Authentic Vietnamese Chè Đậu Đen Recipe: A Sweet Black Bean Dessert Soup

Ingredients

  • 1 cup of black beans
  • 6 cups of water
  • 1 cup of sugar
  • 1/2 cup of glutinous rice flour
  • 2 tablespoons of tapioca starch
  • 1 can of coconut milk (400ml)
  • 1/4 teaspoon of salt
  • 1 tablespoon of toasted sesame seeds (optional for garnish)
  • Pandan leaves (optional for flavor)

Steps and instructions

  1. Start by rinsing the black beans under cold water until the water runs clear.
  2. Place the beans in a large pot and add 6 cups of water. Bring the water to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot and let it simmer for about 2 hours or until the beans are tender.
  3. In a small bowl, mix the glutinous rice flour and tapioca starch with 4 tablespoons of water. Stir until there are no lumps and the mixture is smooth.
  4. Once the beans are cooked, add sugar and stir until fully dissolved. Then, add the flour mixture to the pot, stirring constantly to avoid lumps.
  5. Continue to cook over medium heat until the soup thickens to your liking. Remember to stir regularly to prevent the soup from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
  6. In a separate pot, heat the coconut milk over medium heat. Add a pinch of salt and stir until fully dissolved. Cook for about 5 minutes or until the coconut milk is hot but not boiling.
  7. When serving, ladle the black bean soup into a bowl, drizzle with the warm coconut milk, and sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds. Add a few pandan leaves for extra flavor if desired.

Tools for making

  • Large pot - for cooking the black beans and making the soup
  • Small bowl - for mixing the glutinous rice flour and tapioca starch with water
  • Stirring spoon - for stirring the soup and preventing it from sticking to the pot
  • Separate pot - for heating the coconut milk
  • Ladle - for serving the black bean soup
  • Toasted sesame seeds (optional) - for garnishing the soup
  • Pandan leaves (optional) - for adding extra flavor to the soup

Recipe variations

  • Replace black beans with other types of beans such as red beans or mung beans.
  • Use brown sugar or palm sugar instead of white sugar for a different flavor.
  • Add a tablespoon of coconut oil to enhance the coconut flavor.
  • Include cooked sticky rice or sweet potatoes for added texture.
  • Experiment with different toppings such as crushed peanuts, coconut flakes, or sliced fruits.
  • Add a pinch of cinnamon or cardamom powder for a hint of spice.
  • For a vegan version, substitute the cow's milk-based glutinous rice flour with a plant-based alternative.
  • Replace coconut milk with almond milk, soy milk, or any other non-dairy milk of your choice.
  • Try using pandan extract or pandan essence to infuse the dessert with a fragrant aroma.
  • For a savory twist, add a pinch of salt and serve the black bean soup as a side dish to accompany a main course.

Recipe overview

Chè Đậu Đen, or Vietnamese Black Bean Dessert Soup, is a sweet and creamy traditional Vietnamese dessert. This dessert is made from nutrient-rich black beans and is often enjoyed either hot or cold. The base of the dessert is a thick, sweet soup made from cooked black beans and sugar. A hint of coconut milk adds a creamy and tropical touch to the dish, making it a truly unique dessert experience. The process of making Chè Đậu Đen is quite straightforward, but requires some patience, as the beans need to be simmered until they are tender. Whether you're familiar with Vietnamese cuisine or trying it for the first time, this dessert is a sweet treat that's worth the effort.

Common questions

  1. Can I use canned black beans instead of dried beans?
    Yes, you can use canned black beans for this recipe. Simply drain and rinse them before adding them to the pot. Reduce the cooking time since canned beans are already cooked.
  2. Can I use brown sugar instead of white sugar?
    Yes, you can use brown sugar as a substitute for white sugar. However, keep in mind that it may slightly alter the flavor and color of the soup.
  3. What can I use as a gluten-free alternative to glutinous rice flour?
    To make this recipe gluten-free, you can use rice flour or another gluten-free flour of your choice instead of glutinous rice flour. Adjust the amount of flour as needed to achieve the desired consistency.
  4. Do I have to add coconut milk?
    While coconut milk adds a creamy and aromatic touch to the dessert, it is optional. If you prefer a lighter version, you can skip the coconut milk or substitute it with a non-dairy milk of your choice.
  5. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
    Yes, you can make the black bean soup ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to serve, reheat it on the stovetop and prepare the coconut milk separately before serving.
  6. What else can I garnish the dessert with?
    Apart from toasted sesame seeds, you can also consider topping the dessert with crushed peanuts, coconut flakes, or even a scoop of ice cream for added flavor and texture.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Large pot - A pot big enough to cook the black beans and soup.
  • Small bowl - Used to mix the glutinous rice flour and tapioca starch with water.
  • Stirring spoon - Essential for stirring the black bean soup and preventing it from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
  • Separate pot - Required to heat the coconut milk.
  • Ladle - Used to scoop and serve the black bean soup into bowls.
  • Toasted sesame seeds (optional for garnish) - Sprinkled on top of the soup for added flavor and visual appeal.
  • Pandan leaves (optional for flavor) - Can be used to infuse the soup with a subtle pandan aroma.

Origin stories

Chè Đậu Đen, a sweet and fragrant dessert soup, hails from Vietnam, where "chè" refers to sweet beverages, dessert soups, or puddings. The black beans in this dish, "đậu đen", are believed to provide a cooling effect on the body, making this dessert particularly popular for hot summer days. Vietnamese cuisine is known for its balance of five elements, each of which corresponds to a different taste: sour, bitter, sweet, spicy, and salty. Chè Đậu Đen is a prime example of this harmony, with its sweet beans, salty coconut milk, and optional bitter pandan leaves. It represents a delightful blend of tastes, just as life in Vietnam represents a delightful blend of different influences and experiences.

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.