, and raw cane sugar were added to a large bowl and mixed together until everything was combined. The mung bean mixture was poured in and stirred until everything was combined.
It took me a few attempts to get the dough to the right consistency, but eventually, I nailed it! Then came the fun part—shaping the gandasturi into small balls and frying them in hot oil.
Once they were golden brown and crispy on the outside, I removed them from the pan and placed them on a plate lined with a paper towel. To finish, I drizzled some creamed coconut and sprinkled some sea salt over them.
The end result was truly delicious—the flavor of the mung beans combined with the fragrant aroma of pandan leaves, and the sweetness of the creamed coconut was simply heavenly! From that day onwards, agendas became a staple in my household and it’s something that we still make to this day!
How to make Gandasturi?
Making gandasturi is easy and with just a few simple steps, you can recreate the traditional Indonesian delicacy at home. Here’s what you need to do:
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Ingredients
- Mung beans: this gives the dish its unique texture and flavor
- Pandan leaves: adds a hint of fragrance to the gandasturi
- Vanilla powder: provides an additional depth of flavor
- Raw cane sugar: helps provide sweetness and balance out the flavors
- All-purpose flour & Rice flour: acts as a binding agent for the mixture
- Salt: helps enhance the other flavors
- Cold water: used to create the dough
- Creamed coconut: provides a rich and creamy consistency to the gandasturi
- Oil: helps give it a crispy texture when fried
- Sea salt: adds an extra depth of flavor
Step-by-step instructions
Step 1
Prepare the mung beans
- Soak the mung beans in a bowl of water for at least 1 hour.
- Drain and rinse the soaked mung beans, then place them in a food processor with pandan leaves.
- Blend until smooth, adding more water if necessary to achieve desired consistency.
- Transfer the mixture to a bowl and set aside.
Step 2
Make the gandasturi dough
- In a large bowl, add all-purpose flour, rice flour, salt, vanilla powder and raw cane sugar. Mix together until everything is combined.
- Pour the mung bean mixture into the flour mix and stir until everything is combined.
- Start to add cold water gradually while mixing the dough, until it reaches a pliable consistency.
Step 3
Form and fry the gandasturi
- Divide the dough into four equal portions and roll them out on a floured surface into thin circles.
- Cut each circle into 12 equal pieces, then roll them into balls (you can use a spoon to help shape them).
- Heat the oil in a large pan over medium heat and carefully add the gandasturi balls. Fry for about 5 minutes until golden brown.
- Remove from the pan and place on a plate lined with paper towels to soak up any excess oil.
Variations of Gandasturi
Gandasturi is a very versatile dish and can be served in many different ways. Here are some ideas for variations:
- Add some chopped nuts or dried fruits to the dough.
- Try using different types of flour such as whole wheat, almond, coconut, buckwheat, etc. for a different flavor and texture.
- Top with shredded coconut for a tropical twist!
- Add spices such as nutmeg, cinnamon, or cardamom to give it an extra kick.
- Swap out the creamed coconut for melted chocolate for a decadent dessert.
- Use different types of sweeteners like honey, maple syrup, or agave nectar in place of sugar.
Equipment
- Bowl
- Spatula
- Pan
Ingredients
- 300 grams of mung beans
- 2 pandan leaves
- 1/4 tsp vanilla powder
- 100 grams of raw cane sugar
- 75 grams of all-purpose flour
- 75 grams of rice flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Cold water
- 4 tsp creamed coconut
- 1 tbsp oil
- 1/8 tsp sea salt
- water
Instructions
- Soak the mung beans in a bowl of water for at least an hour, then drain and rinse them before putting them into the food processor. Throw in some pandan leaves too and blend until smooth. Add more water only if needed to reach desired consistency, then transfer the mixture to a bowl.
- In another bowl mix together all-purpose flour, rice flour, salt, vanilla powder, and raw cane sugar. Pour the mung bean mixture in and stir until everything is combined. Gradually add cold water while mixing the dough until it reaches a pliable consistency.
- Divide the dough into four portions and roll them out on a floured surface into thin circles. Cut each circle into 12 equal pieces and roll them into balls. Heat oil in a pan over medium heat, carefully add the gandasturi balls, and fry for 5 minutes until golden brown. Place on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil. Drizzle creamed coconut and sprinkle some sea salt over the gandasturi.
Video
Notes
- Add some chopped nuts or dried fruits to the dough.
- Try using different types of flour such as whole wheat, almond, coconut, buckwheat, etc. for a different flavor and texture.
- Top with shredded coconut for a tropical twist!
- Add spices such as nutmeg, cinnamon, or cardamom to give it an extra kick.
- Swap out the creamed coconut for melted chocolate for a decadent dessert.
- Use different types of sweeteners like honey, maple syrup, or agave nectar in place of sugar.
Nutrition
Nutrition Information
What to serve with Gandasturi?
Here are some ideas for what to serve with your gandasturi:
- A hot cup of tea or coffee.
- Fresh fruit salad or yogurt.
- Condiments like honey, jam, or syrup.
- Ice cream or frozen yogurt.
- Popsicles or sorbet.
- Whipped cream and chocolate sauce for a decadent treat.
- Serve with other Indonesian desserts like bubur ayam or kue putu!
How to store leftover Gandasturi?
Leftover gandasturi can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To prevent them from getting stale, it’s best to reheat the gandasturi before serving.
You can also freeze leftover gandasturi for up to two months. Let them thaw at room temperature and then warm them up in the oven or microwave before eating.
Can pregnant women eat this?
Yes, pregnant women can eat gandasturi. The ingredients used to make this traditional Indonesian dish are generally safe for pregnant women to consume.
However, it is important to note that all pregnant women should consult their healthcare provider before consuming any new food or ingredient.
Since gandasturi contains mung beans and raw cane sugar, it is best to limit the amount of these ingredients consumed during pregnancy.
Mung beans are high in fiber and can cause gas, bloating, and flatulence. While raw cane sugar is a healthier alternative to processed white sugar, it is still generally recommended in moderation for pregnant women.
FAQs
Are gandasturi gluten-free?
Yes, gandasturi are naturally gluten-free. They are made with all-purpose flour and rice flour instead of wheat flour.
Can I make gandasturi without a food processor?
Yes, you can make gandasturi without a food processor. You can use a mortar and pestle to grind the mung beans and pandan leaves into a paste instead.
What is creamed coconut?
Creamed coconut is made from dried coconut flesh that has been grated and then pressed into a block. It is widely used in Southeast Asian cuisine to provide a rich, creamy consistency to dishes.
Can I use coconut milk instead of creamed coconut?
Yes, you can use coconut milk as an alternative to creamed coconut when making gandasturi. However, the texture and flavor may be slightly different.
Do I need to use sea salt?
No, you don’t need to use sea salt when making gandasturi. Regular table salt can be used instead. However, the flavor of the dish may differ slightly if using regular table salt. It’s best to taste and adjust the seasoning as needed before serving.
Is this vegan?
Yes, this gandasturi recipe is suitable for vegans. It is made with plant-based ingredients such as mung beans and coconut oil. Be sure to use a vegan-friendly creamed coconut or coconut milk if desired.
Wrapping Up
This traditional Indonesian delicacy is easy to make and a great way to satisfy your sweet tooth. With just a few simple steps, you can recreate this delicious treat at home!
Have fun experimenting with different variations and toppings—the possibilities are endless! So go ahead and give it a try today! Thank you for reading. Do not forget to share this article with your loved ones.
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Lori Walker is a passionate dietitian and food lover. She offers simple and nutritious recipes that don't take long to cook. In addition to sharing delicious dishes, she also shares useful advice on saving time and money in the kitchen. She believes that with a bit of creativity, anyone can make healthy meals that won't break the bank. Read more
