Refreshing Areca Flower Sweet Soup (Vietnamese Dessert)

Dive into the delightful world of Vietnamese desserts with this refreshing Areca Flower Sweet Soup (Chè Hoa Dừa). This subtly sweet and fragrant dessert is a true taste of Southeast Asia, featuring the unique and delicate areca flower, also known as betel palm flower. Its gentle sweetness, combined with a pleasingly chewy texture, makes it a perfect treat for any occasion, from casual gatherings to celebratory feasts. The subtle floral notes offer a refreshing contrast to the rich sweetness, creating a balanced and memorable flavor profile.

This beloved Vietnamese dessert is surprisingly easy to make at home, even for novice cooks. The combination of chewy areca flowers, creamy coconut milk, and a touch of sweetness creates a delightful harmony of textures and flavors. Ready to learn how to create this enchanting sweet soup? Let's dive into the step-by-step instructions below.

Tools Needed

• Pot
• Strainer

Ingredients

• Green beans (with shells)
• Tapioca starch: 40g
• Sugar: 40g
• Pandan leaves
• Water
• Coconut milk (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1. Prepare the Green Beans

• Soak green beans for 3 hours (or overnight) until soft.
• Remove the shells from the soaked green beans by shaking them gently.
• Rinse the green beans thoroughly.

Step 2. Cook the Soup

• Dissolve tapioca starch in water to prevent clumping.
• Bring water to a boil in a pot. Add the green beans.
• Skim off any foam that forms on the surface.
• Add pandan leaves (or pandan extract) for fragrance.

• Add sugar and stir until dissolved.
• Add the dissolved tapioca starch mixture to the pot. Stir continuously until the soup thickens.
• Reduce heat and simmer until the beans are cooked and the soup has thickened.
• Remove the pandan leaves.

Step 3. Thicken the Soup

• Add the dissolved tapioca starch mixture to the pot. Stir continuously until the soup thickens.
• Reduce heat and simmer until the beans are cooked and the soup has thickened.

Step 4. Serve

• Let the soup cool. Add ice and coconut milk (optional) before serving.

Read more: Vietnamese Sweet & Sour Fish Soup: A Delicious Comfort Food Recipe

Tips

• You can soak the green beans overnight for softer beans.
• Arrowroot powder can be used as a substitute for tapioca starch.
• Adjust the amount of sugar to your preference.

Nutrition

• Calories: 200-250
• Fat: 2-5g
• Carbs: 45-55g
• Protein: 1-2g

FAQs

1. Where can I find areca flowers?

Areca flowers are usually found in Asian grocery stores, particularly those specializing in Vietnamese or Southeast Asian ingredients. You may also find them at some specialty food markets.

2. Can I substitute the areca flowers with another ingredient?

While areca flowers give the dessert its unique flavor and texture, it's difficult to find a perfect substitute. Other soft, chewy ingredients like tapioca pearls might offer a similar texture, but the flavor will be significantly different.

3. How can I adjust the sweetness of the soup?

Adjust the amount of sugar to your preference. Start with less sugar and add more to taste. You can also use other sweeteners like honey or maple syrup as alternatives.

This refreshing Areca Flower Sweet Soup is a delightful culinary journey to Vietnam, offering a unique and satisfying dessert experience. The subtle sweetness and delicate texture make it a perfect end to any meal or a delightful treat on its own. Enjoy the simple pleasure of this easy-to-make, yet incredibly rewarding, Vietnamese dessert!