Discover the Delectable Mung Bean Pudding Recipe Today!
Welcome to my kitchen! As a chef specializing in Vietnamese and Asian cuisine, I am thrilled to share with you one of my favorite dessert recipes – Mung Bean Pudding, or as we call it in Vietnamese, “Che Kho”. This sweet and creamy pudding is a popular traditional Vietnamese dessert that is made from mung beans, coconut milk, and granulated sugar.
Mung Bean Pudding has a smooth silky texture, a sweet vanilla flavor, and is topped with toasted sesame seeds for an extra nutty crunch. The recipe is simple yet versatile, making it perfect for any occasion or celebration. It’s easy to make ahead of time and store in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
But why stop at the traditional recipe? The variations and substitutions are endless, giving you the ability to create your own unique twist on this classic dessert. Whether you prefer to swap out ingredients or add new flavors such as pandan jelly or pomegranate seeds, Mung Bean Pudding can be tailored to suit your own personal taste preferences.
Whether you’re new to Vietnamese cuisine or a seasoned pro looking for a quick and easy recipe that’s sure to impress, Mung Bean Pudding is the perfect choice. So come with me on this culinary journey where I will show you how to create this delicious dessert step-by-step. Get ready to indulge in a sweet treat that will transport you straight to the bustling streets of Vietnam.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you’re looking for a unique and delicious dessert that will showcase your culinary expertise, then this Mung Bean Pudding recipe is exactly what you’re looking for! This traditional Vietnamese dessert, also known as Che Kho, is an absolute delight to the senses, and once you taste it, we guarantee that it will quickly become one of your favorite desserts.
One of the main reasons why this dessert is so popular in Vietnam is because it’s both healthy and flavorful. Made with mung beans, coconut milk and sesame, it’s packed full of nutrients, including fiber, protein and healthy fats. Not only that but its distinctive aroma and tangy flavor are truly unforgettable.
Another great thing about this Mung Bean Pudding recipe is its versatility. It’s perfect for any occasion, like special gatherings or just as a delectably luxurious treat after a long day. You can even substitute some ingredients to create different variations based on your personal preferences such as pandan leaves instead of vanilla extract or adding varieties of fruit toppings like aloe vera, pomegranate seeds or corn pudding to add dimension to the dish. In addition to this variety, the dish is both gluten-free and vegan-friendly making it an excellent option for many dietary considerations.
Finally, this recipe requires minimal effort to prepare but delivers maximum results every time. Made using only simple ingredients that are easily accessible in most grocery stores and using only basic cooking utensils such as a rice cooker or pot. The mung beans still in their shell will provide some texture and crunch while not overwhelming the creamy indulgent pudding mixture adds an impressive element of texture to the final product.
In conclusion, we highly recommend giving this Mung Bean Pudding (Vietnamese Che Kho) recipe a try. Its healthy benefits unparalleled taste and lack of complicated cooking make it suitable for virtually everyone regardless of experience level when it comes to cooking. Why not treat your taste buds to this Vietnamese dessert delicacy? You won’t be disappointed!
Ingredient List
Before we start, here is a list of ingredients you would need:
- 1 kg of dried mung beans still in their shells
- 2 -3 kg granulated sugar
- 4 tablespoons of sesame seeds
- 1 can of coconut milk
- Water
- Grapefruit extract or vanilla extract
- Optional fillings like pandan jelly, aloe vera or pomegranate seeds
Note: Be sure to grab the mung beans (dầu xanh) that are available at Vietnam. Make sure that they are still in their shells because that adds to the overall flavor of your final product. As for the sesame seeds, it is best to use home-roasted ones as it elevates the dish greatly.
The Recipe How-To
Now, let’s dive into the recipe and learn how to make this delicious Mung Bean Pudding also known as “Che Kho” in Vietnamese. This easy-to-follow recipe needs just a few ingredients and can be made quickly without much effort.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 kg dried mung beans
- 1.5 kg granulated sugar
- 3 tablespoons sesame seeds
- 1 can of coconut milk
- 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract
- Water
- A pinch of salt
Steps:
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Soak the mung beans overnight or for at least six hours.
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After soaking, rinse the mung beans and remove any dirt or debris.
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In a pot or rice cooker, add the mung beans and enough water to cover them, plus an inch above.
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Cook on high until the water begins to boil, then lower to medium heat and continue cooking until mung beans are soft but not mushy.
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Once cooked, drain any excess water from the pot or rice cooker.
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Add in the granulated sugar, and stir until it is dissolved, this may take around 15 minutes over medium to high heat.
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Add in coconut milk, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt, stirring continuously for 10 minutes until the mixture thickens.
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Toast the sesame seeds in a hot pan until fragrant (around five minutes).
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Pour the hot pudding mixture into a tray and sprinkle toasted sesame seeds on top.
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Let it cool for a few hours before serving.
Now that you know how to make this sweet treat, feel free to customize your pudding with your preferred toppings such as some fruit pieces like pomegranate seeds, Aloe Vera, pandan jelly or other sweet spreads you may like.
Substitutions and Variations
Looking to switch things up in your mung bean pudding? Luckily, this dessert is quite versatile and can be customized to your liking. Here are some substitutions and variations to consider:
– Sweeteners: While the recipe calls for granulated sugar, feel free to use other sweeteners such as brown sugar, coconut sugar, or honey. These substitutes will add a slightly different flavor profile to the pudding.
– Coconut milk: If you’re not a fan of coconut milk, you can use regular dairy milk instead. For a lighter option, try using almond milk or soy milk.
– Sesame seeds: If sesame seeds aren’t your thing, try topping the pudding with chopped nuts like almonds or walnuts.
– Different flavors: Experiment with adding different extracts like almond extract or grapefruit extract for a unique and refreshing taste.
– Three color bean dessert: If you’re feeling adventurous, try making the Vietnamese “chè ba mà u,” also known as three color bean dessert. This version includes mung beans along with red beans and black-eyed peas for a colorful and flavorful treat.
– Rice balls and glutinous rice: Another option is to incorporate glutinous rice balls into the pudding for added texture. Alternatively, mix in some cooked glutinous rice for a creamier consistency.
Whatever variation you choose, have fun with it! Mung bean pudding can be easily adapted to suit different tastes and preferences.
Serving and Pairing
The Mung Bean Pudding (Vietnamese Che Kho) is a fabulous dessert that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. It can be served either hot or cold, making it suitable for all seasons. The pudding has a smooth and creamy texture that pairs well with different toppings like sesame seeds, pandan jelly, or even pomegranate seeds.
For an indulgent twist, you can have this pudding with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. Alternatively, you can also add sliced fresh fruits such as bananas, mangoes, or strawberries to balance the flavors and create a refreshing fruity twist.
When it comes to pairing, you can opt for a Vietnamese iced coffee, which is an excellent complement to the rich and sweet pudding. You can also serve this dessert alongside other traditional Vietnamese desserts such as Che Ba Mau (Three color dessert), Che Dau Xanh (sweet green bean soup), or even Tau Suan (split mung bean soup).
In Vietnam, che kho is commonly served as a sweet treat after meals or used as snacks when hosting parties or gatherings. It is also perfect for sharing with family and friends since the recipe yields quite a good amount that can serve up to 6 people.
Overall, the versatility of the Mung Bean Pudding (Vietnamese Che Kho) provides endless possibilities for pairing and serving that make it a great addition to any dessert menu or event.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Mung bean pudding is a versatile dessert that can be made ahead of time and stored for later consumption. To make this process easier, I recommend preparing the pudding in advance and keeping it in an airtight container in the fridge.
If stored properly, the pudding should last for up to five days before it starts to lose its texture and flavor. When reheating, simply place the container in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or until it reaches your desired temperature.
Another great option is to freeze the pudding for later use. To do this, let the pudding cool completely before transferring it into a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply defrost it overnight in the fridge or use the defrost function on your microwave.
One important tip to note when storing mung bean pudding is to avoid adding any toppings on it until you’re ready to serve. When left to sit for too long, toppings like sesame seeds can become stale and lose their crunchy texture.
In summary, mung bean pudding is a fantastic dessert that can be easily stored and reheated. With proper preparation and storage techniques, you can enjoy this delicious Vietnamese treat whenever you want!
Tips for Perfect Results
To ensure the best results when making this mung bean pudding recipe, there are a few tips and recommendations that I have acquired through my years of experience as a chef specializing in Vietnamese and Asian cuisine.
Firstly, when boiling the mung beans, make sure to keep an eye on them and stir occasionally. Overcooked mung beans may lead to mushy and waterlogged pudding which would ruin the texture of the dish. It’s crucial to achieve a tender but not too soft consistency to guarantee a pudding with perfect texture.
Secondly, it’s important to note that coconut milk can be quite fatty, so make sure to shake well before using it. This evenly distributes the fats throughout the container, allowing for a consistent flavor profile throughout your pudding.
Thirdly, feel free to experiment with different variations of the recipe by incorporating additional ingredients such as pandan jelly or pomegranate seeds. These would add another layer of flavor and texture to the pudding, elevating it from a regular dessert into a showstopper.
Additionally, try to source high-quality ingredients such as vanilla extract and dried mung beans still in their shells. This will give the dish depth and richness of flavor that could be lacking due to subpar ingredients.
Lastly, while using a rice cooker may seem like the easier option, cooking your pudding in a stovetop pot may produce a better result as it allows for more control over temperature and heat distribution. This is especially important when cooking with mung beans which can easily turn into mush if not monitored properly.
By following these tips, you can perfect this mung bean pudding recipe and create a dessert that perfectly satisfies your sweet cravings while also impressing your guests with its unique flavor profile and gorgeous presentation.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, the Mung Bean Pudding (Vietnamese Che Kho) recipe is a delightful and easy-to-make Asian dessert that will surely captivate your taste buds. With its rich and creamy texture, the pudding che will make you feel like you are in Vietnam, savoring one of the country’s most beloved desserts.
By following this simple recipe, you can whip up a batch of delicious Mung Bean Pudding in no time. The ingredient list is straightforward and can be easily found at your local grocery store. Additionally, you can swap out some ingredients to suit your taste or to use what’s available to you.
Whether served as a standalone dessert or paired with other dishes like beef stew or corn pudding, the Mung Bean Pudding (Vietnamese Che Kho) is a unique dessert recipe that is sure to impress any dinner guest. And with its ease of preparation and ability to be made ahead of time or stored for later enjoyment, it’s a versatile dish that is perfect for any occasion.
So why not channel your inner chef and give this vibrant and delicious Asian dessert a try? I guarantee that it will soon become a favorite amongst your family and friends. With every spoonful of the sweet bean pudding and sprinkle of sesame seeds, you’ll discover why the Mung Bean Pudding (Vietnamese Che Kho) recipe is such a popular Vietnamese dessert.
Mung Bean Pudding (Vietnamese Che Kho) Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 kg mung beans (still in shell)
- 1 kg granulated sugar
- 3 tablespoons sesame seeds
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Soak mung bean overnight, pick out all bad beans.
- Remove shell/skin of the rest, let dry.
- Dry toast sesame in a hot shallow pan.
- Let cool.
- Boil mung beans in a pot until tender, about 50 minutes to 1 hour.
- Strain off water and process them into paste (using mortar, food processor).
- Add sugar, mix thoroughly and leave for 1 hour.
- Pour mixture into a large surface pan or pot and cook over low heat, stir constantly until it becomes a thick paste (thicker than mashed potatoes).
- Mix in vanilla.
- Spoon the pudding onto 6 small plates, press them down firmly.
- Sprinkle sesame seeds on top.
- Best served with green tea.