We’ve always been captivated by the vibrant flavors of Vietnamese cuisine, and Che Dau Trang stands out as a delightful mung bean sweet soup that’s both comforting and refreshing. Originating from Vietnam this simple dessert combines creamy beans with a touch of sweetness making it a perfect treat for any occasion.
What we love most is how easy it is to prepare at home capturing the essence of traditional recipes while adding our own twist. Join us as we dive into this classic Che Dau Trang recipe that’ll bring a taste of Vietnam to your kitchen.
Ingredients
As we dive into preparing our beloved Che Dau Trang—a creamy Vietnamese mung bean sweet soup—we start by gathering the essential ingredients. These components form the foundation of this comforting dessert, allowing us to capture its authentic flavors with simple, high-quality items.
Below, we’ve listed the ingredients in the order they are typically used, including specific measurements and any necessary prep notes for accuracy and ease.
- Mung beans: 1 cup (200g), rinsed and soaked overnight to ensure they cook evenly and develop a soft texture.
- Water: 4 cups, for boiling the beans—use filtered water to enhance the soup’s purity and taste.
- Sugar: ½ cup (100g), adjusted to taste—opt for granulated cane sugar to balance the natural earthiness of the beans.
- Coconut milk: 1 can (400ml), full-fat for creaminess—shake well before adding to achieve that signature silky finish.
- Pandan leaves: 4-5 leaves, fresh or frozen, tied into a knot for easy removal—infuse for aroma, a key element in traditional Che Dau Trang.
- Salt: ¼ teaspoon, to subtly enhance the sweetness without overpowering the dish.
- Optional toppings: ¼ cup of toasted sesame seeds or crushed peanuts, for added crunch and nutty flavor—we suggest preparing these just before serving to maintain freshness.
Required Equipment
Now that we have gathered our fresh ingredients for Che Dau Trang, let’s equip ourselves with the essential tools to prepare this traditional Vietnamese mung bean sweet soup efficiently and safely.
To make our Che Dau Trang recipe straightforward and enjoyable, we’ll need a few key items. We’ve organized them below in the order they might be used, with notes on their importance for achieving the best results.
- Large Pot: A 4-6 quart heavy-bottomed pot is ideal for boiling mung beans evenly. This ensures the beans cook without sticking and helps develop the soup’s creamy texture.
- Fine-Mesh Strainer: Essential for rinsing and draining mung beans or pandan leaves. We recommend one with a sturdy handle to prevent spills and maintain hygiene.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate stainless steel sets for measuring water, sugar, and coconut milk precisely. This guarantees the balance of flavors in our Che Dau Trang.
- Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula: Perfect for stirring the mixture gently over heat. These tools prevent scratching the pot and help incorporate ingredients smoothly for a velvety consistency.
- Blender or Food Processor (optional): If we want to blend toppings like peanuts for added crunch. A high-speed model makes quick work of this, enhancing the dessert’s sensory appeal.
- Medium Mixing Bowl: For soaking beans or combining elements like salt and sugar. Choose a heat-resistant one to handle warm ingredients safely.
- Stove or Induction Cooker: A standard kitchen stove with even heat distribution. This is crucial for simmering the soup to perfection, allowing the aromas of pandan and coconut to shine.
By having these tools ready, we ensure our Che Dau Trang preparation is seamless and yields authentic, comforting results every time.
Instructions
We walk you through crafting our authentic Che Dau Trang, a vibrant Vietnamese mung bean sweet soup, with simple steps that highlight its creamy texture and aromatic flavors.
Prep
Before cooking our Che Dau Trang, we start by preparing the mung beans and other key ingredients to ensure even cooking and maximum flavor absorption.
- Rinse 1 cup of mung beans under cold water in a fine-mesh strainer until the water runs clear, removing any debris for a smooth base.
- Soak the rinsed mung beans in a large bowl with 4 cups of water for at least 2 hours or overnight in the refrigerator—this softens them and reduces cooking time, allowing their nutty essence to shine.
- While the beans soak, prepare 4 pandan leaves by tying them into knots for easy removal later, and measure out 1 cup of sugar, 1 can of coconut milk, and a pinch of salt to have everything ready for seamless transition.
Cook
We move to cooking the mung beans into a rich, fragrant broth that forms the heart of Che Dau Trang, building layers of sweetness and creaminess.
- Drain the soaked mung beans and transfer them to a large pot with 4 cups of fresh water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to a simmer and cook for 20-25 minutes until the beans are tender but not mushy, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and releasing their earthy aroma.
- Add the knotted pandan leaves, 1 cup of sugar, and a pinch of salt to the pot, stirring until the sugar dissolves completely—this creates a glossy syrup that infuses the soup with a sweet, floral scent that evokes traditional Vietnamese flavors.
- Pour in 1 can of coconut milk and simmer for another 10 minutes, gently stirring to blend the creamy coconut with the beans, until the mixture thickens slightly and develops a luxurious, velvety texture that coats your spoon.
Assemble
Finally, we assemble our Che Dau Trang to enhance its comforting appeal, layering in optional toppings for a personalized touch that elevates the dish’s visual and sensory appeal.
- Remove the pandan leaves from the cooked mixture and let it cool slightly, then divide it into serving bowls—this step preserves the soup’s warm, inviting aroma while preparing for additions.
- Top each bowl with optional garnishes like toasted sesame seeds or crushed peanuts, sprinkling about 1 tablespoon per serving for a crunchy contrast that adds depth to the smooth, sweet profile of the soup.
- Serve the Che Dau Trang warm for a cozy feel or chilled for a refreshing twist, allowing the creamy mung bean base to mingle with toppings and deliver a harmonious blend of flavors in every spoonful.
Make-Ahead Instructions
To make Che Dau Trang even more convenient, we can prepare components in advance, ensuring the flavors remain vibrant and the texture stays creamy. This approach allows us to enjoy this comforting Vietnamese mung bean sweet soup with minimal effort on serving day.
Preparing the Mung Beans
We recommend soaking and cooking the mung beans ahead of time to save precious kitchen time. Follow these steps for optimal results:
- Rinse and soak: Rinse 1 cup of mung beans under cold water, then soak them in a bowl of water for 4–6 hours or overnight in the refrigerator. This step softens the beans, reducing cooking time and enhancing their nutty flavor.
- Cook in advance: After soaking, drain the beans and boil them in a large pot with 4 cups of water for 20–25 minutes until tender. Once cooled, store the cooked beans in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Assembling the Soup Base
The heart of Che Dau Trang lies in its fragrant broth, which we can prepare fully ahead to let the flavors meld beautifully.
- Simmer the mixture: In a pot, combine the cooked mung beans with 1 cup of sugar, 2 cups of coconut milk, and 2 pandan leaves. Simmer on low heat for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally until the mixture thickens to a rich, creamy consistency. Let it cool completely before transferring to a storage container.
- Storage tips: Store the cooled soup base in the refrigerator for up to 48 hours or freeze it in portions for up to 1 month. Freezing preserves the soup’s aromatic essence of pandan and coconut, making it taste just as fresh when reheated.
Storage and Reheating Guidelines
Proper storage ensures Che Dau Trang retains its delightful balance of sweetness and creaminess. Here’s how we handle it:
- Refrigeration: If refrigerating, cover the soup tightly to prevent absorption of other odors. It will keep its smooth texture and flavors for 2–3 days.
- Freezing: For longer storage, portion the soup into freezer-safe bags or containers. Below is a quick reference table for storage durations and best practices:
| Storage Method | Duration | Key Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigeration | 2–3 days | Stir before reheating to restore creaminess and enjoy the warm, comforting aroma. |
| Freezing | Up to 1 month | Thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat gently on the stove to avoid separating the coconut milk. |
Adding Toppings and Serving
To keep the dish visually appealing and full of texture, we add optional toppings like toasted sesame seeds or crushed peanuts just before serving.
- Final assembly: Reheat the soup base on low heat for 5–7 minutes, stirring until it’s warm and velvety. Top with fresh additions for a crunchy contrast that elevates the soup’s sensory experience.
- Pro tip: If making for a gathering, prepare everything except toppings up to a day ahead. This way, our Che Dau Trang serves up effortlessly with its signature sweet and nutty notes intact.
Conclusion
We’re thrilled you’ve joined us on this journey through Che Dau Trang’s delightful flavors. It’s more than a recipe—it’s a gateway to Vietnamese traditions that bring warmth to any table.
As we wrap up, we encourage you to tweak it with your own twists and savor the results. Let’s keep exploring global cuisines together for more tasty adventures in your kitchen.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Che Dau Trang?
Che Dau Trang is a traditional Vietnamese mung bean sweet soup that’s comforting and flavorful. It’s a simple dessert made with mung beans, sugar, and coconut milk, often flavored with pandan leaves. This versatile treat can be adapted for various occasions and is easy to prepare at home for a taste of Vietnam.
What ingredients are needed for Che Dau Trang?
Key ingredients include mung beans, water, sugar, coconut milk, pandan leaves, and a pinch of salt. Optional toppings like toasted sesame seeds or crushed peanuts add extra flavor. Use high-quality items for authentic taste, with specific measurements provided in the recipe for easy preparation.
What equipment is required to make Che Dau Trang?
You’ll need a large pot for boiling beans, a fine-mesh strainer for rinsing, measuring cups and spoons for accuracy, a wooden spoon or spatula for stirring, and an optional blender for toppings. A medium mixing bowl and a stove are also essential for safe and efficient cooking.
How do you prepare Che Dau Trang?
Start by rinsing and soaking mung beans to soften them. Boil the beans with pandan leaves, then simmer with sugar and coconut milk for a rich broth. Assemble by adding optional toppings like sesame seeds. Serve warm or chilled for the best flavor—total prep is straightforward and takes about 30-45 minutes.
Can you make Che Dau Trang ahead of time?
Yes, prepare the mung beans and broth in advance. Soak and cook beans ahead, then store in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for longer. Reheat gently on the stove to maintain creamy texture and flavors. This makes it convenient for gatherings without losing its authentic taste.
What toppings and serving suggestions are there for Che Dau Trang?
Add toasted sesame seeds, crushed peanuts, or fresh fruits for texture and visual appeal. Reheat the base gently and top just before serving to keep it fresh. Serve warm for comfort or chilled for a refreshing treat, making it ideal for family meals or parties.