Red bean sweet soup, or Hóng Dòu Shā (紅豆沙) in Mandarin, is a beloved classic in Chinese cuisine, a comforting and subtly sweet dessert enjoyed for centuries. Its simple elegance belies a depth of flavor achieved through the slow simmering of red beans, transforming them into a velvety smooth, naturally sweet paste. This iconic dish is more than just a dessert; it's a symbol of warmth, family gatherings, and the comforting taste of home. The subtly sweet and slightly earthy flavor profile is perfectly balanced, making it a delightful treat enjoyed both hot and cold. This recipe emphasizes using high-quality ingredients to unlock the full potential of the red beans' rich flavor.
This simple yet satisfying dessert is surprisingly easy to make, requiring minimal ingredients and readily available pantry staples. From selecting the perfect red beans to achieving the ideal consistency, we'll guide you through each step of the process. Ready to embark on a culinary journey and create your own batch of this heartwarming dessert? Let's dive into the detailed, step-by-step instructions.
Tools Needed
- Small pot
- Medium pot
- Spatula
- Ladle
Ingredients
- Red beans: 1/2 cup
- Tapioca pearls: 2 tablespoons
- Lotus seeds: 2 tablespoons
- Rock sugar: 1/2 cup
- Rice flour: 1/2 tablespoon
- Water: 6 cups
- Dried tangerine peel: 2-3 pieces (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare Ingredients and Cook Red Beans
- Rinse and soak red beans at room temperature for at least 4 hours (ideally overnight).
- In a medium pot, bring 4 cups of water to a boil. Add soaked red beans, bring to a boil, then simmer on medium-low heat for 1 hour.
- After 1 hour of simmering the red beans, add lotus seeds and rock sugar.
- Simmer for an additional 30 minutes. Use the back of a spatula to crush some of the red beans. Do not pulverize completely.
Step 2. Cook Tapioca Pearls
- Cook tapioca pearls in 2 cups of boiling water for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Then cover, turn off heat, and let sit for 5 minutes.
Step 3. Combine and Thicken the Soup
- Add the cooked tapioca pearls to the red bean mixture. Stir gently and simmer until tapioca pearls are translucent.
- Make a slurry with rice flour and water. Add a little at a time to the soup to thicken, simmering for a minute or two between additions.
Step 4. Serve
- Serve hot.
Read more: Chinese Wonton Soup: Thousand-Li Fragrance Recipe
Tips
- Stir the red bean mixture occasionally while simmering (every 10 minutes).
- Don't overcook the tapioca pearls; a small white center is desirable.
- Rinse the cooked tapioca pearls with cold water and let them sit in cold water until ready to use.
- Dried tangerine peel adds a nice flavor, but is optional.
Nutrition
- Calories: 600-700
- Fat: 1-2g
- Carbs: 150-170g
- Protein: 15-20g
FAQs
1. Can I use canned red beans instead of dried?
Yes, you can! However, the flavor might be slightly less intense. Drain and rinse the canned beans before using them.
2. How can I make the soup sweeter?
Add more sugar to taste! Start with the amount specified in the recipe and add more gradually until you reach your desired sweetness.
3. What can I add to the soup for extra flavor or texture?
Common additions include rock sugar for a deeper sweetness, tapioca pearls for chewiness, or coconut milk for creaminess.
Enjoy your homemade bowl of Red Bean Sweet Soup – a perfect ending to a meal or a delightful treat any time of day. This simple recipe allows for easy customization, so feel free to experiment with different sweeteners or additions to create your own perfect version. Now go forth and share the warmth and deliciousness of this classic Chinese dessert with friends and family!