‘Otai (Watermelon and Coconut Drink)
The Quirky Foodster Team
Ingredients
- Small watermelon, flesh shredded or finely grated (about 4 cups) — 1/2
- Crushed pineapple, with juice — 200 g (1 cup)
- Shredded coconut — 100 g (1 cup)
- Coconut milk — 250 ml (1 cup)
- Cold water, or to taste — 500 ml (2 cups)
- Sugar, or to taste — 2 tbsp
- Crushed ice, to serve
Method
- Shred the watermelon flesh using a fork or the large holes of a box grater, working over a bowl to catch the juice.
- Combine the shredded watermelon and its juice with the crushed pineapple, shredded coconut and coconut milk in a large bowl.
- Stir in enough cold water to reach your desired consistency, keeping in mind 'otai is meant to be a little chunky, not perfectly smooth.
- Stir in sugar to taste.
- Chill for at least 30 minutes, then serve over crushed ice in glasses or bowls, with a spoon for the fruit pieces.
Introduction: 'Otai is Tonga's refreshing fruit and coconut drink, most commonly made with shredded watermelon,
coconut milk and crushed pineapple, and served icy cold at gatherings, celebrations and hot summer days
across the islands.
Cultural Background: 'Otai is Tonga's refreshing fruit and coconut drink, most commonly made with shredded watermelon,
coconut milk and crushed pineapple, and served icy cold at gatherings, celebrations and hot summer days
across the islands.
Tips: Shredding the watermelon rather than blending it keeps the drink's characteristic chunky texture — this is intentional, not a shortcut. Adjust the water to your preferred thickness; some prefer it more like a drink, others closer to a fruit salad soup.
Variations: Use ripe mango instead of watermelon for a mango 'otai. Add diced mountain apple (fekika) if available, a traditional regional variation. Naturally vegan and vegetarian.
Storage: Refrigerate in a covered container for up to 2 days; the texture is best enjoyed fresh.
Reheating: Not applicable — always served cold.
FAQs:
Q: Why is it shredded rather than blended?
A: The chunky texture from shredding the fruit is part of what defines 'otai, distinguishing it from a smooth smoothie.
Q: What fruit variations exist?
A: Mango 'otai and versions using mountain apple (fekika) are also popular, depending on what's in season.
Q: Is it eaten with a spoon or drunk?
A: Both — it's often served with a spoon so you can enjoy the fruit pieces along with the liquid.
- Small watermelon, flesh shredded or finely grated (about 4 cups) — 1/2
- Crushed pineapple, with juice — 200 g (1 cup)
- Shredded coconut — 100 g (1 cup)
- Coconut milk — 250 ml (1 cup)
- Cold water, or to taste — 500 ml (2 cups)
- Sugar, or to taste — 2 tbsp
- Crushed ice, to serve
Please log in to leave a comment.