Indulge in the comforting warmth and unique flavor of Black Bean Sweet Soup, a beloved Asian dessert. This subtly sweet and surprisingly delightful treat boasts a rich, velvety texture from the perfectly cooked black beans, balanced by the delightful chewiness of tapioca pearls. It's a simple yet elegant dessert, perfect for a cozy night in or a special occasion. Forget the complicated recipes you've seen; this version unlocks the secrets to achieving unbelievably soft black beans and perfectly translucent tapioca pearls.
This recipe breaks down the process into easy-to-follow steps, guiding you towards dessert perfection. Discover the three key secrets to achieving that flawless, restaurant-quality result at home, and prepare to be amazed by how simple it is to create this delicious and satisfying sweet soup. Let's dive into the step-by-step guide to making the best Black Bean Sweet Soup you've ever tasted!
Tools Needed
- Pot
- Cutting board
- Knife
Ingredients
- Black beans (green-heart recommended): 1 cup
- Sugar: 2/3 cup
- Tapioca starch: 2/3 cup (100g)
- Salt: 1 teaspoon
- Water
- Broth: 400g
- Tapioca starch (for broth): 1 tablespoon (8g)
- Rice flour: 1/2 tablespoon (4g)
- Salt (for broth): 1/3 teaspoon (2g)
- Boiling water (for tapioca pearls): 70g (approx. 4 tablespoons)
- Rock sugar: 180-200g
- Roasted sesame peanuts (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare the Black Beans
- Wash black beans thoroughly with a teaspoon of salt to remove bitterness. Soak in half a liter of boiling water for 30 minutes, then leave to cool.
- Soak the beans in the freezer for 5 hours.
- Soaking in hot water initially helps achieve softer beans.
Step 2. Make and Cook the Tapioca Pearls
- Mix 100g tapioca starch with 70g boiling water to form a dough. Let it cool slightly, then knead until smooth. Roll into a long log and cut into small pieces.
- Cook tapioca pearls in slightly warm water (not boiling) for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until soft and translucent.
Step 3. Prepare the Sweet Broth
- Combine 400g broth, 8g tapioca starch, 4g rice flour, and 2g salt in a pot. Stir constantly over medium heat for 2-3 minutes until thickened and clear.
Step 4. Combine and Serve
- Add 180-200g rock sugar to the cooked beans. Add the cooked tapioca pearls, stir well, and cook for about 5 minutes to allow the pearls to absorb the sugar and flavors.
- Turn off the heat. Serve hot or cold. You can add more broth, roasted sesame peanuts, or ice for extra flavor and texture.
Read more: Vietnamese Sweet & Sour Fish Soup: A Delicious Comfort Food Recipe
Tips
- Soak black beans in boiling water to soften them faster and prevent cracking during cooking.
- Freezing the soaked beans for 5 hours shortens cooking time significantly. Soaking in cold water before freezing makes the beans tough.
- Use boiling water for tapioca pearl dough and cook the pearls in slightly warm water to avoid hardness.
Nutrition
- N/A
FAQs
1. Why are my black beans still hard after cooking?
You likely didn't cook them long enough or soak them beforehand. Ensure you follow the soaking and simmering times precisely in the recipe for optimal tenderness.
2. My tapioca pearls are gummy/too hard. What went wrong?
This usually means they weren't cooked long enough or the water wasn't simmering gently enough. Follow the simmering instructions carefully and don't over-stir them.
With just a few simple steps and the three key secrets revealed, you can now confidently create a delicious and authentic Black Bean Sweet Soup. Enjoy the rewarding experience of making this comforting dessert, and savor the perfectly soft beans and delightful tapioca pearls. Impress your family and friends with this easy-to-make, yet incredibly satisfying treat!