Ya Kun Kaya Toast is a traditional Singaporean breakfast dish that is loved by locals and tourists alike. It is a simple yet delicious toast made with kaya, a coconut and pandan jam, and served with a generous slab of butter. This iconic dish can now be recreated in the comfort of your own kitchen, and in this article, we will guide you through the process step by step.
Gather Your Ingredients
To make Ya Kun Kaya Toast, you will need the following ingredients:
– 4 fresh eggs
– 100g sugar
– 200ml coconut milk
– 6 pandan leaves
– 250g unsalted butter
– 8 slices of white bread
Preparing the Kaya Jam
The first step in making Ya Kun Kaya Toast is preparing the kaya jam. Kaya is a delectable combination of coconut milk, eggs, and sugar. Here’s how you can make it:
1. In a mixing bowl, crack the eggs and whisk them lightly.
2. Add the sugar to the eggs and continue whisking until well combined.
3. In a separate bowl, mix the coconut milk with 100ml of water.
4. Pour the coconut milk mixture into a small saucepan.
5. Tie the pandan leaves into a knot and add them to the saucepan.
6. Heat the saucepan on low heat and stir the mixture continuously.
7. Slowly pour the egg and sugar mixture into the saucepan while stirring continuously.
8. Continue stirring the mixture over low heat until it thickens to a custard-like consistency. This can take up to 2 hours, so be patient!
9. Once the kaya jam is thick and sticky, remove it from the heat and let it cool.
Assembling the Toast
Now that your homemade kaya jam is ready, it’s time to assemble the toast.
1. Take two slices of white bread and spread a generous amount of butter on one side of each slice.
2. Place a dollop of kaya jam on top of the buttered side of one slice.
3. Gently press the two slices of bread together, with the kaya jam and butter on the inside.
4. Repeat this process with the remaining bread slices and kaya jam.
Cooking the Toast
To cook the Ya Kun Kaya Toast, you can either use a toaster or a stovetop grill pan.
1. If using a toaster, simply place the assembled toast in the toaster and toast until golden brown and slightly crispy.
2. If using a stovetop grill pan, preheat the pan over medium heat.
3. Place the assembled toast on the grill pan and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and toasted.
Serving and Enjoying the Toast
Once the toast is cooked to perfection, it’s time to serve and enjoy it.
1. Cut the toasted sandwiches into halves or quarters for easy handling.
2. Serve the Ya Kun Kaya Toast with a hot cup of traditional Singaporean kopi (coffee) or teh (tea).
3. Dip the crispy toast into the hot beverage for a delightful combination of flavors.
4. You can also serve the toast with soft-boiled eggs and a sprinkle of soy sauce for a more traditional Singaporean experience.
Final Thoughts
Making Ya Kun Kaya Toast at home is a wonderful way to recreate the flavors of Singapore in your own kitchen. The process may be time-consuming, but the result is a delicious and satisfying breakfast dish that is sure to impress. So why not give this easy recipe a try and indulge in a taste of Singapore with Ya Kun Kaya Toast?