Authentic Vietnamese Chè Dừa Recipe: A Delicious Coconut Dessert

Ingredients

1 cup of sweet rice (also known as glutinous rice)
2 cans of coconut milk (approximately 400ml each)
1 cup of sugar
1/4 teaspoon of salt
1/2 cup of dried mung beans
1 tablespoon of cornstarch
1 cup of water
4 ripe bananas
1/2 cup of shredded coconut
1 tablespoon of sesame seeds

Steps and instructions

Rinse the sweet rice and mung beans under cold water until the water runs clear. Then, soak them separately in two bowls filled with plenty of water. Allow them to soak for at least 2 hours.
After soaking, drain the rice and mung beans. Then, steam them separately in a steamer for about 15 minutes, or until they're cooked thoroughly and tender. Set them aside to cool.
In a large saucepan, combine the coconut milk, water, sugar, and salt. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the sugar has dissolved.
Stir in the cooked sweet rice and mung beans into the saucepan. Allow the mixture to simmer for another 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom.
In a small bowl, dissolve the cornstarch in a little water and stir it into the saucepan. Continue to cook while stirring consistently for another 5 minutes or until the mixture thickens to your desired texture.
Peel and slice the bananas into thin rounds. Stir them into the mixture and continue to simmer for another 5 minutes, or until the bananas are soft.
While the bananas are cooking, toast the sesame seeds and shredded coconut in a dry frying pan over medium heat until golden brown. Set them aside.
Once the bananas are cooked, remove the saucepan from the heat. Allow the Chè Dừa to cool for a few minutes before serving.
When serving, sprinkle each portion with toasted sesame seeds and shredded coconut. Enjoy it warm or chilled, according to your preference.

Tools for making

Steamer - Used to steam the sweet rice and mung beans.
Saucepan - Used to cook and simmer the coconut milk mixture.
Small Bowl - Used to dissolve the cornstarch in water.
Frying Pan - Used to toast the sesame seeds and shredded coconut.
Knife - Used to peel and slice the bananas.

Recipe variations

Replace sweet rice with short-grain white rice for a different texture.
Use pandan leaves to infuse the coconut milk for a fragrant twist.
Add diced taro or sweet potato to the mixture for additional flavor and texture.
Include a pandan jelly layer by making a separate pandan-flavored jelly and layering it between the Chè Dừa.
Add tapioca pearls or sago pearls for chewy texture.
Try using palm sugar instead of regular sugar for a deeper, caramel-like flavor.
Add a touch of vanilla extract or pandan essence to enhance the overall taste.
Experiment with different toppings such as chopped peanuts, toasted coconut flakes, or fresh fruits like mango or jackfruit.
For a vegan version, substitute the regular milk with plant-based milk, such as coconut or almond milk.
For a crunchier texture, garnish with crushed ice or serve the Chè Dừa over shaved ice.

Recipe overview

Chè Dừa is a traditional Vietnamese dessert that is both unique and delicious. This delightful dessert is made from sweet rice, mung beans, and ripe bananas, all simmered in creamy coconut milk. The result is a sweet and creamy dish with a rich, tropical flavor. This recipe also includes toasted sesame seeds and shredded coconut for added texture and aroma. Making Chè Dừa is a simple process that involves soaking and steaming rice and mung beans, simmering them in a mixture of coconut milk and sugar, and then adding bananas. The recipe is versatile and can be served warm or chilled according to preference. Regardless of how you choose to serve it, Chè Dừa is sure to be a hit with its comforting and exotic flavors. Get ready to transport your taste buds to the tropical coasts of Vietnam!

Common questions

Can I use regular rice instead of sweet rice? No, sweet rice (glutinous rice) is important for the texture and consistency of Chè Dừa. Regular rice will not give you the desired results.
Can I use fresh coconut milk instead of canned? Yes, you can use fresh coconut milk if it is available. Just make sure to adjust the quantity accordingly to match the amount mentioned in the recipe.
Can I substitute the mung beans with another type of bean? Yes, if you can't find mung beans, you can substitute them with other beans such as red beans or black beans. However, keep in mind that it will change the flavor and appearance of the dessert.
Can I add other fruits to the Chè Dừa? Absolutely! Chè Dừa can be customized with various fruits such as jackfruit, mango, or lychee. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly depending on the fruits you choose.
Can I make Chè Dừa ahead of time? Yes, you can make Chè Dừa ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. It can be served chilled or reheated gently on the stovetop before serving.

Serving dishes and utensils

Saucepan - A large saucepan is needed to cook the Chè Dừa mixture.
Steamer - A steamer is required to steam the sweet rice and mung beans until they are tender.
Small bowl - A small bowl is needed to dissolve the cornstarch before adding it to the saucepan.
Frying pan - A dry frying pan is used to toast the sesame seeds and shredded coconut until golden brown.
Spoons - Various spoons are necessary for stirring the mixture and serving the Chè Dừa.
Plates or bowls - Plates or bowls are needed to serve the Chè Dừa.
Forks - Forks can be used for eating the Chè Dừa.

Origin stories

Chè Dừa hails from the vibrant culinary landscape of Vietnam, where it's cherished as a staple dessert. As with many foods of this region, Chè Dừa tells a story of resourcefulness and tradition. In the tropical climate of Vietnam, coconut trees and banana plants are abundant, and it's from these elements of nature that this delightful treat emerged. It's said that Vietnamese farmers, in their ingenuity, found a way to infuse the sweet, creamy flavor of coconut milk with the hearty texture of glutinous rice and the natural sweetness of bananas to create Chè Dừa. Now, it's a cherished comfort food, often served during family gatherings or as a sweet end to a meal. True to its origins, the making of Chè Dừa is, in itself, a celebration of the simple joys of life - the gathering of ingredients, the stirring of the pot, and the shared pleasure of savoring a bowl of warmth and sweetness.

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.