Vietnamese cuisine is known for its vibrant flavors, fresh ingredients, and balance between sweet and savory. Among its most unique and loved dishes is “Che” — a sweet, often creamy, Vietnamese dessert soup made with various beans, jellies, fruits, and tapioca pearls. Traditionally enjoyed as a refreshing treat, Che is naturally adaptable to vegan diets, making it an easy go-to dessert for vegans and those seeking dairy-free indulgence. This article will guide you through making an easy, healthy, and vegan-friendly version of Vietnamese sweet soup Dessert, highlighting essential ingredients, health benefits, and tips to ensure success.
What is Vietnamese Che?
Che is a category of Vietnamese dessert soups or puddings, typically made with starchy components like beans, tapioca, or rice and flavored with coconut milk and sugar. With many variations, Che can be served warm or cold, depending on the season and type of ingredients. While the traditional versions often contain sweetened condensed milk, eggs, or gelatin, there are plenty of vegan versions that keep the flavor but omit animal-based products.
The great thing about Che is its versatility — from Che Ba Mau (three-color dessert) to Che Dau Do (red bean sweet soup), there’s a version to suit every palate. In this article, we will highlight a straightforward yet delightful recipe: Vegan Che Thai, a beloved tropical fruit sweet soup, along with Che Dau Xanh, a sweet mung bean soup.
Vegan Che Thai (Tropical Fruit Sweet Soup)
Ingredients:
- 1 cup jackfruit, sliced thinly
- 1 cup lychee, peeled and pitted
- 1 cup coconut jelly or agar agar jelly
- 1 cup fresh mango, cubed
- 1/2 cup tapioca pearls
- 2 cups coconut milk
- 1/2 cup sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Ice cubes (optional)
Instructions:
- Cook the tapioca pearls: Bring a pot of water to boil and add tapioca pearls. Stir occasionally to prevent them from sticking. Cook for about 10-12 minutes or until the pearls become translucent. Rinse under cold water and drain to stop the cooking process.
- Prepare the coconut milk base: In a small saucepan, combine coconut milk, sugar, and vanilla extract. Warm the mixture over low heat, stirring until the sugar has completely dissolved. Remove from heat and allow it to cool.
- Assemble the Che Thai: In a large bowl, combine the cooked tapioca pearls, jackfruit, lychee, mango, and coconut jelly. Pour the coconut milk mixture over the fruits and stir gently to combine.
- Serve: Divide the dessert into individual bowls. For a refreshing twist, you can add ice cubes to serve chilled.
Nutritional Benefits of Vegan Che Thai:
- Jackfruit is packed with antioxidants, fiber, and vitamin C, supporting immune health and digestion.
- Mango is a rich source of vitamins A and C, contributing to skin health and vision.
- Coconut milk provides healthy fats, specifically medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), which can support weight management and boost metabolism.
- Lychee is known for its high vitamin C content and unique antioxidants that promote heart health.
Time Breakdown for Vegan Che Thai:
| Prep Time | Cook Time | Total Time |
|---|---|---|
| 15 minutes | 10 minutes | 25 minutes |
Vegan Che Dau Xanh (Mung Bean Sweet Soup)
Ingredients:
- 1 cup split mung beans (peeled)
- 3 cups water
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Toasted sesame seeds (optional)
Instructions:
- Soak the mung beans: Soak the split mung beans in water for at least an hour. This will soften them and reduce the cooking time.
- Cook the mung beans: Drain the soaked mung beans and transfer them to a pot with 3 cups of water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to simmer and cook for about 20 minutes, or until the beans are tender.
- Sweeten the beans: Add the sugar and salt to the mung beans and stir to combine. Simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes until the beans absorb the sweetness.
- Add coconut milk: Pour in the coconut milk and vanilla extract. Stir and allow it to simmer for another 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Serve: Ladle the sweet mung bean soup into bowls. Top with toasted sesame seeds to add a rich, nutty flavor. You can serve this dessert warm or chilled, depending on your preference.
Nutritional Benefits of Vegan Che Dau Xanh:
- Mung beans are a great source of plant-based protein, fiber, and essential vitamins like B6 and folate. They assist in regulating blood sugar levels and promoting healthy digestion.
- Coconut milk in this recipe provides a creamy texture and offers a dose of healthy fats that are beneficial for energy and brain function.
- Sesame seeds contain calcium, magnesium, and healthy fats, further boosting the nutritional profile of this dessert.
Time Breakdown for Vegan Che Dau Xanh:
| Prep Time | Cook Time | Total Time |
|---|---|---|
| 10 minutes | 30 minutes | 40 minutes |
Why Vegan Vietnamese Sweet Soups are So Special
- Naturally Vegan Ingredients: Many Vietnamese sweet soups are plant-based by nature. Ingredients such as mung beans, tapioca, coconut milk, and tropical fruits form the base of these recipes, making them naturally vegan-friendly.
- Health Benefits: The ingredients used in these desserts — like beans, fruits, and coconut milk — offer a range of health benefits, from improving digestion to boosting immune health and offering plant-based protein.
- Customizable: Che is incredibly versatile, allowing you to customize the ingredients to your liking. You can swap in your favorite fruits, adjust the sweetness, or experiment with different types of beans and grains.
- Refreshing and Light: Vietnamese sweet soups are often served chilled, making them a perfect refreshing dessert during warmer months. Even the warm versions like Che Dau Xanh are light, ensuring you enjoy a sweet treat without feeling weighed down.
Tips for Making the Perfect Vegan Che:
- Sweetness Level: If you prefer a less sweet dessert, start by adding half the amount of sugar and taste as you go. You can always add more, but you can’t take it out once it’s dissolved!
- Cook the Tapioca Right: Tapioca pearls can be tricky to cook. Make sure to stir them frequently during cooking to avoid them clumping together. Also, rinse them in cold water after cooking to remove any stickiness.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh tropical fruits like mango, lychee, and jackfruit elevate the taste and texture of your Che, giving it a vibrant and authentic flavor.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve Che cold with crushed ice for a refreshing summer treat, or warm for a comforting dessert during cooler months. You can also top it with crunchy nuts, toasted sesame seeds, or even coconut flakes for extra texture.
Conclusion
Whether you choose to make Vegan Che Thai or Vegan Che Dau Xanh, these Vietnamese sweet soups are easy to prepare, bursting with flavor, and packed with nutritional benefits. Their flexibility allows for endless customization, making them a perfect vegan dessert for any occasion. Plus, they’re naturally gluten-free and dairy-free, ensuring that everyone at the table can enjoy this traditional Vietnamese treat.
Next time you’re in the mood for something sweet yet healthy, whip up one of these simple recipes and enjoy a taste of Vietnam in the comfort of your home!