Gula Melaka Coconut Soup with Roti Prata Ice Cream Sandwich

**Prepare the Gula Melaka Coconut Soup:** In a saucepan, combine the coconut milk, grated Gula Melaka, knotted pandan leaves, vanilla extract (if using), and a pinch of salt. Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly until the Gula Melaka is fully dissolved. The aroma will be fragrant and sweet.

Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 15 minutes, allowing the pandan leaves to infuse their subtle fragrance into the coconut milk.

Remove the saucepan from heat and let the soup cool slightly. Discard the pandan leaves.

Pour the cooled soup into a blender and blend until smooth and creamy. This ensures a luxurious texture.

Strain the blended soup through a fine-mesh sieve into a bowl. This will remove any undissolved particles and create an even smoother consistency.

Cover the strained soup with plastic wrap, pressing it directly onto the surface to prevent a skin from forming. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until thoroughly chilled.

**Prepare the Coconut Ice Cream (optional):** Combine coconut milk, heavy cream and sugar in a saucepan. Gently heat until the sugar dissolves completely. Cool the mixture and churn in an ice cream maker according to manufacturer's instructions. Alternatively, freeze in a shallow container, stirring every hour until frozen.

**Prepare the Roti Prata:** Cook the roti prata according to package instructions, either in a frying pan or on a griddle. Cook until golden brown and crispy on both sides. This should only take a few minutes per side. Let it cool slightly.

**Assemble the Roti Prata Ice Cream Sandwich:** Cut each roti prata in half. Place a generous scoop of the coconut ice cream between two halves of the roti prata, creating an ice cream sandwich.

**Serve:** Pour the chilled Gula Melaka coconut soup into bowls. Place a roti prata ice cream sandwich on the side of each bowl. Garnish the soup with toasted desiccated coconut. Serve immediately and enjoy the delightful contrast of flavors and textures.