In Chè Đậu Đỏ, creamy coconut milk meets the hearty texture of red beans, creating a dessert that’s both refreshing and satisfying. This traditional Vietnamese sweet soup combines earthy and sweet flavors in a way that’s simple yet memorable. Follow along to make this classic dish and enjoy a taste of Vietnam’s best.
Ingredients
To make Chè Đậu Đỏ, you will need:
- 1 cup of dried red beans
- 4 cups of water
- 1 cup of coconut milk
- 1/2 cup of sugar
- A pinch of salt
- Optional: pandan leaves for aroma
These simple ingredients come together to create a sweet and creamy soup. Using fresh, high-quality ingredients will enhance the taste.
Instructions
Follow these steps to prepare your Chè Đậu Đỏ:
- Rinse the red beans thoroughly.
- Soak them in water for at least 6 hours, or overnight.
- Drain the beans and add them to a pot with 4 cups of water.
- If using pandan leaves, tie them in a knot and add them to the pot.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 1-2 hours until beans are tender.
- Stir in sugar and salt, cooking until dissolved.
- Add coconut milk and gently simmer for additional 10-15 minutes.
- Serve warm or chilled, as per your liking.
Tasting Notes
Expect a rich, sweet soup with a creamy texture thanks to the coconut milk. The red beans should be tender, offering a slight bite. The sweetness is balanced with a hint of salt. If pandan leaves are used, their fragrance provides a subtle, pleasant aroma that complements the bean flavor.
Similar Dessert
Chè Đậu Đỏ shares similarities with other Asian sweet soups. In Japan, shiruko is a red bean soup that uses sweet azuki beans. Halo-halo from the Philippines blends various sweets, including red beans, akin to Chè Đậu Đỏ in its use of beans and sweet elements. Each dish reflects its own cultural twist.
History
Chè Đậu Đỏ has roots in Vietnamese culinary traditions, emphasizing sweet, comforting dishes often served during celebrations. Red beans are considered lucky and auspicious, making this dish popular in festivities. The dessert’s simplicity reflects traditional Southeast Asian cuisine focusing on readily available, local ingredients.
Quick Pro Tips
- Soak beans longer to reduce cooking time.
- Adjust sugar to taste; start with less and add more as needed.
- For extra richness, use fresh coconut milk over canned.
- Refrigerate left-over soup for up to 3 days; serve chilled during warmer months for a refreshing dessert.
Top with roasted peanuts or sesame seeds for added texture when serving.
Leave a Reply