Authentic Vietnamese Che Sam Bo Luong Recipe

Ingredients

  • 1 cup of Lotus Seeds
  • 1/2 cup of Pearl Barley
  • 1/4 cup of Dried Longans
  • 1/4 cup of Dried Red Dates (Jujube)
  • 1/4 cup of Dried Lotus Root
  • 1/4 cup of Dried Figs
  • 1/4 cup of Dried Logan Pits
  • 1/4 cup of Dried Seaweeds
  • 1/4 cup of Rock Sugar
  • 8 cups of Water

Steps and instructions

  1. Soak the lotus seeds, pearl barley, dried longans, red dates, lotus root, figs, logan pits, and seaweeds in water for a minimum of 1 hour.
  2. Drain the water and then add 8 cups of fresh water to all these ingredients in a large pot.
  3. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for around 2 hours. Make sure to stir occasionally.
  4. Add the rock sugar to the pot and stir until it’s completely dissolved.
  5. Simmer for another 15 minutes, then turn off the heat and let the mixture cool down a bit.
  6. Once it’s cooled down, pour the Che Sam Bo Luong into individual serving bowls.
  7. It can be served hot or cold, depending on personal preference.

Tools for making

  • Large Pot - A pot large enough to hold 8 cups of water and all the ingredients.
  • Strainer - Used to drain and rinse the soaked ingredients.
  • Stirring Spoon - For stirring the mixture while it simmers.
  • Serving Bowls - Individual bowls for serving the Che Sam Bo Luong.

Recipe variations

  • Add a teaspoon of dried goji berries for additional sweetness and health benefits.
  • Include a tablespoon of dried longan pulp for a stronger longan flavor.
  • Experiment with different types of dried fruits such as dried apricots or raisins.
  • Replace the rock sugar with honey or maple syrup for a natural sweetener.
  • Add a pinch of salt to enhance the flavors.
  • Include a tablespoon of chia seeds for added texture and nutritional value.
  • Garnish each serving with a sprinkle of crushed nuts like almonds or walnuts.
  • Add a few drops of rose water or pandan essence for a fragrant twist.
  • For a creamier texture, substitute a portion of the water with coconut milk or almond milk.
  • For a refreshing twist, serve the che sam bo luong with a scoop of coconut or green tea ice cream.

Recipe overview

Che Sam Bo Luong is a delightful refreshment from Vietnam, often considered a cooling sweet soup or a healthy dessert. This recipe includes a variety of healthy ingredients such as lotus seeds, pearl barley, dried longans, red dates, lotus root, figs, logan pits, and seaweeds. These ingredients are simmered together and sweetened with rock sugar to create a unique, delicious taste that's both sweet and savory. It's a versatile dish that can be served hot or cold, depending on your preference. The preparation is quite simple, even though the ingredients might sound exotic. Once you try it, this soothing and nourishing dessert might just become one of your favorites. This recipe serves about 4-6 people, making it perfect for family gatherings or weekday desserts. Let's dive in and discover the step-by-step process of making Che Sam Bo Luong.

Common questions

  1. Can I use different types of dried fruits in this recipe? - Yes, you can customize the dried fruits according to your preference. Just make sure to adjust the quantities accordingly.
  2. Can I substitute rock sugar with regular sugar? - Yes, you can substitute rock sugar with regular sugar. However, the taste and texture may differ slightly.
  3. Is it necessary to soak the ingredients before cooking? - Yes, soaking the ingredients helps to soften them and reduce the cooking time.
  4. Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker? - Yes, you can adapt this recipe for a slow cooker. Follow the same steps, but adjust the cooking time accordingly.
  5. Can I store the leftovers? - Yes, you can store the leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat before serving.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Large Pot - Needed for boiling the ingredients and simmering the Che Sam Bo Luong.
  • Strainer - Used to drain the soaked ingredients before cooking.
  • Serving Bowls - Required for serving the Che Sam Bo Luong to individual portions.
  • Spoon - Used for stirring the ingredients while cooking and serving the dessert.

Origin stories

Che Sam Bo Luong, a sweet and nutritious dessert, hails from the vibrant culinary traditions of Vietnam. This dessert is not just loved for its flavors but also for its health benefits. In the Vietnamese culture, food is more than just sustenance but a form of medicine, and Che Sam Bo Luong stands as a testament to this belief. This dessert soup is packed with various ingredients known for their health properties in traditional Eastern medicine. Each ingredient - from lotus seeds, which are believed to improve digestion and the complexion, to red dates and longans, thought to nourish the blood and calm the mind, contributes to the holistic health benefits of this dish. So, when you are savouring a bowl of Che Sam Bo Luong, you are not just enjoying a delicious dessert but also a nourishing treat that has been a beloved part of Vietnamese wellness routines for generations.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.