Vegan Vietnamese Sweet Soup Recipe: A Simple Guide to Chè

Vegan Vietnamese sweet soup, affectionately known as chè, is a delightful and refreshing dessert that captures the essence of Vietnamese cuisine. This guide provides a simple yet delicious recipe for vegan chè, perfect for cooling down on a hot day or enjoying as a sweet treat any time.

Understanding Vegan Chè

Chè encompasses a wide variety of Vietnamese sweet soups, puddings, and beverages. What makes chè vegan-friendly is the absence of dairy and eggs, traditionally used in many Western desserts. Instead, coconut milk often lends its creamy texture, while the sweetness comes from natural sources like rock sugar, palm sugar, or maple syrup.

Ingredients for Your Vegan Vietnamese Sweet Soup

This recipe focuses on a simple yet flavorful chè with sweet potatoes and tapioca pearls, but feel free to get creative with your toppings later on!

• 1 cup tapioca pearls (small size recommended)
• 1 medium-sized sweet potato, peeled and diced
• 1/2 cup rock sugar (adjust to your preferred sweetness)
• 4 cups water
• 1 cup coconut milk
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup toasted sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)

Making Your Vegan Vietnamese Sweet Soup

Follow these steps to make your very own bowl of comforting vegan chè:

1. Cook the Tapioca Pearls: In a saucepan, bring 3 cups of water to a boil. Add the tapioca pearls and stir gently. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the pearls become translucent. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Once cooked, drain the pearls and rinse them under cold water. Set aside.

   Cooked tapioca pearls in a pot

2. Prepare the Sweet Potato: While the tapioca pearls are cooking, prepare the sweet potato. In a separate saucepan, combine the diced sweet potato with 1 cup of water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 10-15 minutes, or until the sweet potato is tender.

   Sweet potato simmering in a pot

3. Sweeten the Soup: Once the sweet potato is cooked, add the rock sugar to the saucepan and stir until it dissolves completely.

4. Combine and Simmer: Add the cooked tapioca pearls, coconut milk, and salt to the saucepan with the sweet potato and sugar. Stir well to combine all the ingredients. Allow the soup to simmer for another 5-10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

   Vegan Vietnamese sweet soup simmering on the stove

5. Serve and Enjoy: Ladle the hot vegan chè into bowls and garnish with toasted sesame seeds for added flavor and texture (optional). Serve warm or chilled.

   A bowl of vegan Vietnamese sweet soup

Tips for the Perfect Vegan Chè

• Tapioca Pearl Perfection: Soaking the tapioca pearls for 30 minutes before cooking can help them cook more evenly.
• Sweetness Adjustment: Adjust the amount of rock sugar to your liking. You can also substitute it with other sweeteners like palm sugar or maple syrup.
• Creative Toppings: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different toppings! Other popular options include mung beans, red beans, coconut flakes, and chopped peanuts.
• Storage: Store leftover chè in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently before serving.

FAQs about Vegan Vietnamese Sweet Soup

1. Can I use different types of tapioca pearls?

Yes, you can experiment with larger tapioca pearls, but adjust the cooking time accordingly. Smaller pearls are generally recommended for this specific recipe.

2. What can I substitute for coconut milk?

For a nut-free option, you can use soy milk, oat milk, or even just water. However, keep in mind that the flavor and creaminess of the soup will be affected.

3. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can make this soup ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. The tapioca pearls will continue to absorb liquid, so you may need to add a little more coconut milk or water when reheating to achieve your desired consistency.

4. What are some other variations of vegan chè?

The possibilities are endless! You can explore recipes with mung beans, black-eyed peas, lotus seeds, and a variety of fruits. Each ingredient brings its own unique texture and flavor to the soup.

5. Where can I find the ingredients for vegan chè?

Most Asian grocery stores will carry all the necessary ingredients. You can also find many of them online or at specialty health food stores.

This vegan Vietnamese sweet soup dessert recipe showcases the diversity and adaptability of Vietnamese cuisine for those following a plant-based diet. With its comforting warmth, sweet flavors, and chewy textures, chè is a true celebration of simple ingredients transformed into a delightful culinary experience.