Tub Trim Grob (Rubies in Coconut Milk)

This is a dessert we tasted in Absolute Thai. I found the recipe at http://www.thaitable.com/thai/recipe/rubies-in-coconut-milk. I tweaked the measurements and the colour a little to taste and colour.

Serves 8

Ingredients

• 2 cups coconut milk
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 cans whole water chestnuts, about 50 to 60 pieces. See note.
• 15 drops rose (You can mix red colour with rose)
• 2 cups cornstarch
• 1 cup water

Preparation

• Slice each water chestnuts into half, making 2 round disks. Make three more cuts into the disks to make about 12 pieces. 
• Drop the food colouring into the chestnut and stir. 
• Put the cornstarch in a bowl. Drain the chestnuts of any juices and drop them into the cornstarch. Shake the bowl to coat the chestnuts with the flour. Scoop the chestnuts into a strainer and shake off any excess flour. Put them into another bowl. Sprinkle some water over the chestnuts and put them back in the bowl of flour.
• Bring a pot of water to boil. Put the coated chestnuts into the boiling water. The cooked chestnuts will float on the water. Scoop them up in a strainer and dump them in a bowl of ice water.
• Microwave the sugar and water in a cup for about 3 to 4 minutes till syrupy. 
• Divide the chestnut rubies into bowls. Add equal amount of coconut milk and sugar syrup. Add syrup more or less to taste. 
• Serve chilled or with crushed ice.

Note:

Water chestnuts are available online at amazon.in, ebay, etc. They are also available in Amma Nana supermarket, Chennai.