Chè Đậu Đỏ
VietnameseDessert

Recipe Story

origins & traditions

Chè Đậu Đỏ is a beloved traditional Vietnamese dessert soup that showcases the perfect balance of sweetness and texture. Red adzuki beans are slowly simmered until tender and creamy, then combined with aromatic ginger, rich coconut milk, and just the right amount of sweetness. This versatile dessert can be enjoyed warm on cool evenings or chilled during hot summer days. The natural earthiness of the beans pairs beautifully with the tropical richness of coconut milk, while fresh ginger adds a subtle warming spice that enhances every spoonful. Often served as an afternoon snack or after-dinner treat, this nourishing dessert is cherished across Vietnam for its simple elegance and satisfying texture. The recipe has been passed down through generations, with each family adding their own special touch to this comforting classic.

Instructions

step by step
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  1. Rinse the red beans thoroughly under cold water and pick through to remove any debris.

  2. In a large pot, combine red beans with 6 cups of water. Bring to a boil over high heat.

  3. Reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 60-75 minutes, stirring occasionally, until beans are very tender and starting to break down.

  4. While beans are cooking, peel and thinly slice the ginger.

  5. Add sliced ginger to the beans during the last 15 minutes of cooking.

  6. Once beans are tender, add sugar and stir until completely dissolved. Taste and adjust sweetness as desired.

  7. Stir in coconut milk and bring back to a gentle simmer for 5 minutes.

  8. Add vanilla extract and a pinch of salt to enhance flavors.

  9. Remove from heat and let cool slightly before serving warm, or refrigerate for at least 2 hours to serve cold.

  10. Ladle into individual bowls and serve plain or with additional coconut milk drizzled on top.

Chè Đậu Đỏ

5.0 (17)

A comforting red bean sweet soup with ginger and coconut milk, traditionally served warm or cold. This classic treat features tender beans in a lightly sweetened broth with aromatic hints of ginger.

easy
1h 35m
6 servings

Ingredients

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Main

  • 1 1/2 cups black-beans, dried red adzuki beans, rinsed
  • 3 tablespoons ginger, fresh, peeled and thinly sliced
  • 1 cups coconut, coconut milk, full-fat preferred

Sweetener

  • 3/4 cups honey, or white sugar

Flavoring

  • 1 teaspoons vanilla-extract, pure vanilla extract

Seasoning

  • 1/4 teaspoons salt, pinch

Chef Tips

expert advice
For a richer texture, mash some of the beans against the side of the pot during cooking.
You can soak the beans overnight to reduce cooking time to about 45 minutes.
Adjust the consistency by adding more water for a soup-like texture or less for a thicker pudding consistency.
Some prefer to add pandan leaves during cooking for extra fragrance.
For a variation, add small tapioca pearls during the last 20 minutes of cooking.
If serving cold, the mixture will thicken, so you may want to thin it with a bit of water or extra coconut milk.
The ginger flavor will intensify as it sits, so start with less if you prefer a milder taste.