Chè Khoai Mì, or Three-Color Cassava Dessert, is a vibrant and refreshing Vietnamese treat that's both visually stunning and incredibly delicious. This beloved dessert features soft, chewy cassava pearls in three captivating colors – typically purple, yellow, and white – simmered in a fragrant coconut milk broth, sweetened to perfection. The contrasting textures and sweet, subtly creamy flavors make Chè Khoai Mì a delightful experience, perfect for a warm afternoon or a special occasion. Its beautiful presentation also makes it ideal for potlucks or gatherings.
Beyond its simple elegance, Chè Khoai Mì offers a delightful complexity of flavors and textures. The subtle sweetness of the cassava harmonizes beautifully with the richness of the coconut milk, creating a balanced and satisfying dessert. Ready to create your own batch of this colorful masterpiece? Let's dive into the easy step-by-step recipe below!
Tools Needed
- Pot
- Steamer (optional)
- Mixing bowls
- Mesh strainer
- Blender (optional)
Ingredients
- Cassava: 1kg (from 2-2.5kg raw cassava)
- Tapioca starch: 100g
- Sugar: 40-50g
- Salt: 1/2 tsp (or 1/3 tsp white salt)
- Purple sweet potato water: 2 tbsp (adjust as needed)
- Pandan leaf water/essence: 2 tbsp (adjust as needed)
- Coconut milk: 2 tbsp (optional, for white cassava)
- Water: 600ml (for sugar water)
- Rock sugar: 300g (or regular sugar)
- Coconut milk (for serving): 400ml (from 600g coconut)
- Rice flour: 50g
- Vanilla extract: 1-2 tubes (optional)
- Roasted peanuts (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare and Color the Cassava
- Prepare 1kg of pre-processed cassava. (To get 1kg of processed cassava, start with 2-2.5kg raw cassava).
- Mix cassava with tapioca starch, sugar, and salt.
- Divide the mixture into three parts for three colors (white, pandan green, purple).
- Add purple sweet potato water to one part and mix until you can roll it into smooth balls.
- Add pandan leaf water/essence to another part and mix well.
- Add coconut milk or water to the remaining part for white cassava. Mix well.
- Roll each mixture into small balls (about the size of your thumb).
Step 2. Cook the Cassava Balls
- Boil the cassava balls in a pot of boiling water for 4-5 minutes.
- Immediately transfer the cooked balls to a bowl of cold water to stop the cooking process.
Step 3. Prepare and Combine the Sweet Syrup
- Boil 600ml of water, 300g rock sugar (or regular sugar), and 1/3 teaspoon salt until sugar dissolves.
- Add the cassava balls to the sugar water, cook on low heat for a few minutes until it boils and the balls absorb the sugar.
- Boil rice flour separately for 5-6 minutes, then let it sit for another 5-6 minutes before adding to the dessert.
- Add coconut milk (400ml) to the dessert and cook on low heat until it boils gently. Add vanilla extract if desired.
Read more: Vietnamese Sponge Wedding Cake: A Step-by-Step Guide
Tips
- Adding sugar to the cassava mixture before shaping ensures sweetness from the inside.
- Rolling the cassava balls into small sizes prevents them from being boring to eat and makes them cook faster.
- Don't stir the boiling cassava balls too much to prevent them from breaking.
- Adjust the amount of sugar in the sugar water to your preferred level of sweetness.
- Don't cook the dessert with coconut milk on high heat to prevent curdling.
Nutrition
- N/A
FAQs
1. Can I use different colors of cassava?
Yes! While traditionally purple, yellow, and white are used, you can experiment with other food colorings or naturally colored cassava if available. Be creative!
2. How can I store leftover Chè Khoai Mì?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors may deepen slightly over time.
3. What can I substitute for coconut milk?
While coconut milk is traditional and provides the best flavor, you can substitute with other plant-based milks like soy milk or almond milk, but the taste will be different.
Enjoy your beautifully colored and incredibly delicious Chè Khoai Mì! This simple recipe is perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth while impressing your friends and family. With a little practice, you'll be mastering this vibrant Vietnamese dessert in no time!