Authentic Vietnamese Chè Mè Đậu Đỏ Recipe: A Delicious Sweet Soup Dessert

Ingredients

1 cup of red adzuki beans
1/2 cup of sticky rice
1 1/2 cups of sugar
1/2 cup of tapioca pearls
A pinch of salt
1/2 cup of dried lotus seeds
1 can of coconut milk
1 tablespoon of vanilla extract
1/2 cup of crushed peanuts
1/2 cup of sesame seeds

Steps and instructions

Soak the red adzuki beans, sticky rice, and lotus seeds in separate bowls of water overnight to soften them.
Drain the soaked ingredients. Rinse the beans and rice under running water until the water runs clear.
Place the beans in a pot, add enough water to cover them and bring to a boil. Lower the heat and simmer until the beans are soft, about 1 hour.
While the beans are cooking, cook the rice in a separate pot with 2 cups of water. Simmer until the rice is soft and the water is absorbed, about 20 minutes.
In another pot, cook the lotus seeds with a pinch of salt until they become soft, about 20 minutes.
Cook the tapioca pearls according to the instructions on the package. Once cooked, rinse under cold water and set aside.
When the beans are cooked, add the sugar and stir until it dissolves completely.
Add the cooked rice and lotus seeds to the beans, stir well. Then, add the coconut milk and vanilla extract, stir to mix evenly.
Finally, stir in the cooked tapioca pearls. Let the mixture simmer for another 5-10 minutes.
Serve hot or cold, garnished with crushed peanuts and sesame seeds as desired.

Tools for making

Pot - A pot will be needed to cook the adzuki beans, sticky rice, and lotus seeds.
Colander - A colander will be used to drain and rinse the soaked beans and rice.
Separate Bowls - Separate bowls will be needed to soak the adzuki beans, sticky rice, and lotus seeds overnight.
Stove - A stove will be used to cook the various ingredients.
Spoon - A spoon will be used for stirring the ingredients while cooking.
Measuring Cup - A measuring cup will be needed to measure the sugar, coconut milk, and other ingredients.
Knife - A knife will be used for garnishing and chopping ingredients if needed.
Serving Bowls - Serving bowls will be needed to serve the Chè Mè Đậu Đỏ.

Recipe variations

Replace red adzuki beans with mung beans for a different flavor.
Use black glutinous rice instead of sticky rice for a darker and nuttier taste.
Add a pandan leaf or pandan extract for an aromatic twist.
Replace sugar with honey or maple syrup for a healthier sweetener.
Add diced fruits such as mango, banana, or jackfruit for a fruity variation.
Include cooked taro or sweet potatoes for added texture and flavor.
Replace coconut milk with almond milk or soy milk for a dairy-free option.
Add a teaspoon of matcha powder for a green tea-infused chè.
Add a splash of rum or coconut rum for an adult version of the dessert.
Sprinkle toasted coconut flakes on top for an extra crunchy element.

Recipe overview

Chè Mè Đậu Đỏ is a traditional Vietnamese dessert that is not just delicious, but also quite healthy. This dessert soup is made with red adzuki beans, sticky rice, and lotus seeds, flavored with coconut milk and vanilla, and garnished with crushed peanuts and sesame seeds. This recipe takes some time and love to prepare, as the beans, rice, and lotus seeds require soaking overnight. But the result is a rich, satisfying dessert that's both sweet and a little savory, and full of interesting textures. The finished Chè can be served either hot or cold, depending on your preference, making it a versatile treat for any season. Enjoy making this unique Vietnamese dessert and savor its delightful combination of flavors and textures!

Common questions

Can I use canned adzuki beans instead of dried ones? Absolutely! Using canned adzuki beans can save you time and effort. Simply drain and rinse the beans before adding them to the recipe.
Can I substitute sticky rice with regular rice? Sticky rice is traditionally used in this recipe for its unique texture and flavor. However, if you don't have sticky rice, you can use regular rice, but the texture of the dessert may be slightly different.
Can I use other types of sweeteners instead of sugar? Yes, you can use alternative sweeteners like honey, maple syrup, or sweeteners of your choice. Adjust the amount according to your taste.
Can I omit the tapioca pearls? Yes, you can omit the tapioca pearls if you prefer. They add a chewy texture to the dessert, but it will still be delicious without them.
Can I use fresh lotus seeds instead of dried? Fresh lotus seeds can be used if you have access to them. However, they may require a longer cooking time compared to dried lotus seeds.
Can I use light coconut milk instead of regular coconut milk? Yes, you can use light coconut milk if you prefer. However, regular coconut milk provides a richer and creamier taste.
Can I make this dessert in advance? Yes, you can make this dessert in advance and store it in the refrigerator. It can be served cold or reheated before serving.
How can I adjust the sweetness level? The amount of sugar can be adjusted to your preference. You can start with a smaller amount and gradually add more if desired.

Serving dishes and utensils

Pot - Used for cooking the adzuki beans, rice, and lotus seeds.
Saucepan - Used for cooking the tapioca pearls.
Strainer - Used for rinsing the beans, rice, and tapioca pearls.
Mixing spoon - Used for stirring the ingredients while cooking.
Cup or ladle - Used for measuring and serving the ingredients.
Garnish bowl - Used for serving crushed peanuts and sesame seeds as garnish.

Origin stories

Chè Mè Đậu Đỏ, a traditional Vietnamese dessert, is a delightful melody of textures and flavors, hailing from the countryside where every ingredient tells a story. Adzuki beans, the heart of the dish, hold a revered place in Vietnamese folklore. Believed to ward off evil spirits when used in red bean porridge during the Lunar New Year, these beans bring a layer of history and belief to our palate. This dessert is typically consumed in the summer, with its cool and soothing flavor proving to be a balm against the tropical heat. However, its versatility does not end there - it can be enjoyed hot, serving as a comforting treat in the cooler months. The inclusion of lotus seeds, a symbol of purity in Buddhist culture, also adds to the spiritual essence of this dessert. The journey of Chè Mè Đậu Đỏ from rural kitchens to bustling city streets encapsulates the tale of Vietnam itself, where tradition and modernity coalesce in every mouthful.

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.