Vietnamese che (Sweet soup) is a delightful traditional dessert that comes in various forms and flavors. Vegan che, in particular, has gained popularity for its delicious taste and versatility.

Made with ingredients like coconut milk, beans, fruits and tapioca pearls, vegan che offers a healthier twist on this beloved treat.

These ingredients are rick in essentials nutrients, fiber, and antoxidants, providing not only a satisfying dessert but also potential health benefits.

Whether enjoyed hot or cold, vegan che’s refreshing and wholesome qualities make it a favorite among health-conscious dessert lovers.

What is the Best Way to Make Easy Vegan Vietnamese Sweet Soup (Che)?

Vietnamese che, a delightful sweet soup, is a beloved dessert enjoyed by people of all ages.

This versatile treat can be customized with various ingredients and flavors, making it a perfect option for those seeking a vegan and delicious dessert. Let’s embark on a culinary journey to create your own homemade vegan che.

Yields: 4 servings Prep time: 15 minutes Cook time: 30 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1 cup dried mung beans
  • 1 cup dried red beans
  • 1/2 cup dried lotus seeds
  • 1/4 cup dried job’s tears
  • 1/4 cup dried tapioca pearls
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup coconut milk
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon pandan extract (optional)
  • Water

Instructions

Prep the beans: Rinse the mung beans, red beans, lotus seeds, job’s tears, and tapioca pearls under cold water until clean.

Soak overnight: Place the beans and pearls in separate bowls and cover with water. Let them soak overnight.

Cook the beans: Drain the beans and pearls. In a large pot, combine the mung beans, red beans, lotus seeds, and job’s tears with enough water to cover them by 2 inches. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 30 minutes or until the beans are tender.  

Add tapioca pearls: Add the tapioca pearls to the pot and continue simmering for 10-15 minutes, or until the pearls are translucent.

Sweeten and flavor: Add the sugar, coconut milk, salt, and pandan extract to the pot. Stir until the sugar dissolves.

Serve: Serve the soup hot or cold. You can garnish with fresh fruit, coconut flakes, or ice.

Tips

  • For a thicker soup, add more tapioca pearls or cornstarch.
  • For a sweeter soup, add more sugar.
  • You can substitute coconut milk with almond milk or soy milk.

Tips and Variations: Customizing Your Vegan Che

Once you’ve mastered the basic recipe, feel free to experiment with different variations to suit your taste preferences. Here are some tips and suggestions:

Adjusting Sweetness

For a sweeter soup: Add more sugar or a sweetener of your choice.

For a less sweet option: Reduce the amount of sugar or use a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup.

Thickening the Soup

Add more tapioca pearls: This will increase the thickness and chewy texture of the soup.

Use cornstarch: Mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with a bit of water and add it to the soup to thicken it.

Adding Toppings

Fresh fruit: Serve your che with a variety of fresh fruits like mango, dragon fruit, or lychee.

Ice cream: Top your soup with a scoop of vegan ice cream for a delightful dessert.

Coconut flakes: Sprinkle coconut flakes on top for a tropical flavor.

Red bean paste: Add a spoonful of red bean paste for a classic Vietnamese flavor combination.

Ingredient Substitutions

Coconut milk: If you’re allergic to coconut or prefer a different flavor, you can substitute coconut milk with almond milk or soy milk.

Pandan extract: This extract provides a fragrant aroma to the soup. If you don’t have pandan extract, you can omit it or use a different flavoring agent like vanilla extract.

Conclusion

Making vegan che is a delightful process that involves blending ingredients like coconut milk, beans, fruits, and tapioca pearls into a sweet, satisfying dessert.

You start by cooking the beans and tapioca, then mix them with coconut milk and sugar to taste, adding fruits or other desired ingredients. 

I encourage you to try this recipe and get creative with different flavors and variations. Whether you enjoy it hot or cold, there’s endless room for customization.

Share your culinary adventures and any unique twists you add in the comments—let’s see what delicious creations you come up with!

Cooking