Red bean milk, a beloved Asian beverage, offers a delightful blend of sweetness and subtle earthiness. This creamy, comforting drink is more than just a tasty treat; it's a nutritional powerhouse packed with fiber, iron, and antioxidants. Whether enjoyed warm on a chilly evening or chilled on a hot summer day, red bean milk provides a satisfying and refreshing experience. Its versatility allows for customization – add a touch of honey for extra sweetness, or a sprinkle of cinnamon for a warming spice note. The rich, velvety texture is a testament to the simple yet effective ingredients.
Beyond its simple elegance, red bean milk is surprisingly easy to make at home. Forget the artificial additives and preservatives found in store-bought versions; this recipe allows you to control the sweetness and quality of your ingredients, resulting in a truly wholesome and delicious beverage. Ready to experience the creamy goodness? Let's dive into the step-by-step instructions to create your own perfect cup of red bean milk.
Tools Needed
- Pot
- Blender
- Sieve
- Stove
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
- Red beans: 500g
- Water: 2 liters + for soaking
- Unsweetened fresh milk: 4 packs (approx. 1520g)
- Salt: 1/2 teaspoon
- Sugar: 400g (adjust to taste)
- Glutinous rice flour: 4 tablespoons
- Water for flour mixture: 100ml
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare the Red Beans
- Soak red beans overnight. Cover the container to prevent insects.
- Wash the soaked beans thoroughly.
- Cook the beans in 2 liters of water over high heat until boiling. Skim off any foam. Reduce heat to medium and cook until soft (but not mushy), about 30 minutes. Add water if needed to prevent dryness.
- Blend the cooked beans twice until smooth.
- Strain the blended beans through a sieve to remove skins and make the milk smoother. Repeat as needed for desired smoothness.
Step 2. Make the Red Bean Base
- Mix glutinous rice flour with 100ml of water until dissolved. Set aside.
- In a pot, combine the strained red bean mixture with 2 liters of water, sugar, salt, and fresh milk. Stir well to dissolve sugar.
- Cook the mixture over medium heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking to the bottom of the pot.
Step 3. Thicken and Finish
- Once boiling, add the glutinous rice flour mixture and stir until well combined.
- Bring the mixture to a boil again, then remove from heat. Let cool completely before serving. Stir to mix after cooling; a layer of foam may form on top.
Read more: Quick & Easy Dry Chicken Noodle Pho Recipe
Tips
- Use any small red beans if you don't have the larger variety.
- Adjust the amount of sugar to your preferred sweetness.
- Don't cook the milk for too long after adding the flour mixture. Turn off heat as soon as it boils again.
- Let the milk cool before transferring to storage containers to prevent breakage.
Nutrition
- N/A
FAQs
1. Can I use canned red beans instead of dried?
Yes, canned red beans work well, but rinse them thoroughly first to remove excess sodium. You may need to adjust the liquid amount depending on the canned bean's consistency.
2. How can I make the red bean milk sweeter?
Add honey, maple syrup, or sugar to taste after blending. Start with a small amount and add more until you reach your desired sweetness.
Enjoy your homemade cup of smooth, creamy red bean milk! This simple recipe allows you to savor a healthy and delicious treat anytime, perfectly customized to your preference. Now, go forth and enjoy the satisfying sweetness and wholesome goodness!