Buko Pandan Samalamig (Coconut Pandan Drink)

Samalamig or Palamig is an iced beverage that usually contains coconut milk, young coconut flesh, sago (tapioca pearls) and gulaman (gelatin.)  It is usually sweetened with sugar syrup or condensed milk and flavored with different fruit exctracts.  The words palamig and samalamig is derived from the word "lamig" which means cold.  This cooler or refreshing drink is available almost in every street corner of Manila and other places in the Philippines.  The popular versions are sago-gulaman palamig, melon palamig and buko pandan palamig.

Buko Pandan Samalamig

Prep Time: 2-3 hours
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Yield: 8 servings

Ingredients:

• 1 cup coconut milk
• 4 cups coconut juice
• 14 ounces condensed milk.
• 2 cups young coconut flesh or meat, shredded
• gulaman or gelatin, cubed  (Refer to ingredients and procedure below)
• ice cubes for serving
• Garnish: toasted pinipig

Gulaman Ingredients:

• 2 bars green agar-agar, cut in small pieces
• 3 cups young coconut juice
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 drops Pandan extract

Procedure:

1. Make the gulaman first.  

1.1  Soak the agar-agar pieces in coconut juice for 30 minutes or until the pieces are soft.
1.2 Bring to a boil over medium heat and cook stirring regularly.
1.3  Add sugar and stir to dissolve.  Continue to cook for 10 minutes or until the agar-agar is completely melted.
1.4 Add pandan extract and stir.
1.5 Remove from heat.  Pour into a lat dish and cool in the refrigerator for 30 minutes or until the gulaman is set and firm to be sliced.
1.6  Cut into 1/2 inch cubes.

2. Combine the first three ingredients in a large pitcher.
3. Add the coconut strips and the gulaman cubes.
4. Chill for 1-2 hours.
5. Serve over ice.