Kuih kapit, also known as love letters or egg rolls, are a beloved snack across Southeast Asia, especially during festive occasions like Chinese New Year. These delicate wafers, rolled into crispy cylinders, boast a light, airy texture and a subtle sweetness that melts in your mouth.
Intrigued? Let’s embark on a delightful baking journey and learn How To Make Kuih Kapit that will impress your family and friends!
Gathering Your Ingredients
Before we start, let’s gather all the essentials. This recipe uses simple ingredients that are readily available at most grocery stores.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour – This forms the base of our kuih kapit.
- 1 cup rice flour – Adding rice flour creates a lighter, crispier texture.
- 1 cup granulated sugar – Adjust to your preference for sweetness.
- 5 large eggs – The key to achieving that airy texture.
- 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk – Use full-fat coconut milk for the best flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract – Enhances the overall aroma and taste.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt – Balances the sweetness and brings out the flavors.
- Vegetable oil for greasing – Use any neutral-flavored oil.
Tools of the Trade
Making kuih kapit requires a few specialized tools, but don’t worry, they are readily available online or at Asian kitchenware stores.
- Kuih kapit mold – The heart of the operation, available in various designs.
- Stovetop – To heat the mold.
- Pastry brush – To lightly grease the mold.
- Heat-resistant spatula – For flipping the wafers and rolling them.
- Chopsticks or wooden skewers – Helpful for rolling.
Step-by-Step Guide to Crispy Kuih Kapit
Ready to make some magic happen? Let’s dive into the step-by-step process of creating these beautiful, crispy treats.
1. Whisking Up the Batter
- In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, rice flour, sugar, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs, coconut milk, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, whisking constantly to prevent lumps.
- Continue whisking until you achieve a smooth, thin batter.
2. Prepping the Kuih Kapit Mold
- Place the kuih kapit mold on the stovetop over low heat.
- Lightly grease the mold with vegetable oil using a pastry brush.
3. Cooking the Wafers
- Once the mold is hot, pour a thin layer of batter onto the mold, swirling quickly to spread it evenly.
- Close the mold and cook for about 1-2 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy.
- Use a heat-resistant spatula to carefully flip the wafer and cook the other side.
4. Rolling the Love Letters
- Working quickly while the wafer is still hot and pliable, use chopsticks or a wooden skewer to carefully roll it into a cylinder shape.
- Set aside to cool completely.
5. Repeat and Enjoy!
- Repeat steps 3 and 4 with the remaining batter, adjusting the heat as needed.
- Once the kuih kapit has cooled completely, store them in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their crispness.
Kuih Kapit Batter
Tips for Kuih Kapit Perfection
- Batter consistency: The batter should be thin and flow easily off the whisk. If it’s too thick, add a tablespoon of water at a time until you reach the desired consistency.
- Heat control: Finding the right heat setting is crucial. If the heat is too high, the wafers will burn quickly. Too low, and they’ll take forever to cook and may not be crispy.
- Don’t overfill: Pouring too much batter onto the mold will result in thick, unevenly cooked wafers.
- Practice makes perfect: Rolling the wafers takes a bit of practice. Don’t be discouraged if your first few aren’t perfect.
FAQs About Kuih Kapit
Q: Can I make kuih kapit without a mold?
A: While it’s traditionally made using a special mold, you can try using a non-stick pan. Heat the pan over low heat, pour a thin layer of batter, and cook until golden brown.
Q: How long can I store kuih kapit?
A: When stored properly in an airtight container at room temperature, kuih kapit can last for up to a week.
Q: My kuih kapit turned out soft. How can I make them crispy?
A: You can try baking them in a preheated oven at 200°F (93°C) for 5-7 minutes to crisp them up.
Rolling Kuih Kapit
A Sweet Conclusion
Making kuih kapit is a labor of love, but the result is incredibly rewarding. The aroma filling your kitchen, the satisfying crunch as you take a bite, and the smiles on your loved ones’ faces make it all worthwhile. So, gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and let’s create some crispy, melt-in-your-mouth magic!
Don’t forget to share your kuih kapit creations and baking adventures with us in the comments below! Happy baking!
