Chè Đậu Đen (Black Bean Sweet Soup)

Chè Đậu Đen, or Black Bean Sweet Soup, is a Vietnamese dessert with a delightful contrast of flavors. Sweet black beans and creamy coconut milk blend into a comforting dish.

The dessert originated from traditional Vietnamese cuisine, known for its simplicity and depth of flavor. Ingredients are basic yet create a complex taste profile. Black beans add an earthy tone, while brown sugar offers sweetness. Coconut milk enhances richness without overpowering the beans.

Make Chè Đậu Đen the next time you want a taste of Vietnam. Here’s how to do it.

Ingredients

To prepare Chè Đậu Đen, gather these ingredients:

1 cup dry black beans: Soaked for 6-8 hours or overnight.
1/4 tsp salt: For seasoning.
3 cups water: Used for boiling the beans.
1/2 cup sugar: Adjust to taste.
1 cup coconut milk: Adds richness.
Optional toppings: Crushed ice or tapioca pearls.

Carefully select fresh beans for the best results.

Instructions

To make Chè Đậu Đen, follow these steps:

Rinse and soak the black beans for 6-8 hours.
Drain and place them in a pot with 3 cups of water and salt.
Boil the beans until tender, then add sugar. Stir until dissolved.
Pour in coconut milk and simmer gently, blending flavors.
Serve hot or chilled, as preferred. Add optional toppings.

Monitor the beans during cooking to avoid overcooking.

Tasting Notes

The taste of Chè Đậu Đen is a delightful balance of flavors. Black beans deliver a subtle earthiness. Sugar provides sweetness. Coconut milk enriches the texture, creating a creamy finish.

When served cold, the dessert is very refreshing. As a warm dish, it offers comforting warmth. Each bite brings a harmonious blend of flavors that isn’t overpowering. It’s a satisfying dessert that can be adjusted to your preferred level of sweetness.

Similar Dessert

Chè Đậu Đen is part of a diverse family of Vietnamese “Chè” desserts. Many of these feature beans, grains, or fruits.

Chè Đậu Xanh or mung bean dessert shares similarities. It uses mung beans instead of black beans and can also be served hot or chilled. Chè Ba Màu, or three-color dessert, contains layers of different ingredients. These options highlight the versatility of Vietnamese desserts.

History

Chè Đậu Đen carries a piece of Vietnamese culinary history. Traditionally, it has been a popular choice during family gatherings and Tet (Vietnamese New Year).

This dessert reflects the resourcefulness of Vietnamese cuisine, utilizing local, affordable ingredients. Over the years, Chè Đậu Đen became loved across generations, bringing people together with its simple yet satisfying flavors.