Che Dau Do (Red Bean Sweet Soup) is one of the simplest yet delicious dishes enjoyed by Vietnamese people. This delightful dessert features red beans as the main ingredient, which not only adds flavor but also provides numerous health benefits. Red beans are low in calories and high in fiber, making them an excellent choice for those seeking beauty care and weight loss. It is particularly favored by women for its beneficial properties.
In Vietnam, che dau do is widely available and affordable, making it a popular street food enjoyed throughout the year. It can be found at every corner, bringing joy to locals and tourists alike.
Preparing red bean sweet soup is similar to making black bean sweet soup, with only a few differences. You can enjoy the red bean soup with accompaniments such as coconut milk, lotus seeds,… depending on your preference. The cooking process is straightforward and does not require much time. With a little skill and attention, you can easily create a delectable dish with tender beans complemented by the rich flavor of coconut milk.
Other Che Recipes
Cooking note
- Yield: 4 servings
- Prep time: 8 hours (to soak the beans) + 10 minutes
- Cook time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Total time: 9 hours 40 minutes
- Course: Dessert
- Cuisine: Vietnamese
- Equipment:
- Large pot
- Strainer
- Blender or food processor
- Cooking spoon
Ingredients
- 1 cup red beans
- 5 cups water (for boiling the beans)
- 6 cups water (for making the sweet soup)
- 1 cup sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup coconut milk (optional, for serving)
How to make che dau do step-by-step?
- Rinse the dried red beans under cold water to remove any impurities. Place the beans in a large pot and add enough water to cover them completely. Let the beans soak for at least 8 hours or overnight.
- Drain the soaked red beans and rinse them again. Place the beans back in the pot and add 5 cups of water. Bring the water to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 1 hour or until the beans are soft and tender. Stir occasionally and add more water if needed.
- Once the beans are cooked, drain them using a strainer and set aside.
- In the same pot, add 6 cups of water and bring it to a boil. Add the cooked red beans back into the pot. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add sugar to the pot and stir well to dissolve. Adjust the amount of sugar according to your taste preference. Also, add the salt and continue to simmer for another 5 minutes.
- Remove the pot from the heat and let the sweet soup cool down for a few minutes.
- If desired, you can blend half of the sweet soup in a blender or food processor until smooth. This step is optional and helps create a thicker consistency.
- Serve the Chè Đậu Đỏ warm or chilled in bowls. You can drizzle a small amount of coconut milk on top for added flavor and creaminess.
Nutrition facts (per serving, without coconut milk)
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 59g
- Protein: 8g
- Fiber: 5g
Cooking red bean in Instant pot
The quickest and convenient way to cook red bean sweet soup is by using a pressure cooker.
Begin by rinsing the red beans thoroughly under cold water. Then, add the rinsed beans and approximately 3 cups of water to the pressure cooker.
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to properly seal the pressure cooker and set the timer.
Cook the beans at high pressure for 45 minutes, without the need for constant monitoring or stirring. Allow the pressure to release naturally, which may take around half an hour.
Once the pressure has fully released, carefully open the pressure cooker.
The beans should be soft and tender. Proceed with the remaining steps of the recipe to sweeten and flavor the soup according to your preference.
How to serve che dau do?
To serve che dau do, you can choose between two popular options.
Firstly, for a warm dessert, ladle the hot soup, thickened with a touch of tapioca flour, into small cups or bowls. Drizzle a generous amount of coconut milk on top to enhance the flavors.
Alternatively, for a refreshing summer drink, layer the soup over a cup of crushed ice. Add a splash of coconut milk, along with various toppings such as jelly and pearls, to create a delightful and cooling beverage perfect for combating hot and humid summer days.
Tips for best che dau do recipe
- Soaking the red beans: It is recommended to soak the red beans overnight before cooking. This helps soften the beans and reduces the cooking time.
- Adding sugar: Add the sugar after the red beans have cooked to ensure that the sugar is not completely dissolved during the cooking process. This helps to maintain a natural sweetness in the soup.
- Adding milk or coconut milk: If you wish to add milk or coconut milk to the red bean sweet soup, it’s best to do so after the soup has finished cooking. Adding it too early may result in overcooking and a cloudy appearance.
- Adding a pinch of salt: Adding a small amount of salt to the cooking water enhances the overall flavor of the red bean sweet soup.
Variations of che dau do
Red bean and lotus seed sweet soup (Chè đậu đỏ hạt sen): This variation combines red beans with lotus seeds, creating a delightful combination of textures and flavors.
Red bean sweet soup with banh lot (Chè đậu đỏ bánh lọt): Banh lot are added to the red bean soup, providing a chewy and satisfying element to the dessert.
Red bean sweet soup with tapioca pearl white (Chè đậu đỏ bột báng): This variation includes tapioca pearls, which add a fun and chewy texture to the dessert.
Red bean sweet soup with sticky rice (Chè đậu đỏ nếp): Sticky rice is used in this version, adding a unique texture and flavor to the red bean sweet soup.
FAQs
Is che dau do suitable for vegetarians or vegans?
Red bean sweet soup can be made suitable for vegetarians by using plant-based milk or skipping the milk entirely. However, it is important to check the ingredients of store-bought toppings for any animal products.
Can I make che dau do in advance?
Yes, you can make the soup base in advance and refrigerate it. However, it is recommended to add the toppings and serve it fresh for the best texture and taste.
Can I freeze che dau do?
It is not recommended to freeze che dau do as the texture of the beans and toppings may change upon thawing.
Can I find che dau do in Vietnamese restaurants or Asian markets?
Yes, che dau do is commonly found in Vietnamese restaurants and Asian markets, particularly in areas with a Vietnamese community.
Conclusion
Che Dau Do, is a beloved Vietnamese dessert that captivates with its simplicity and delightful flavors. Made with tender red beans, this sweet soup offers a comforting and satisfying experience. Whether served warm or cold, it can be enjoyed as a traditional dessert or a refreshing drink during hot summer days. With its versatility in toppings and variations, red bean sweet soup allows for creative customization to suit individual preferences.