Sweet, creamy, and subtly spiced, Chè Chuối (Wax Banana Sweet Soup) is a beloved Vietnamese dessert that's surprisingly easy to make. This delightful treat features perfectly cooked wax bananas simmered in a rich coconut milk broth, subtly sweetened and spiced with just a touch of pandan for an aromatic twist. The smooth texture of the bananas combined with the fragrant coconut milk creates a truly unforgettable experience, perfect for a warm evening or a refreshing end to a meal. It's a flavourful journey that perfectly balances sweetness and subtle spice, a testament to the beauty of Vietnamese cuisine.
This simple yet elegant dessert is a fantastic introduction to Vietnamese cooking, requiring minimal ingredients and effort. Forget complicated recipes and enjoy the straightforward preparation of this delicious soup. Ready to create this culinary masterpiece in your own kitchen? Let's dive into the step-by-step instructions.
Tools Needed
- Pot
Ingredients
- Sweet potatoes
- Cassava
- Wax bananas
- Coconut milk
- Sugar
- Pandan leaves
- Water
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare the Ingredients
- Wash the wax bananas. Boil them for about 10 minutes, then peel and discard the skins.
Step 2. Cook the Cassava and Sweet Potatoes
- Pour water into a pot and bring to a boil. Cut the cassava into bite-sized pieces.
- Add the cassava and sweet potatoes to the boiling water. Cook for about 10 minutes, until the potatoes are tender.
- Add pandan leaves to the pot and continue to boil, for fragrant aroma.
Step 3. Sweeten and Combine
- Remove the pandan leaves. Add sugar and stir until dissolved.
- Add the cooked wax bananas to the soup.
- Simmer for another 5 minutes to allow the potatoes to absorb the sugar.
Step 4. Finish and Serve
- Stir in the coconut milk.
Read more: Vietnamese Sweet & Sour Fish Soup: A Delicious Comfort Food Recipe
Tips
- If you don't like the strong pandan aroma, cut the leaves in half or use less.
- A little salt can be added while cooking the sweet potatoes and cassava for added flavor (optional).
Nutrition
- N/A
FAQs
1. Can I use regular bananas instead of wax bananas?
While you can, wax bananas have a firmer texture that holds up better during cooking and results in a better overall consistency. Regular bananas will become mushy.
2. What can I substitute for pandan leaves if I don't have any?
You can omit the pandan entirely, or try using a few drops of pandan extract for a similar flavor. Vanilla extract can also be a good substitute.
Enjoy your deliciously sweet and creamy bowl of Chè Chuối! This simple recipe is a perfect way to impress your friends and family with the authentic flavors of Vietnam. Now go forth and create your own sweet escape!