Authentic Vietnamese Chè Đỗ Đen Recipe: A Delightful Black Bean Dessert Soup

Ingredients

  • 1 cup of black beans
  • 1 cup of sugar
  • 5 cups of water
  • 1/2 cup of tapioca pearls
  • 1 can of coconut milk (optional)
  • 1/2 teaspoon of salt
  • 2 tablespoons of toasted sesame seeds (optional for garnishing)
  • Crushed ice (optional)

Steps and instructions

  1. Soak the black beans in water overnight.
  2. Drain the beans and add them to a pot along with 5 cups of water.
  3. Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 2 hours until the beans are soft. Check and stir occasionally to prevent the beans from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
  4. While the beans are cooking, prepare the tapioca pearls. Soak them in warm water for about 20 minutes until they become translucent.
  5. Once the beans are soft, add the sugar and salt to the pot and stir until they are fully dissolved.
  6. Add the soaked tapioca pearls to the pot and continue to simmer for another 15 minutes until the pearls become soft and chewy.
  7. Turn off the heat and let the dessert cool down. Optionally, you can add coconut milk for a creamier taste.
  8. Serve the Chè Đỗ Đen in bowls, topped with toasted sesame seeds and crushed ice if desired.

Tools for making

  • Pot - A large pot to cook the black beans and simmer the dessert.
  • Strainer - A strainer or colander to drain the soaked black beans.
  • Bowl - Bowls to serve the Chè Đỗ Đen.
  • Spoon - A spoon for stirring the ingredients while cooking.
  • Measuring cup - Measuring cups for accurately measuring the ingredients.
  • Toasted sesame seeds - Optional garnish for topping the dessert.

Recipe variations

  • Adding a pinch of ginger powder or pandan leaves to the simmering beans for extra flavor.
  • Using brown sugar or palm sugar instead of white sugar for a different taste.
  • Adding cooked sweet potatoes or taro cubes to the dessert for added texture and sweetness.
  • Replacing the tapioca pearls with sago pearls or chia seeds for a different texture.
  • Adding a splash of coconut cream instead of coconut milk for a richer taste.
  • Garnishing with crushed peanuts or almond slices for added crunch.
  • Serving the Chè Đỗ Đen with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent twist.

Recipe overview

Chè Đỗ Đen is a traditional Vietnamese dessert made from black beans and tapioca pearls. This sweet treat is both nourishing and refreshing, making it perfect for either a summer dessert or a warming winter treat. It's easy to make and has a unique, slightly sweet and creamy taste that you won't easily forget. The black beans are cooked until soft and then mixed with chewy tapioca pearls, creating a delightful contrast of textures. Optionally, you can top it with toasted sesame seeds and crushed ice for an extra layer of flavor and refreshment. Whether you're familiar with Vietnamese cuisine or just looking for a new dessert to try, Chè Đỗ Đen is a delicious choice.

Common questions

  1. Can I use canned black beans instead of soaking them overnight? Yes, you can use canned black beans as a time-saving alternative. Simply drain and rinse the canned beans before adding them to the pot.
  2. Can I reduce the amount of sugar in this recipe? Yes, you can adjust the amount of sugar to your preference. However, keep in mind that reducing the sugar may affect the taste and sweetness of the dessert.
  3. Is coconut milk necessary? No, coconut milk is optional. It adds a creamy texture and flavor to the dessert, but you can omit it if you prefer.
  4. Can I use other types of pearls instead of tapioca pearls? Traditional Chè Đỗ Đen recipe uses tapioca pearls, but you can experiment with other types of pearls like sago pearls or even chia seeds if you prefer.
  5. How long does it take for the tapioca pearls to cook? Tapioca pearls usually take around 15 minutes to cook. They should become soft and chewy when properly cooked.
  6. Can I make Chè Đỗ Đen ahead of time? Yes, you can make Chè Đỗ Đen ahead of time and refrigerate it. It can be enjoyed cold or reheated before serving.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Pot - to cook the black beans and simmer the dessert
  • Spoon - for stirring the beans, sugar, and salt
  • Bowl - for serving the Chè Đỗ Đen
  • Toasted sesame seeds - for garnishing the dessert
  • Crushed ice - optional for serving the dessert chilled

Origin stories

Chè Đỗ Đen hails from the rich culinary tradition of Vietnam, where it is commonly enjoyed as a sweet dessert or snack. Known for its comforting and refreshing qualities, this black bean dessert soup is often associated with family gatherings and social occasions. In fact, it's a common sight to see street vendors in Vietnam serving this delightful treat, particularly during the sweltering summer months. One interesting aspect of this dish is its adaptability. It can be served hot or cold, and with or without additional elements like coconut milk or ice, making it a truly versatile dish. While the basic ingredients of black beans and tapioca pearls remain constant, regional and familial variations abound, making each bowl of Chè Đỗ Đen a unique culinary experience.

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.