Vegan Vietnamese Sweet Soup Recipe: A Delightful Traditional Dessert

The world of Vietnamese desserts is rich in flavor, culture, and tradition. Among the many mouthwatering options, one dish stands out for its simplicity, depth, and versatility: the Vegan Vietnamese Sweet Soup Recipe. Known as “Chè,” this delightful dessert combines the perfect balance of sweetness, creaminess, and texture. Whether served warm during a cozy winter evening or chilled for a refreshing summer treat, this vegan version of the traditional Vietnamese sweet soup promises to satisfy your cravings.

Why You’ll Love This Vegan Vietnamese Sweet Soup Recipe

What makes this Vegan Vietnamese Sweet Soup Recipe so special? Not only is it incredibly delicious, but it also has a variety of health benefits. Rich in plant-based ingredients like mung beans, coconut milk, and tapioca pearls, this sweet soup offers both nourishment and comfort. It’s an indulgent yet healthy dessert that can fit into your vegan lifestyle, whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just craving something sweet.

Moreover, this recipe is highly customizable. You can add your favorite fruits, adjust the sweetness, or even swap ingredients to suit your preferences. The creamy coconut base, chewy tapioca pearls, and the smooth texture of mung beans create a perfect balance of flavors and textures, ensuring each spoonful delights your taste buds.

Key Ingredients and Substitutions in the Vegan Vietnamese Sweet Soup Recipe

Every great recipe starts with the right ingredients. Here is what you’ll need to make this Vegan Vietnamese Sweet Soup.

Main Ingredients

Mung Beans
Mung beans are the primary ingredient in this recipe. These small legumes are packed with nutrients, providing protein, fiber, and healthy carbohydrates. They contribute a smooth, creamy texture when cooked, which is the hallmark of this sweet soup. If you cannot find mung beans, you can substitute them with red beans or adzuki beans, though the flavor and texture will vary slightly.
Tapioca Pearls
Tapioca pearls, often used in bubble tea, lend a chewy, comforting texture to the soup. They absorb the sweet coconut milk and provide a delightful bite. If tapioca pearls are unavailable, you can use sago pearls or small rice balls as substitutes, though they will change the texture slightly.
Coconut Milk
Coconut milk gives this dessert its rich, creamy base. It’s dairy-free and adds a natural sweetness that complements the other ingredients. If you prefer a lighter version, you can use coconut water or almond milk, but this will affect the overall creaminess and flavor.
Palm Sugar
Palm sugar is the traditional sweetener in this recipe. It has a deep, caramel-like flavor and is less refined than white sugar, which makes it a more wholesome option. You can substitute it with brown sugar or maple syrup, though the flavor will differ.
Water
Water is needed to cook the mung beans and tapioca pearls. The amount of water will vary depending on how thick you prefer your soup. Add more if you prefer a thinner consistency.
Salt
A pinch of salt balances out the sweetness, enhancing the overall flavor. It’s essential to prevent the soup from becoming too sugary.

Additional Flavoring Ingredients (Optional)

Jackfruit
Jackfruit adds a tropical flair to the dessert. With its fibrous texture and sweetness, it’s a fantastic complement to the creamy coconut base. If jackfruit is unavailable, you can substitute it with other tropical fruits like mango or lychee.
Pandan Leaves
Pandan leaves are known for their sweet, floral aroma and are a popular ingredient in Southeast Asian desserts. You can add a few leaves to the cooking liquid for a subtle fragrance, although it is optional.

Step-by-Step Instructions for the Vegan Vietnamese Sweet Soup Recipe

Once you have gathered all your ingredients, it’s time to begin the cooking process. This Vegan Vietnamese Sweet Soup Recipe is straightforward, and you’ll only need a few steps to create a delicious, satisfying dessert.

Step 1: Preparing the Key Ingredients

Begin by rinsing the mung beans under cold water to remove any impurities. Soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to soften them. While the beans are soaking, rinse the tapioca pearls to remove excess starch, which could cause them to clump together during cooking.

After soaking, drain the mung beans and set them aside. If you’re using jackfruit, slice it into bite-sized pieces and set it aside as well. If you’re using pandan leaves, wash them and set them aside too.

Step 2: Cooking the Vegan Vietnamese Sweet Soup

In a large pot, add the soaked mung beans and 4 cups of water. Bring it to a boil over medium-high heat. Once it begins to boil, lower the heat and let it simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the mung beans are tender. Stir occasionally to prevent the beans from sticking to the bottom of the pot.

Next, add the tapioca pearls to the pot. Continue to simmer the mixture for another 10 minutes, or until the tapioca pearls become translucent and soft. The texture of the tapioca pearls is key to the success of the dish, so be sure they are cooked through and chewy.

Step 3: Assembling the Vegan Vietnamese Sweet Soup

Once the mung beans and tapioca pearls are cooked, it’s time to bring everything together. Add the coconut milk to the pot, stirring well to combine it with the beans and pearls. Then, add the palm sugar and a pinch of salt. Stir the soup until the sugar dissolves completely.

Let the soup simmer for an additional 5 to 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. The coconut milk should thicken slightly, creating a creamy texture that coats the mung beans and tapioca pearls.

Once the soup is ready, taste it and adjust the sweetness if necessary. If you like it sweeter, add more palm sugar. If it’s too thick, you can add a bit more water or coconut milk to reach your desired consistency.

Notes and Additional Tips for the Vegan Vietnamese Sweet Soup Recipe

Soaking the Mung Beans: Soaking the mung beans for at least 30 minutes will soften them and reduce the cooking time. If you’re in a rush, you can skip this step, but it’s always better to soak them for a smoother texture.
Adjusting Sweetness: Palm sugar provides a deep, caramel-like sweetness. However, you can adjust the sweetness level to suit your taste. If you prefer a less sweet dessert, start with less sugar and taste as you go.
Add Fruits for Extra Flavor: Jackfruit, lychee, or mango can add a refreshing twist to your dessert. You can also experiment with other tropical fruits to enhance the flavor profile.
Make It Thicker or Thinner: If you prefer a thicker soup, simmer it for a bit longer. If it’s too thick, add more water or coconut milk to achieve your desired consistency.
Serving Tips: This soup can be served warm for a comforting dessert or chilled for a refreshing treat on hot days. Either way, it’s guaranteed to satisfy.

Nutrition Facts for the Vegan Vietnamese Sweet Soup Recipe

This Vegan Vietnamese Sweet Soup is not only a sweet indulgence but also a nourishing treat. Here are the estimated nutrition facts per serving:

Calories: 250 kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 6g
Fat: 8g
Fiber: 4g
Sugar: 15g

The soup is rich in fiber and plant-based protein, making it a healthier option compared to other sugary desserts. The coconut milk provides healthy fats, while the mung beans offer a good source of protein and essential nutrients.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Vegan Vietnamese Sweet Soup Recipe

Can I Use Canned Mung Beans Instead of Dried Ones?

While canned mung beans are available, dried mung beans are preferred for this recipe. Dried beans provide a fresher, more natural taste and a smoother texture when cooked. If you must use canned beans, make sure to drain and rinse them thoroughly before adding them to the soup.

What If I Can’t Find Tapioca Pearls for the Vegan Vietnamese Sweet Soup Recipe?

If tapioca pearls are difficult to find, you can substitute them with other chewy ingredients such as sago pearls or even small rice balls. The texture will be different, but the soup will still be delicious.

How Can I Make the Vegan Vietnamese Sweet Soup Recipe Less Sweet?

To reduce the sweetness of the soup, simply decrease the amount of palm sugar in the recipe. Start with less and taste as you go. You can always add more if needed.

What If My Vegan Vietnamese Sweet Soup Recipe Turns Out Too Thick?

If the soup becomes too thick, add more coconut milk or water to thin it out. Stir well to ensure the liquid is evenly incorporated, and continue to simmer until you achieve your desired consistency.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Vegan Vietnamese Sweet Soup Recipe is a delicious and comforting dessert that combines the richness of coconut milk, the creaminess of mung beans, and the chewiness of tapioca pearls. Whether you enjoy it warm or cold, this sweet soup will satisfy your cravings for something sweet, while providing a nourishing treat.

Ingredients List for the Vegan Vietnamese Sweet Soup Recipe:

1 cup mung beans
1/2 cup tapioca pearls
2 cups coconut milk
3/4 cup palm sugar
4 cups water
A pinch of salt

Step-by-Step Instructions for the Vegan Vietnamese Sweet Soup Recipe:

Rinse and soak mung beans for 30 minutes.
Cook mung beans in 4 cups of water for 15 minutes.
Add tapioca pearls and cook for 10 more minutes.
Stir in coconut milk, palm sugar, and salt. Simmer for 5-10 minutes.
Serve warm or chill for a refreshing treat.

Notes and Additional Tips for the Vegan Vietnamese Sweet Soup Recipe:

Soak mung beans for a smoother texture.
Adjust the sweetness to taste.
Use fresh coconut milk for a richer flavor.
Serve chilled on warm days.

Nutrition Facts for the Vegan Vietnamese Sweet Soup Recipe:

Calories: 250 kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 6g
Fat: 8g
Fiber: 4g

Vegan Vietnamese Sweet Soup Recipe: A Delightful Dessert for Every Occasion