Authentic Vietnamese Che Sen Nha Dam - Delightful Lotus Seed and Aloe Vera Sweet Soup Recipe

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup of dried lotus seeds
  • 1/2 cup of white rock sugar
  • 1 aloe vera leaf
  • 2 cups of water
  • 2 pandan leaves

Steps and instructions

  1. Begin by rinsing the dried lotus seeds under warm water. Soak them in a bowl with enough water to completely cover the seeds for at least 2 hours, or overnight if possible.
  2. In the meantime, prepare the aloe vera. Cut off the ends of the leaf and remove the green skin carefully. Chop the aloe vera gel into small cubes. Rinse these cubes under cold water to get rid of the aloe vera's natural bitterness.
  3. Once the lotus seeds have been soaked, drain them and place them into a pot. Add 2 cups of water and the pandan leaves, tied into a knot for easy removal later.
  4. Bring the pot to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 1 hour or until the lotus seeds are soft and tender.
  5. Once the lotus seeds are cooked, add the white rock sugar. Stir well until the sugar completely dissolves.
  6. Add the cubed aloe vera into the pot and simmer for another 5-10 minutes.
  7. Remove the pandan leaves from the pot before serving. The Che Sen Nha Dam can be enjoyed hot or cold.

Tools for making

  • Pot - A medium-sized pot to cook the lotus seeds and aloe vera
  • Knife - A sharp knife to carefully remove the skin of the aloe vera leaf
  • Cutting board - A cutting board to safely chop the aloe vera gel
  • Bowl - A bowl to soak the lotus seeds
  • Strainer - A strainer to drain the soaked lotus seeds
  • Measuring cup - A measuring cup to accurately measure the amount of water

Recipe variations

  • Instead of using dried lotus seeds, you can try using other types of beans or seeds such as mung beans, black beans, or red beans.
  • For a different flavor, you can substitute the white rock sugar with brown sugar, palm sugar, or honey.
  • To add more texture, you can include other ingredients like tapioca pearls, sago pearls, or chia seeds.
  • If aloe vera is not available or preferred, you can try using other fruits such as mango, lychee, or pineapple to add a refreshing twist.
  • To make it more indulgent, you can top the Che Sen Nha Dam with coconut cream, coconut milk, or condensed milk.

Recipe overview

Che Sen Nha Dam is a traditional Vietnamese dessert, best known for its refreshing and subtle sweetness. It's a simple dish made with lotus seeds and aloe vera, cooked in a sweet syrup with the wonderful aroma of pandan leaves. The lotus seeds have a soft texture and subtle flavor, while the aloe vera provides a refreshing crunch. This dish is usually served cold, making it a perfect dessert for hot summer days. Preparing Che Sen Nha Dam involves a few steps, including soaking and boiling the lotus seeds, preparing the aloe vera, and making a sweet syrup. Despite this, it's a relatively straightforward recipe that even novice cooks can tackle. Whether you're new to Vietnamese cuisine or a seasoned aficionado, you'll appreciate the unique flavors and textures of this delightful dessert.

Common questions

  1. How long does it take to soak the lotus seeds? - Soak the lotus seeds for at least 2 hours, or overnight if possible.
  2. How do I prepare the aloe vera? - Cut off the ends of the aloe vera leaf and carefully remove the green skin. Chop the aloe vera gel into small cubes, then rinse them under cold water to remove any bitterness.
  3. How long should I simmer the lotus seeds? - Simmer the lotus seeds for about 1 hour or until they are soft and tender.
  4. Can I enjoy Che Sen Nha Dam hot or cold? - Yes, you can enjoy it both hot and cold, depending on your preference.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Pot - A pot is needed to cook the lotus seeds and other ingredients.
  • Knife - A knife is necessary to cut the aloe vera leaf and remove the skin.
  • Cutting board - A cutting board provides a stable surface for chopping the aloe vera.
  • Bowl - A bowl is used for soaking the lotus seeds.
  • Strainer - A strainer is needed to drain the soaked lotus seeds.
  • Stirring spoon - A stirring spoon is used to stir the mixture while cooking.
  • Serving bowls or glasses - These are used to serve the Che Sen Nha Dam.

Origin stories

Che Sen Nha Dam, a refreshing dessert from Vietnam, has a captivating history. Lotus seeds, the main ingredient, have a significant role in Vietnamese culture and are often associated with royalty and divinity due to their beauty and usefulness. They symbolize purity and spiritual growth in Buddhism, and are even used in traditional medicine for their beneficial properties. The use of aloe vera in this dessert is a testament to the Vietnamese culinary philosophy of combining various flavors and textures, as well as using ingredients that have health benefits. Aloe vera, known for its cooling properties, balances the sweetness of the lotus seeds, making this dessert not only delightful but also refreshing. Che Sen Nha Dam is truly a harmonious blend of culture, taste, and wellness.

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.

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