Traditional Vietnamese Chè Sen Đậu Đỏ Recipe: A Sweet and Fragrant Dessert Soup

Ingredients

  • 1 cup of lotus seeds
  • 1 cup of red beans
  • 10 cups of water
  • 1 cup of sugar
  • 1/2 cup of coconut milk
  • 1/2 teaspoon of salt
  • 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract

Steps and instructions

  1. Soak the lotus seeds and red beans in separate bowls of water overnight.
  2. Drain the lotus seeds and red beans, then rinse them under cold water.
  3. Place the lotus seeds, red beans, and 10 cups of water in a large pot.
  4. Bring the water to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 2 hours or until the beans and seeds are soft. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
  5. Add the sugar, salt, and vanilla extract to the pot and stir until the sugar dissolves.
  6. Pour in the coconut milk and stir well. Let the mixture simmer for another 15-20 minutes until it thickens slightly.
  7. Turn off the heat and let the Chè Sen Đậu Đỏ cool before serving. You can enjoy it either hot or cold.

Tools for making

  • Large pot - Needed to cook the lotus seeds and red beans.
  • Bowl - Used to soak the lotus seeds and red beans overnight.
  • Strainer - Used to drain and rinse the lotus seeds and red beans.
  • Spoon - Used for stirring the ingredients in the pot.
  • Measuring cup - Used to measure the lotus seeds, red beans, water, sugar, coconut milk, and salt.
  • Stove - Needed to simmer the mixture.
  • Serving bowls or glasses - Used to serve the Chè Sen Đậu Đỏ.

Recipe variations

  • Add a pandan leaf or pandan extract for an additional flavor.
  • Replace the lotus seeds with water chestnuts for a crunchy texture.
  • Use brown sugar or palm sugar instead of white sugar for a richer taste.
  • Add cooked sticky rice for a thicker consistency.
  • Top the Chè Sen Đậu Đỏ with crushed peanuts or toasted sesame seeds for added crunch.
  • Add coconut flakes or coconut shreds for more coconut flavor and texture.
  • Add a splash of coconut water or coconut juice for a more refreshing taste.
  • Blend some of the mixture to create a smoother and creamier texture.
  • Serve the Chè Sen Đậu Đỏ with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert.

Recipe overview

Indulge in the rich and creamy flavors of Vietnamese cuisine with this delightful Chè Sen Đậu Đỏ recipe. This traditional dessert soup combines lotus seeds and red beans simmered to perfection, with a sweet and slightly salty taste profile. Accented with a hint of vanilla and blended with coconut milk, the dish offers a unique texture and taste that is both comforting and delicious. Whether consumed hot or cold, this recipe will take you through an authentic Vietnamese culinary journey right from your kitchen. Expect a preparation time of about 24 hours due to soaking, with a cooking time of approximately 3 hours. The final result? A mouthwatering dessert that's absolutely worth the wait. Prepare to be delighted!

Common questions

  1. Can I use canned lotus seeds and red beans instead of soaking them overnight?
  2. You can use canned lotus seeds and red beans as a time-saving alternative. Just make sure to rinse them well before using.
  3. Can I use other types of beans or seeds?
  4. While this recipe traditionally uses lotus seeds and red beans, you can experiment with other beans or seeds of your choice. However, the taste and texture may vary.
  5. Can I adjust the sweetness level?
  6. Yes, you can adjust the amount of sugar according to your preference. Start with the recommended amount and add more if desired.
  7. Can I use other types of milk?
  8. Coconut milk adds a unique flavor to this dessert. However, you can substitute it with other types of milk like almond milk or dairy milk if you prefer.
  9. How long can I store Chè Sen Đậu Đỏ?
  10. You can store Chè Sen Đậu Đỏ in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it before serving if you prefer it warm.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Serving bowls - These will be used to serve the Chè Sen Đậu Đỏ.
  • Spoons - Provide spoons for guests to serve themselves the dessert.
  • Ladle - Use a ladle to serve the Chè Sen Đậu Đỏ from the pot into individual bowls.
  • Garnish options - Prepare optional garnishes such as shredded coconut, roasted sesame seeds, or crushed peanuts to sprinkle on top of the dessert.
  • Chilled plates - If serving the Chè Sen Đậu Đỏ cold, consider chilling the plates before serving to keep the dessert cool.

Origin stories

Chè Sen Đậu Đỏ hails from the vibrant culinary landscape of Vietnam, where it is cherished as a comforting, sweet dessert soup. The story goes that during the agricultural era, Vietnamese farmers looked for ways to make use of all their produce, resulting in a wide variety of Chè, or sweet soups. Lotus seeds and red beans were commonly grown and harvested, thus easily found their way into the farmers' pots. Chè Sen Đậu Đỏ, with its mix of the subtle nuttiness of lotus seeds and the richness of red beans, soon became a beloved dessert, symbolizing frugality, resourcefulness, and the sweet simplicity of rural life. Enjoyed either hot or cold, this treat continues to offer a delightful taste of Vietnam's rich culinary heritage and the ingenuity of its people.

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.