Tongan ‘Otai (Coconut & Watermelon Drink) Recipe
The drink can include a variety of fruits, such as mango and pineapple, but it almost always contains watermelon. Traditionally, 'Otai is made with coconut milk, although some recipes use a blend of coconut and cow’s milk to stretch the drink further.
Ingredients
- Coconut (grated) - 1 (or 2 cups of coconut milk)
- 1/2 Pineapple (diced)
- 1/4 Watermelon - (diced)
- 1 Mango (diced)
- 1/4 cup Sugar - (optional)
- Lime juice - from 2 limes
- 1/2 tsp Ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp Ground nutmeg
- Ice cubes - for serving
- Fresh mint leaves - for garnish
Instructions
- If using fresh coconut, grate the coconut flesh using a coconut grater. Alternatively, use canned or packaged coconut milk.
- In a large bowl, combine grated coconut (or coconut milk), diced pineapple, watermelon, and mango.
- Add sugar (if using), lime juice, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg to the bowl. Stir well to combine.
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Before serving, give the Otai a good stir.
- Serve the Otai chilled over ice cubes.
- Garnish with fresh mint leaves for a burst of color and freshness.
Nutrition
Calories: 151kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 1gFat: 4gSaturated Fat: 4gSodium: 42mgFiber: 3gSugar: 24g
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