Imagine the comforting aroma of Red Bean Soup wafting through your kitchen, its rich, coconut-infused scent inviting and warm.
This Asian dessert is a breeze to make, offering a cozy indulgence perfect for any sweet tooth.
As the red beans simmer and soften, they transform into a creamy, satisfying delight.
Simple ingredients meld into something truly special, creating a symphony of flavors. Let’s bring this delightful soup to life in your kitchen.
Kitchen Tools Required
- 1 large pot
- 1 wooden spoon
- 1 measuring cup
- 1 ladle
Ingredients
- 1 cup dried red beans, rinsed
- 6 cups water
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup coconut milk
Cook & Prep Time
To efficiently manage your time while preparing and cooking Red Bean Soup, you can follow this timeline:
Preparation and Cooking Timeline:
- Reading and Understanding the Recipe:
- Allocate 5 minutes to thoroughly read and understand the recipe before starting.
- Preparation (10 minutes):
- Minute 0-3: Rinse the red beans under cold water until the water runs clear.
- Minute 3-10: Gather the remaining ingredients and equipment needed (large pot, wooden spoon, measuring cup, ladle, sugar, salt, vanilla extract, coconut milk).
- Cooking (1 hour 5 minutes):
- Minute 10-15: Add the rinsed red beans and 6 cups of water to the large pot. Bring the pot to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Minute 15-75: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and simmer for 1 hour. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Minute 75-80: Add sugar, salt, and vanilla extract to the pot. Stir well and continue cooking for an additional 5 minutes.
- Resting (10 minutes):
- Minute 80-90: Remove the pot from heat and let the soup rest for 10 minutes.
- Finishing (5 minutes):
- Minute 90-95: Stir in the coconut milk until well combined.
- Serving:
- Use a ladle to serve the red bean soup warm.
Adjust as needed based on your pace and any additional garnishes you might want to add.
Also, adjust the sweetness and flavor to your liking during the cooking process. Enjoy your Red Bean Soup!
Recipe Instructions
Rinse the red beans under cold water until the water runs clear.
In a large pot, add the rinsed red beans and 6 cups of water.
Bring the pot to a boil over medium-high heat.
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and simmer for 1 hour or until the beans are tender.
Stir occasionally to prevent the beans from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
Add sugar, salt, and vanilla extract to the pot and stir well.
Continue to cook for an additional 5 minutes to dissolve the sugar.
Remove the pot from heat and let the soup rest for 10 minutes.
Stir in the coconut milk until well combined.
Serve the red bean soup warm with a ladle.
Serving Tips
- Tapioca Pearls: Add cooked tapioca pearls for a chewy texture that complements the creamy soup.
- Glutinous Rice Balls: Include small glutinous rice balls for a delightful contrast of textures.
- Crushed Ice: Serve chilled with crushed ice for a rejuvenating summer dessert.
- Sesame Seeds: Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds on top for a nutty aroma and added crunch.
- Fresh Fruit: Garnish with sliced fruit like mango or strawberries for a fresh and colorful touch.
Storage
To store red bean soup, let it cool completely.
Then transfer it to an airtight container.
Refrigerate for up to 3 days.
For longer storage, freeze for up to 3 months.
Freezing
To freeze red bean soup, allow it to cool completely.
Then, transfer to airtight containers or freezer bags. Leave some space for expansion.
Label and date before freezing.
Consume within three months.
Reheating
To reheat red bean soup, gently warm it on the stovetop over low heat.
Stir occasionally. Avoid boiling to preserve the soup’s texture.
Add additional coconut milk if needed.
Final Thoughts
Red bean soup is a delightful Asian dessert that’s both comforting and satisfying.
With its smooth texture and rich flavors, it’s a perfect way to end a meal.
The combination of red beans and coconut milk creates a balance of sweetness and creaminess that appeals to many palates.
When preparing this dish, it’s crucial to verify that the beans are thoroughly cooked and tender before adding sugar.
This prevents the beans from hardening, allowing for a smooth and enjoyable texture.
You can easily adjust the sweetness of the soup by adding more or less sugar according to your preference.
For those looking to enhance the flavor profile, consider adding a pandan leaf during the simmering process.
This will infuse the soup with a subtle, aromatic note. Once the soup is ready, serve it warm using a ladle.
Red bean soup isn’t only delicious but also relatively simple to make with minimal ingredients.
Its comforting taste and texture make it a beloved dessert in many Asian cultures.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Canned Red Beans Instead of Dried Ones?
You can use canned red beans, but rinse them thoroughly to remove excess salt. Skip the long simmering; reduce cooking time to just meld flavors. Adjust seasonings to taste, ensuring a velvety texture and aromatic essence.
Is It Possible to Make This Soup in a Slow Cooker?
Absolutely, you can make this soup in a slow cooker! Toss rinsed beans, water, sugar, salt, and vanilla in. Let them mingle for hours until tender. Stir in coconut milk at the end for creamy perfection.
What Are Some Variations of This Red Bean Soup?
You can elevate your experience by adding ginger for a spicy warmth, or sweet potatoes for heartiness. Infuse with star anise for depth, or drizzle honey for a fragrant sweetness. Each variation creates a unique sensory delight.
Can I Substitute Coconut Milk With Another Type of Milk?
You can substitute coconut milk with almond or soy milk for a lighter texture. Almond milk adds a subtle nutty undertone, while soy milk offers a creamy consistency. Experiment with these to balance sweetness and enhance aromatic flavors.
How Can I Make the Soup Thicker or Thinner?
To thicken the soup, mash some beans against the pot’s side or simmer longer. For thinner consistency, gradually stir in more water or milk while you taste the balance, ensuring it’s velvety and luscious.
Red Bean Soup
Equipment
- 1 Large pot
- 1 Wooden spoon
- 1 measuring cup
- 1 Ladle
Ingredients
- 1 cup dried red beans rinsed
- 6 cups water
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup coconut milk
Instructions
- Rinse the red beans under cold water until the water runs clear.
- In a large pot, add the rinsed red beans and 6 cups of water.
- Bring the pot to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and simmer for 1 hour or until the beans are tender.
- Stir occasionally to prevent the beans from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
- Add sugar, salt, and vanilla extract to the pot and stir well.
- Continue to cook for an additional 5 minutes to dissolve the sugar.
- Remove the pot from heat and let the soup rest for 10 minutes.
- Stir in the coconut milk until well combined.
- Serve the red bean soup warm with a ladle.
Notes
