Delicious and Refreshing Che Sen Nha Dua: A Vietnamese Lotus Seed and Coconut Milk Dessert

Ingredients

1 cup of mung beans
1 cup of sugar
1/2 teaspoon of salt
2 cups of water
4 pandan leaves
3 tablespoons of tapioca starch
2 cups of coconut milk
1/4 cup of lotus seeds

Steps and instructions

Wash and soak the mung beans and lotus seeds in separate bowls of water for at least 2 hours or overnight.
In a pot, bring 2 cups of water to a boil. Add the soaked mung beans, salt, and pandan leaves. Simmer until the mung beans are soft.
While the mung beans are cooking, prepare the tapioca mixture. Mix tapioca starch with 1/4 cup of cold water until the starch is fully dissolved.
Once the mung beans are soft, remove the pandan leaves and add sugar. Stir until the sugar is fully dissolved.
Slowly pour the tapioca mixture into the pot, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Continue cooking for another 5-10 minutes until the mixture thickens.
Add the soaked and drained lotus seeds into the pot. Stir and cook for another 5 minutes.
Finally, add the coconut milk and stir well. Cook for another 5 minutes until everything is well combined and the soup has thickened to your desired consistency.
Remove from heat and let it cool down a bit before serving. Enjoy your Che Sen Nha Dua warm or chilled.

Tools for making

Pot - A large pot to cook the mung beans and lotus seeds.
Mixing Spoon - A spoon for stirring the ingredients while cooking.
Measuring Cup - To accurately measure the ingredients.
Strainer - To strain the soaked mung beans and lotus seeds.
Knife - To cut the pandan leaves (optional).
Serving Bowls - For serving the Che Sen Nha Dua.

Recipe variations

Adding sliced bananas or jackfruit to the Che Sen Nha Dua for added sweetness and flavor.
Replacing mung beans with black beans or red beans for a different flavor and texture.
Using coconut cream instead of coconut milk for a richer and creamier soup.
Adding a pinch of cinnamon or cardamom powder to enhance the aroma and taste.
Adding cooked sticky rice to create a thicker and heartier soup.
Using palm sugar instead of regular sugar for a more traditional taste.
Adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract or pandan extract for additional flavor.

Recipe overview

Welcome to our recipe for Che Sen Nha Dua, a traditional Vietnamese dessert known for its sweet, creamy, and slightly nutty flavor. This dessert soup showcases the delicate blend of mung beans, lotus seeds, coconut milk, and pandan leaves. The result is a delectably sweet, rich, and comforting treat that is amazingly simple to make at home. This recipe will walk you through the process of preparing Che Sen Nha Dua from scratch. You'll start by soaking your mung beans and lotus seeds, then simmering them until soft. You'll then create a thickening tapioca mixture that will be stirred into your soup, helping it achieve a wonderfully smooth and creamy consistency. Finally, a generous pour of coconut milk will give your dessert an indulgent richness. Whether you're already a fan of Vietnamese cuisine or new to these flavors, this Che Sen Nha Dua recipe is sure to delight. Enjoy it warm or chilled for a unique and satisfying dessert experience.

Common questions

Can I use other beans instead of mung beans? Yes, you can substitute mung beans with other beans like red beans or black-eyed peas for a different flavor and texture.
Can I use coconut cream instead of coconut milk? Yes, you can use coconut cream if you prefer a richer and creamier texture. Just adjust the amount according to your taste.
Can I skip the lotus seeds? Yes, you can omit the lotus seeds if you don't have them or if you prefer a simpler version of Che Sen Nha Dua.
Can I use regular sugar instead of granulated sugar? Yes, you can use regular white sugar instead of granulated sugar. Just make sure to adjust the amount of sugar to your desired sweetness.
Can I make this recipe vegan-friendly? Yes, you can make this recipe vegan-friendly by using a plant-based milk substitute, such as almond milk or soy milk, instead of coconut milk.
How long does it take for the mung beans to soften? It usually takes about 30-40 minutes for the mung beans to soften and become tender.
Can I store the leftovers? Yes, you can store the leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat before serving.
Can I serve this dessert warm? Yes, you can serve Che Sen Nha Dua warm or chilled, depending on your preference.

Serving dishes and utensils

Pot - You'll need a medium-sized pot to cook the mung beans and prepare the Che Sen Nha Dua.
Mixing spoon - A mixing spoon will be handy for stirring the ingredients while cooking.
Measuring cups - Use measuring cups to accurately measure the quantities of mung beans, sugar, and coconut milk.
Strainer - A strainer will help you drain and rinse the soaked mung beans and lotus seeds.
Small bowls - You may want to serve the Che Sen Nha Dua in individual small bowls.
Serving spoons - Have serving spoons ready for ladling the Che Sen Nha Dua into bowls.
Pandan leaves - If you want to garnish the dessert, you can use pandan leaves to add flavor and aroma.

Origin stories

Che Sen Nha Dua, a traditional Vietnamese dessert, carries a humble yet heartwarming tale of its origin. In the olden days, when Vietnam was primarily an agrarian society, people had to be resourceful with the ingredients they could grow. Among them were mung beans, lotus seeds, and coconuts - the key ingredients in Che Sen Nha Dua. The dessert was a staple during the Mid-Autumn Festival, a time when families gathered to celebrate the end of the harvest season. Che Sen Nha Dua was not just a sweet ending to the meal, but a symbol of the people's gratitude for a successful harvest. Over time, this dessert has become a beloved comfort food in Vietnam, enjoyed in both the bustling cities and the tranquil countryside, served either warm or chilled, depending on the season. It is said that the sweetness of Che Sen Nha Dua is reminiscent of the sweetness of life in Vietnam, a country known for its vibrant culture, warm people, and rich agricultural heritage.

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.