ʻOtai (Watermelon Coconut Cooler)

Name: ʻOtai (Watermelon Coconut Cooler)
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: Tonga
Ingredients: 1.5 kg ripe watermelon (about a quarter of a large one); 1 can (400 ml) coconut milk, chilled; 3 to 4 tbsp sugar, or to taste; 250 ml cold water; 1 ripe mango or 1 cup pineapple, finely chopped (optional); Ice cubes, to serve

From Tonga

A refreshing Tongan drink of grated watermelon, creamy coconut milk and a little sugar, served over ice. Sweet, juicy and the best thing to sip on a hot island afternoon.

Prep: 15 min
Cooking: No cooking
Total: 15 min
Serves: 6
Difficulty: Easy

Ingredients

For 6 servings

1.5 kg ripe watermelon (about a quarter of a large one)
1 can (400 ml) coconut milk, chilled
3 to 4 tbsp sugar, or to taste
250 ml cold water
1 ripe mango or 1 cup pineapple, finely chopped (optional)
Ice cubes, to serve

Step by step

Step 1: Cut the watermelon flesh away from the rind and remove as many seeds as you can.
Step 2: Grate the watermelon on the coarse side of a box grater into a large bowl, or mash it well with a fork. You want juicy pulp, not a smooth puree.
Step 3: Stir in the coconut milk, sugar and cold water until the sugar dissolves.
Step 4: Add the chopped mango or pineapple if using.
Step 5: Taste and add more sugar if the watermelon is not very sweet.
Step 6: Chill, or pour straight over plenty of ice, and serve with spoons for the fruity pulp.