Vietnamese cuisine is famous for its vibrant flavors, and their sweet soups, known as che, are no exception. These desserts are light, refreshing, and full of tropical goodness. If you’ve ever wanted to try your hand at making one, you’re in for a treat! This article will guide you through an easy vegan Vietnamese sweet soup dessert recipe that’s simple, delicious, and perfect for everyone. Whether you’re a dessert enthusiast or new to vegan cooking, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. Let’s dive in, starting with the basics.
Introduction to Easy Vegan Vietnamese Sweet Soups
What Are Vietnamese Sweet Soups?
Vietnamese sweet soups, or che, are a category of desserts typically served warm or chilled. They often include ingredients like mung beans, tapioca pearls, pandan jelly, and coconut milk, creating a satisfying mix of textures and flavors. What makes che so delightful is its versatility. You can enjoy it as a simple dessert after a meal or even as a midday snack.
In Vietnam, you’ll find these sweet soups sold everywhere, from street vendors to high-end restaurants. They come in a rainbow of variations, each with its unique combination of ingredients. The base is always sweet but not cloying, which makes it a refreshing treat.
Why Vegan Versions Are Perfect for Everyone
Making vegan versions of Vietnamese sweet soups is easy and accessible. By swapping out traditional ingredients like dairy-based condensed milk with plant-based options, you can still enjoy the rich and creamy texture these desserts are known for. What’s more, vegan recipes are inclusive, suiting those with lactose intolerance or anyone looking to adopt a plant-based diet.
With vegan sweet soups, you’re not just making a dessert — you’re creating something that’s both kind to animals and good for your health. Plus, the tropical flavors of coconut milk and pandan shine even brighter in these plant-based versions, making them irresistibly delicious.
Ingredients for an Easy Vegan Vietnamese Sweet Soup Dessert Recipe
Core Ingredients and Quantities
Here’s everything you’ll need to make this easy vegan Vietnamese sweet soup dessert recipe:
- 1 cup mung beans (soaked for 1 hour)
- 1/2 cup tapioca pearls (small-sized)
- 4 cups water (for boiling mung beans)
- 2 cups coconut milk (for the creamy base)
- 1/2 cup palm sugar or brown sugar (adjust based on your sweetness preference)
- 2 pandan leaves (tied in a knot) or 1 teaspoon pandan extract
- 1 cup jelly or agar-agar strips (cut into small pieces, optional)
- Fresh fruits (like mango or jackfruit, optional)
Step-by-Step Preparation
- Soak the Ingredients:
Begin by soaking the mung beans in water for at least 1 hour. Soaking helps them cook faster and ensures they turn tender. Separately, soak the tapioca pearls in water for 15 minutes to soften them. - Cook the Mung Beans:
In a medium pot, boil 4 cups of water. Add the soaked mung beans and cook on low heat for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally. The beans should become soft but not mushy. - Prepare the Tapioca Pearls:
In another pot, boil water and add the tapioca pearls. Stir gently to prevent them from clumping. Cook until they turn translucent, about 15–20 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. - Create the Sweet Soup Base:
In the pot with mung beans, add the pandan leaves or extract for fragrance. Pour in the coconut milk and sugar, stirring well. Let the mixture simmer on low heat for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld beautifully. - Assemble the Dessert:
Once the base is ready, stir in the cooked tapioca pearls. Add jelly strips or fruit pieces if you like, mixing gently to keep the textures intact.
Your vegan sweet soup is now ready to serve, warm or chilled! Let me know if you need help with anything else.
Preparing Ingredients for a Simple Vietnamese Vegan Dessert
How to Create the Perfect Sweet Soup Base
The first step to making this easy vegan Vietnamese sweet soup dessert recipe is preparing the base. Start by boiling water in a medium-sized pot. Once the water is boiling, add the soaked mung beans and cook them on low heat until they’re soft and tender, which usually takes about 20 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Meanwhile, in a separate pot, cook the tapioca pearls. Bring water to a boil, then add the pearls, stirring gently to avoid clumping. Let them cook until they turn translucent, which typically takes 15-20 minutes. Once ready, drain and rinse the pearls under cold water to stop the cooking process.
Add the pandan leaves or extract to the pot with mung beans for a delightful fragrance. Next, stir in the coconut milk and palm sugar, adjusting the sweetness to your taste. Simmer everything together for another 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
Adding Layers of Flavor Without Dairy
Now comes the fun part — adding optional toppings to elevate the dish. Toss in colorful jelly pieces or fruit chunks like mango or jackfruit. If you prefer a thicker texture, add a teaspoon of cornstarch dissolved in water to the soup.
Finally, combine the tapioca pearls with the mung bean mixture. Stir everything gently to ensure even distribution. Your sweet soup is now ready to serve! Serve it warm for a comforting treat or chilled for a refreshing dessert.
Cooking Your Easy Vegan Vietnamese Sweet Soup Dessert Recipe
Che Ba Mau: The Iconic Three-Color Dessert
One of the most famous che variations is Che Ba Mau, or the three-color dessert. This colorful treat is made with layers of red beans, green pandan jelly, and yellow mung beans, topped with coconut milk. The contrast of textures and flavors is pure bliss.
To make a vegan version, prepare each layer as described above, replacing any non-vegan ingredients with plant-based alternatives. Layer them carefully in a tall glass, adding crushed ice for a refreshing touch. It’s as fun to look at as it is to eat!
Che Chuoi: Banana Coconut Sweet Soup
Another beloved option is Che Chuoi, a creamy banana coconut soup that’s rich yet light. This recipe uses ripe bananas simmered in coconut milk, sweetened with palm sugar, and thickened with tapioca pearls. The result is a velvety dessert that highlights the natural sweetness of bananas.
For this variation, simply follow the steps for the base recipe, swapping mung beans for sliced bananas. This version is perfect for those who love tropical flavors.
Popular Vegan Variations of Vietnamese Sweet Soup Recipes
Che Ba Mau: The Iconic Three-Color Dessert
One of the most famous che variations is Che Ba Mau, or the three-color dessert. This colorful treat is made with layers of red beans, green pandan jelly, and yellow mung beans, topped with coconut milk. The contrast of textures and flavors is pure bliss.
To make a vegan version, prepare each layer as described above, replacing any non-vegan ingredients with plant-based alternatives. Layer them carefully in a tall glass, adding crushed ice for a refreshing touch. It’s as fun to look at as it is to eat!
Che Chuoi: Banana Coconut Sweet Soup
Another beloved option is Che Chuoi, a creamy banana coconut soup that’s rich yet light. This recipe uses ripe bananas simmered in coconut milk, sweetened with palm sugar, and thickened with tapioca pearls. The result is a velvety dessert that highlights the natural sweetness of bananas.
For this variation, simply follow the steps for the base recipe, swapping mung beans for sliced bananas. This version is perfect for those who love tropical flavors.
For more delightful dessert ideas, check out Mango Dessert Recipe and Coconut Ice Cream Bars on CookPlates. These recipes are packed with fresh, sweet flavors that complement Vietnamese sweet soups perfectly!
Serving Tips for Your Vegan Vietnamese Sweet Soup Dessert
Presentation Ideas for a Stunning Dessert
When it comes to serving this easy vegan Vietnamese sweet soup dessert recipe, presentation can make all the difference. A clear glass or bowl is a fantastic choice for showcasing the colorful layers and textures of the sweet soup. If you’ve prepared Che Ba Mau, layer each component carefully so the vibrant colors stand out. For Che Chuoi, add a drizzle of coconut milk on top for an extra creamy look.
If you’re serving the dessert chilled, toss in some crushed ice for a refreshing touch. For a more indulgent vibe, sprinkle toasted sesame seeds or shredded coconut over the top. These small additions make the dessert not only taste better but also look beautiful.
Storage Tips for Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. To keep the texture of tapioca pearls and jellies intact, avoid freezing them. When reheating, use low heat and add a splash of coconut milk to maintain the creamy consistency.
Why This Sweet Soup Recipe Is Perfect for Beginners
Easy Techniques That Guarantee Success
This easy vegan Vietnamese sweet soup dessert recipe is perfect for beginners because it doesn’t require advanced cooking skills. Each step is straightforward, from soaking the mung beans to simmering the coconut milk base. Moreover, the ingredients are forgiving, meaning small adjustments won’t ruin the dish.
One tip to remember is to stir the mixture gently, especially when combining the tapioca pearls and jelly. This helps avoid breaking the delicate textures while ensuring even mixing.
How to Avoid Common Mistakes
To get the best results, keep an eye on cooking times. Overcooking tapioca pearls can make them mushy, while undercooking mung beans can leave them hard. Taste and adjust the sweetness gradually as you cook, so you don’t accidentally make it too sweet.
Lastly, always serve your sweet soup fresh for the best flavor and texture. By following these simple tips, you’ll create a dessert that looks and tastes like it came from a professional kitchen.
Health Benefits of This Vegan Sweet Soup Recipe
Nourishing Ingredients Packed with Goodness
This easy vegan Vietnamese sweet soup dessert recipe isn’t just delicious — it’s also good for you. The ingredients used in this recipe, such as mung beans, coconut milk, and pandan, are packed with natural nutrients. Mung beans are high in protein and fiber, making them great for digestion and overall health. Coconut milk adds a healthy dose of medium-chain triglycerides, which provide quick energy and support brain function.
Moreover, pandan leaves not only enhance the aroma but also contain antioxidants that can help reduce inflammation. Even the sweetener, palm sugar, has a lower glycemic index than refined sugar, which means it causes smaller blood sugar spikes.
A Guilt-Free Sweet Treat for Any Occasion
Since this dessert is vegan, it’s naturally free of cholesterol and animal products, making it a heart-healthy choice. Additionally, the use of plant-based ingredients makes it suitable for various dietary needs. Whether you’re indulging on a hot summer day or enjoying a warm bowl in the winter, this dessert is a treat you can feel good about eating.
Bringing Your Easy Vegan Vietnamese Sweet Soup Together
Why You’ll Want to Make This Again and Again
This easy vegan Vietnamese sweet soup dessert recipe combines simplicity with versatility, making it a must-try for any dessert lover. Its light sweetness, creamy texture, and refreshing flavors make it a crowd-pleaser every time. Plus, the recipe can be easily customized with different toppings or ingredients to suit your preferences.
Whether you’re introducing your friends to Vietnamese cuisine or looking for a healthy dessert option, this recipe delivers every time. The best part? It’s so easy to make that you’ll find yourself coming back to it whenever you’re craving something sweet.
Encouraging Creativity in Your Kitchen
Don’t hesitate to get creative with this recipe! Try adding seasonal fruits, experimenting with natural sweeteners, or even mixing in chia seeds for added texture. This dessert is as flexible as it is tasty, so let your imagination guide you.
With just a handful of ingredients and a bit of effort, you can enjoy a delightful, plant-based treat that’s both comforting and satisfying. Now that you’ve learned how to make it, why not whip up a batch and share it with your loved ones?
FAQs About Easy Vegan Vietnamese Sweet Soup Dessert Recipe
1. What makes Vietnamese sweet soups so special?
Vietnamese sweet soups, or che, stand out because of their unique combination of textures and flavors. They blend chewy, creamy, and fragrant elements like tapioca pearls, mung beans, coconut milk, and pandan. Moreover, they’re incredibly versatile, offering endless variations for every preference.
2. Can I customize this recipe?
Absolutely! This easy vegan Vietnamese sweet soup dessert recipe is highly adaptable. You can add fresh fruits like mango or jackfruit, sprinkle in chia seeds for texture, or adjust the sweetness to suit your taste. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different toppings to make it your own.
3. Is this recipe healthy?
Yes! This dessert includes wholesome ingredients like mung beans, which are rich in protein and fiber, and coconut milk, a great source of healthy fats. Plus, using natural sweeteners like palm sugar makes it a better choice compared to processed desserts.
4. How long does it take to make?
With proper preparation, this recipe takes about 45 minutes to an hour, including cooking and assembling the ingredients. It’s a quick and rewarding dessert that’s perfect for any occasion.
5. Can I store leftovers?
You can store any leftovers in the fridge for up to two days in an airtight container. Just remember to reheat it gently on the stove and add a splash of coconut milk to refresh its creamy texture.
For more sweet inspirations, check out Mango Dessert Recipe and Coconut Ice Cream Bars on CookPlates. These delicious ideas pair wonderfully with your homemade che!