DADAR GULUNG RECIPE

Dadar Gulung is a beloved Indonesian snack that combines the fragrance of pandan, the creaminess of coconut, and the sweetness of palm sugar into a delicate, rolled treat. The name literally means “rolled pancake” in Indonesian. It consists of a thin green crepe, tinted and flavored with pandan extract, wrapped around a generous filling of sweetened grated coconut cooked in palm sugar syrup. This dessert is a common sight at traditional markets, festive gatherings, and family teatimes. Its vibrant green color makes it instantly recognizable and inviting, while its tender texture and rich coconut filling make it irresistible.

Preparation Time
45 minutes

Serving Size
Makes 10–12 rolls

Ingredients

For the Pancake Batter:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour

• 1 large egg

• 1 cup coconut milk

• ½ cup water

• 2 teaspoons pandan extract (or pandan juice from blended pandan leaves)

• ¼ teaspoon salt

• A few drops of green food coloring (optional, for deeper color)

For the Coconut Filling:

• 2 cups fresh grated coconut (or frozen, thawed)

• ¾ cup palm sugar (gula melaka), chopped or grated

• ¼ cup water

• 1 pandan leaf, knotted (optional, for aroma)

• Pinch of salt

Detailed Recipe

Step 1: Make the Coconut Filling
In a small pan, combine palm sugar and water over medium heat. Stir until the sugar melts completely into a syrup. Add the knotted pandan leaf for extra fragrance, then stir in the grated coconut and a pinch of salt. Cook for about 5–7 minutes, stirring often, until the coconut absorbs the syrup and becomes sticky but not wet. Remove the pandan leaf, transfer the filling to a plate, and let it cool.

Step 2: Prepare the Pancake Batter
In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, egg, coconut milk, water, pandan extract, salt, and food coloring (if using) until smooth and lump-free. The batter should be slightly runny, similar to crepe batter.

Step 3: Cook the Pancakes
Heat a non-stick skillet over low to medium heat and lightly grease it with oil. Pour a small ladle of batter into the pan, swirling quickly to coat the bottom with a thin layer. Cook for 1–2 minutes until set; no flipping is needed. Slide the pancake onto a plate and repeat until all batter is used, stacking pancakes with parchment paper between them to prevent sticking.

Step 4: Assemble the Dadar Gulung
Place one pancake on a flat surface, green side down. Spoon about 1–2 tablespoons of coconut filling along one edge. Fold the sides over the filling, then roll tightly like a spring roll to enclose it completely. Continue until all pancakes are filled.

Step 5: Serving Tip
Serve at room temperature with hot tea or coffee. These rolls are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 24 hours.