Vegan Vietnamese Sweet Soup Dessert Recipes
Vietnamese sweet soups, known as chè, are delightful desserts that can be easily made vegan. Here are a few popular recipes for vegan versions of these sweet soups.
1. Chè Bắp (Sweet Corn Pudding)
Ingredients:
- 1 corn on the cob (cut off kernels)
- 2-3 pandan leaves (optional)
- 4 cups water
- 2-3 tablespoons rock sugar (to taste)
- 2 tablespoons tapioca starch (for thickening)
- For Coconut Sauce:
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 1.5 teaspoons rock sugar
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
Instructions:
- In a pot, combine corn kernels, pandan leaves, and water. Bring to a boil and then simmer for about 15 minutes.
- Add rock sugar and adjust to taste.
- Dissolve tapioca starch in a small amount of water, then gradually add it to the pot while stirring until the desired thickness is achieved.
- For the coconut sauce, simmer coconut milk with rock sugar and dissolve cornstarch in a little water before adding to the mix to thicken.
- Serve the sweet corn pudding warm or chilled, drizzled with coconut sauce.
2. Chè Chuối (Banana Sweet Soup)
Ingredients:
- 2 ripe bananas (sliced)
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 1/4 cup tapioca pearls
- 2 tablespoons sugar (adjust to taste)
- Water
Instructions:
- Cook tapioca pearls according to package instructions until translucent.
- In a pot, combine sliced bananas, coconut milk, and sugar with enough water to cover the ingredients.
- Bring to a gentle simmer and add cooked tapioca pearls.
- Stir gently and cook for an additional few minutes until everything is heated through.
- Serve warm or chilled.
3. Chè Đậu Xanh (Mung Bean Dessert Soup)
Ingredients:
- 1 cup mung beans (soaked and rinsed)
- 4 cups water
- 1/2 cup coconut milk
- Sugar to taste
- Pinch of salt
Instructions:
- Boil mung beans in water until soft, about 30 minutes.
- Mash some of the beans for a creamier texture while leaving some whole for variety.
- Stir in coconut milk and sugar, adjusting sweetness as desired.
- Serve warm or chilled.
Unique Vegan Ingredients for Vietnamese Sweet Soup
When creating vegan versions of chè, there are several unique ingredients you can incorporate to enhance flavor and texture:
- Tapioca Pearls: These are essential in many chè recipes, providing a chewy texture.
- Mung Beans: Cooked and mashed, they add creaminess and a subtle sweetness.
- Sweet Potatoes: Diced and cooked, they add color and a natural sweetness.
- Nuts and Seeds: Chopped peanuts or sesame seeds can provide a crunchy topping.
- Fresh Fruits: Mango, lychee, or longan can add freshness and natural sweetness.
- Pandan Leaves: Infusing your soup with pandan adds a unique aroma and flavor.
Making a Creamy Vegan Version of Vietnamese Sweet Soup
To achieve a creamy texture in your vegan chè, consider the following methods:
- Coconut Milk: This is a staple in many recipes, providing richness. Use full-fat coconut milk for extra creaminess.
- Nut Milks: Almond or cashew milk can serve as alternatives if you’re looking for different flavors. They can be combined with coconut milk for added creaminess.
- Blended Silken Tofu: This can be blended into the soup for a creamy consistency without altering the flavor significantly.
- Cashew Cream: Soak cashews and blend them with water to create a smooth cream that can be stirred into the soup.
Fruits That Pair Best with Tapioca in Chè
Certain fruits complement tapioca well in chè, enhancing both flavor and presentation:
- Mango: Its sweetness balances the chewy texture of tapioca.
- Banana: Adds creaminess when mashed or sliced.
- Jackfruit: Offers a unique flavor and chewy texture that pairs nicely with tapioca.
- Lychee: Provides a refreshing burst of sweetness.
- Coconut: Fresh coconut meat or coconut flakes add flavor and texture.
Using Plant-Based Milks Instead of Coconut Milk in Chè
Yes, you can use plant-based milks as substitutes for coconut milk in chè. Here are some options:
- Almond Milk: Light and nutty, it works well but may require additional sweetening.
- Oat Milk: Creamy and slightly sweet, it can mimic the richness of coconut milk.
- Soy Milk: A versatile option that adds protein; opt for unsweetened versions to control sweetness.
When substituting, consider adjusting the sugar levels since some plant-based milks are sweeter than coconut milk.
Popular Variations of Chè in Vietnam
Vietnam boasts numerous variations of chè, each with its own unique ingredients:
- Chè Bắp (Sweet Corn Pudding): Made with corn, coconut milk, and sugar, it’s creamy and sweet.
- Chè Đậu Xanh (Mung Bean Dessert): Features mung beans cooked until soft, often served with coconut milk.
- Chè Trôi Nước (Glutinous Rice Balls): These are filled with sweetened mung bean paste and served in syrupy ginger water.
- Chè Sương Sáo (Grass Jelly Dessert): Made from grass jelly cubes served with syrup and often topped with fruits or tapioca pearls.
These variations highlight the versatility of chè, allowing for endless creativity while maintaining traditional flavors.
These recipes showcase the versatility of chè, allowing you to enjoy a variety of flavors and textures while adhering to vegan dietary preferences. Feel free to experiment with different ingredients like fruits or toppings for a personalized touch!