As the temperature begins to drop during the fall, we turn our attention to our system and circulating life force. My apple astragalus kanten is flavored with fresh fruit juice and a tonic herb traditionally valued for rejuvenating the body and mind. Its taste is complex and refined with layers of flavor and remarkable depth. This beautiful yellow-red-brown color reminds me of the autumn foliage in Hokkaido, Japan.
I used Sun Potion's Astragalus because it is a classic tonic herb, traditionally known as "The Great Protector." I'm always inspired by nature in its rawest form...
Apple Astragalus Kanten Recipe
(serves 3-4)
Quinoa Layer — Ingredients1/4 cup red quinoa 1/4 cup raisins 1/4 cup almonds, finely chopped 3/4 cups fresh apple juice 1 teaspoon cinnamon pinch of pink Himalayan salt MethodBring apple juice and raisins to a boil. Add quinoa, salt, and cinnamon and lower heat to simmer, and cover cooking pot. Cook for 20-30 minutes, or until quinoa is popped open and there is no liquid remaining. You might need to add a little extra hot water. Spoon mixture into either a 9 or 10 inch metal or glass baking dish or into individual spring-form pans, pressing firmly and leaving room for the kanten layer to be poured on top of mixture. |
Kanten Layer — Ingredients1 cup fresh apple juice 3 tbsp. maple syrup 2 tbsp. lemon juice 1 tsp. Astragalus (Sun Potion) 1/2 tbsp. agar-agar powder (double if using agar flakes) 1 tbsp. kuzu root starch pinch of pink Himalayan salt 1 apple MethodSlice apple thinly, and arrange on top of quinoa layer. Bring apple juice and lemon juice to a boil with agar agar and a pinch of pink Himalayan salt. Simmer until all agar dissolves and add maple syrup to taste. Stir in kuzu root and Astragalus by mixing in a 1/4 cup of cold apple juice first and then adding it to the heated apple juice and agar mixture. Stir well for a few more minutes. Strain if it is lumpy as you want the kanten to be super smooth. Pour mixture over the quinoa base and move to the refrigerator to firm for 1–2 hours. |
Reishi Coffee Reduction — Ingredients1/2 cup strongly brewed coffee or espresso 3 tbsp. maple syrup 1/2 tsp. Reishi (Sun Potion) 1/8 tsp. coffee extract (optional) pinch of pink Himalayan salt MethodStir ingredients to combine, place in a shallow bowl or pan. Dehydrate uncovered at 115 degrees, overnight or until desired consistency. |
Maple Coconut Crumble — Ingredients1/2 cup almonds 1/2 cup coconut flour 2 tbsp. maple syrup 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract, pinch salt MethodCoarsely grind the almonds and coconut flour in a small food processor. Add remaining ingredients, process into a moist dough, loosely crumble dough onto a teflex sheet and dehydrate overnight or until completely dry. |
Assembly1 apple 1–2 tbsp. raisins edible flowers pinch cinnamon maple syrup maple coconut crumble Reishi coffee reduction Carefully open spring-form pan. Sauce the plate with the Reishi coffee reduction. Place some maple coconut crumble on the plate. Slice the Apple Astragalus Kanten into pieces, and arrange on top of the sauce and crumble. Top with additional crumble and edible flowers. Store in the refrigerator. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is kanten?
Kanten is a traditional Japanese jelly set with agar-agar, a seaweed-derived gelling agent. It firms in the refrigerator rather than requiring gelatin, so the dessert is fully plant-based.
What does astragalus taste like in a dessert?
Astragalus is mild and faintly sweet, which is why it disappears easily into fruit juice. Here it is whisked into the apple juice and agar mixture with kuzu root.
How long does the kanten need to set?
One to two hours in the refrigerator once poured over the quinoa base.
Can the components be made ahead?
Yes. Both the Reishi coffee reduction and the maple coconut crumble dehydrate overnight, so they are best started the day before assembly.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
keli AIello
This is beautifully made and executed……so, with that said what would you recommend other than the Coffee flavor?
Excited about this one:)
Keli~