Highly regarded in Chinese, Japanese, and Korean culinary traditions, red bean soup boasts a delightful nutty and earthy taste. While red beans possess a subtle sweetness on their own, a touch of sugar enhances the overall flavor. If you appreciate the hearty texture of legumes, chestnuts, or sweet potatoes, this dessert is a culinary experience not to be missed!
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WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS RECIPES?
- Comforting and Warming: The warm and soothing nature of this dessert soup makes it a perfect comfort food, especially during colder seasons.
- Delicious Flavor: Red bean soup offers a delightful combination of nutty and earthy flavors, making it a satisfying and comforting dessert option.
- Simple Preparation: This recipe is straightforward and easy to follow, ensuring that you can whip up a batch of delicious red bean soup with minimal effort.
- Health Benefits: Red beans are high in fiber, making this soup not only delicious but also good for digestion. It’s a nutritious option that can be enjoyed guilt-free.
- Cultural Appeal: Red bean soup is a popular dessert in many Asian cuisines, including Chinese, Japanese, and Korean. By trying this recipe, you’ll get to experience a beloved culinary tradition from across the globe.
- Versatility: While this recipe focuses on traditional red bean soup, you can easily customize it to suit your preferences by adjusting the sweetness level or adding other ingredients like coconut milk or glutinous rice balls.
WHAT IS TONG SHUI?
“Tong Shui” (糖水) is a term in Chinese cuisine that literally translates to “sugar water.” However, it refers to a wide variety of sweet soups, desserts, or sweet beverages rather than plain water with sugar. Tong Shui is an integral part of Chinese culinary culture and is enjoyed as a snack, dessert, or even as a remedy for certain health benefits in traditional Chinese medicine.
These sweet soups can be served hot or cold and may include a diverse range of ingredients such as beans, grains, fruits, roots, and herbs. Each type of Tong Shui has its unique flavor profile and is often consumed for its supposed health benefits, including nourishing the body, promoting digestion, and balancing the body’s yin and yang.
INGREDIENTS AND SUBSTITUTES
Ingredient quantities please refer to the recipes card (Click here)!
- Red Beans (Adzuki Beans) – Red beans, also known as adzuki beans, are a common ingredient in Asian desserts. They have a slightly sweet and nutty flavor and a soft texture when cooked. If you can’t find red beans, you can use other beans such as black beans or kidney beans, although the flavor and texture will be different.
- Water – Water serves as the essential liquid foundation for this dessert. It plays a fundamental role, and there is no direct replacement for it in this recipe. However, feel free to customize the quantity of water to achieve your preferred consistency.
- Pandan Leaves (tied into a knot) – Pandan leaves impart a unique aroma and flavor to the soup. They are commonly used in Southeast Asian cuisine. If pandan leaves are unavailable, pandan essence can be used in small amounts or skip it.
- Tangerine Peel – Tangerine peel adds a subtle citrusy aroma and flavor to the soup. If you don’t have tangerine peel, you can use orange peel or omit it altogether.
- Sago (Optional) – Sago is a type of starch extracted from the pith of various tropical palm trees. It adds texture to the soup, but it’s optional. If you don’t have sago or prefer a smoother soup, you can omit it altogether.
- Rock Sugar – Rock sugar is used to sweeten the soup. It has a mild sweetness and adds depth to the flavor. You can use granulated sugar or brown sugar as alternatives.
- Salt – Salt enhances the overall flavor of the soup and balances the sweetness.You can use sea salt or kosher salt as alternatives.
RECIPES TIPS
- Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, use fresh tangerine peel and pandan leaves. If fresh pandan leaves are not available, you can use frozen ones or pandan extract.
- Adjust Sweetness: Taste the soup before adding the sugar and adjust the sweetness according to your preference. Some people prefer their red bean soup to be sweeter, while others enjoy it less sweet.
- Add Coconut Milk: For a richer and creamier soup, you can add coconut milk to the water. This adds a tropical twist to the traditional recipe and enhances the flavor.
- Blend for Smoothness: If you prefer a smoother texture, you can blend the cooked red beans before adding the sugar and salt. This creates a velvety consistency that some people find more appealing.
- Garnish Creatively: Garnish your red bean soup with toppings like coconut flakes, toasted sesame seeds, or a drizzle of condensed milk for extra flavor and visual appeal.
- Serve Hot or Cold: Red bean soup can be enjoyed hot or cold, depending on your preference and the weather. In colder months, serve it warm for a comforting treat, while in warmer weather, chill it in the refrigerator for a refreshing dessert.
- Store and Reheat: Leftover red bean soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a few days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through before serving.
STEP BY STEP INSTRUCTIONS
Full recipes and Thermomix® instructions please refer to the recipes card (Click here)!
- Prepare Ingredients:
- Rinse the red beans thoroughly under cold water to remove any debris. Drain well and set aside.
- If using sago, rinse it under cold water and set it aside to soak for about 15-20 minutes.
- Infuse Flavors:
- Use a pot, bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until the beans are tender.
- The tangerine peel and pandan leaves will infuse the soup with their aromatic flavors.
- Optional: Add Sago:
- After the red beans are tender, remove the tangerine peel and pandan leaves from the pot.
- Drain the soaked sago and add it to the pot. Simmer in the pot until the sago becomes translucent and cooked through.
- Sweeten and Season:
- Stir in the rock sugar and salt, adjusting the amount to taste. Allow the soup to simmer for another 5 minutes to dissolve the sugar and incorporate the flavors.
- Serve:
- Ladle the hot red bean soup into serving bowls.
- Enjoy the soup hot as a comforting dessert or snack.
- Optional: Blend for Smoothness:
- For a smoother texture, you can use an immersion blender or transfer a portion of the soup to a blender and blend until smooth. Be careful when blending hot liquids and do so in batches if necessary.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Garnish the red bean soup with additional pandan leaves or a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds for added flavor and visual appeal, if desired.
- Serve the soup hot and enjoy its comforting flavors and nourishing properties.
VARIATIONS
- Coconut Red Bean Soup: Add coconut milk or coconut cream to the soup for a creamy and indulgent twist. The coconut flavor pairs beautifully with the nuttiness of the red beans and adds a tropical touch to the dessert.
- Black Sesame Red Bean Soup: Incorporate ground black sesame seeds into the soup for a rich and aromatic flavor. Black sesame adds a toasty and slightly bitter note that complements the sweetness of the red beans perfectly.
- Sweet Potato Red Bean Soup: Add chunks of cooked sweet potato to the soup for a hearty and wholesome variation. Sweet potato adds a natural sweetness and creamy texture to the soup, making it even more satisfying.
- Taro Red Bean Soup: Include chunks of cooked taro root in the soup for a unique and delicious twist. Taro adds a creamy texture and slightly nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with the red beans.
- Fruit Red Bean Soup: Add your favorite fruits, such as mango, pineapple, or lychee, to the soup for a refreshing and fruity variation. The combination of sweet fruit and creamy red beans creates a delightful dessert that’s perfect for warm weather.
- Pumpkin Red Bean Soup: Mix in pureed pumpkin or pumpkin chunks for a seasonal and comforting variation. Pumpkin adds a subtle sweetness and earthy flavor that complements the red beans beautifully.
- Ginger Red Bean Soup: Infuse the soup with fresh ginger slices for a warming and aromatic variation. Ginger adds a spicy kick and digestive benefits, making it perfect for cooler weather or after a heavy meal.
Feel free to get creative and experiment with different ingredients and flavor combinations to create your own unique variations of red bean soup. Whether you prefer it creamy, fruity, or spicy, there are endless possibilities to explore!
WHAT ELSE TO SERVE WITH ?
Red bean soup is a versatile dessert that can be enjoyed on its own or paired with other treats for a more indulgent experience. Here are some delicious options to serve alongside red bean soup:
- Sesame Balls (Jian Dui): These crispy and chewy fried balls filled with sweet red bean paste are a classic pairing with red bean soup. The combination of textures and flavors is irresistible.
- Mochi: Soft and chewy Japanese rice cakes filled with sweet red bean paste make a delightful accompaniment to red bean soup. They add a satisfying chewiness and sweetness to each bite.
- Ice Cream: Serve a scoop of vanilla or green tea ice cream alongside warm red bean soup for a delicious contrast in temperatures and textures. The creamy ice cream complements the rich flavors of the soup perfectly.
- Rice Cakes (Tang Yuan): These glutinous rice balls filled with sweet fillings like red bean paste or black sesame paste are a traditional Chinese dessert often served with red bean soup during special occasions or festivals.
- Fried Dough Sticks (Youtiao): Crispy and fluffy Chinese fried dough sticks pair well with the sweetness of red bean soup. Dip the dough sticks into the soup for a delightful combination of flavors and textures.
- Fresh Fruit: Serve a platter of fresh fruits such as strawberries, mangoes, or pineapple alongside red bean soup for a refreshing and healthy option. The sweetness and acidity of the fruits complement the richness of the soup.
- Steamed Buns (Baozi): Soft and fluffy Chinese steamed buns filled with sweet or savory fillings are another great option to serve with red bean soup. The pillowy texture of the buns pairs well with the creamy soup.
- Almond Cookies: Crisp and buttery almond cookies make a delicious accompaniment to red bean soup. The nutty flavor of the cookies complements the sweetness of the soup.
These are just a few ideas to inspire you to create a delightful dessert spread featuring red bean soup. Feel free to mix and match different treats to suit your taste preferences and create a memorable dining experience!
MADE AHEAD INSTRUCTIONS
If you’d like to prepare red bean soup ahead of time, here are some instructions to help you do so:
- Cook the Red Beans: Follow the recipe instructions to cook the red beans until they are tender. You can cook them on the stovetop or in a slow cooker according to your preference.
- Cool and Store: Allow the cooked red bean soup to cool completely at room temperature. Once cooled, transfer it to an airtight container or individual serving containers if desired.
- Refrigerate: Place the container(s) of red bean soup in the refrigerator and store them for up to 3-4 days. Make sure to label the container with the date of preparation for reference.
- Reheat: When you’re ready to serve the red bean soup, simply remove it from the refrigerator and reheat it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating.
- Adjust Consistency: If the soup has thickened upon reheating, you can add a splash of water or coconut milk to adjust the consistency to your liking. Taste and adjust the sweetness if necessary by adding more sugar.
- Serve: Once heated through and adjusted to your preference, ladle the red bean soup into serving bowls and garnish as desired. Serve it hot and enjoy its comforting flavors.
By following these steps, you can easily make red bean soup ahead of time and have it ready to enjoy whenever you’re craving a delicious and comforting dessert. Just remember to store it properly in the refrigerator and reheat it gently before serving for the best results.
STORAGE & REHEATING
To properly store and reheat red bean soup, follow these instructions:
Storage:
- Cool Completely: Allow the red bean soup to cool completely at room temperature before storing it.
- Transfer to Containers: Transfer the cooled soup to airtight containers or individual serving containers if preferred.
- Refrigeration: Place the containers of red bean soup in the refrigerator and store them for up to 3-4 days. Make sure to label the containers with the date of preparation for reference.
Reheating:
- Stovetop: Transfer the desired amount of red bean soup to a saucepan or pot. Heat the soup over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. Adjust the consistency by adding a splash of water if needed.
- Microwave: Alternatively, you can reheat the red bean soup in the microwave. Transfer the soup to a microwave-safe bowl and cover it with a microwave-safe lid or microwave-safe plastic wrap, leaving a small vent for steam to escape. Heat the soup in intervals, stirring in between, until heated through.
- Adjust Consistency and Flavor: As you reheat the soup, you may need to adjust the consistency by adding a little water or coconut milk if it has thickened. Taste and adjust the sweetness if necessary by adding more sugar.
- Serve Hot: Once the red bean soup is heated through and adjusted to your preference, ladle it into serving bowls and garnish as desired. Serve it hot and enjoy its comforting flavors.
By following these steps, you can properly store and reheat red bean soup to enjoy it again later without compromising its taste and texture.
RECIPES FAQS
Can I use canned red beans instead of dried red beans?
Yes, you can use canned red beans as a shortcut. However, keep in mind that canned beans may have added salt and preservatives, which can affect the flavor of the soup. Rinse canned beans thoroughly before using them to reduce their sodium content.
Can I make red bean soup in advance and freeze it?
Yes, you can make red bean soup in advance and freeze it for later. Allow the soup to cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers or bags. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw the soup overnight in the refrigerator before reheating it on the stovetop or in the microwave.
How do I prevent the red beans from bursting during cooking?
To prevent red beans from bursting during cooking, avoid boiling them vigorously. Instead, simmer the beans gently over low to medium heat until they are tender. You can also soak the beans overnight before cooking to help them cook more evenly.
Can I use other sweeteners instead of rock sugar?
Yes, you can use other sweeteners such as granulated sugar, brown sugar, honey, or maple syrup to sweeten the red bean soup. Adjust the amount of sweetener to taste.
What can I do if my red bean soup is too thick?
If your red bean soup is too thick, you can thin it out by adding a little water or coconut milk until you reach your desired consistency. Stir well to combine and adjust the seasoning as needed.
How can I make red bean soup vegan or dairy-free?
To make red bean soup vegan or dairy-free, simply omit any dairy-based ingredients such as milk or butter. Use water or coconut milk instead of dairy milk, and choose a vegan sweetener such as maple syrup or agave nectar.
Can I customize the flavors of red bean soup?
Yes, you can customize the flavors of red bean soup by adding ingredients such as coconut milk, ginger, cinnamon, or vanilla extract for extra flavor. Get creative and experiment with different combinations to suit your taste preferences.
Is red bean soup gluten-free?
Yes, red bean soup made with only red beans, water, and natural sweeteners is gluten-free. However, if you add any thickening agents or flavorings that contain gluten, be sure to check their labels for gluten content.
Can I adjust the portion size of the recipes?
You can adjust the recipe by clicking the serving size in the recipe in recipes card to your liking!
If you can find the exact portion that you like, you can, also, adjust this in manual mode. Make sure that the cooking times and temperatures have been adjusted for different quantities of ingredients. Even preparation time (such as for cutting) may be different than in the original recipe. Please do not pass the max line indicated inside of the mixing bowl. The capacity of the mixing bowl is 2.2 liters.
This recipes is compatible with which model of Thermomix®?
This recipes suitable for TM31 / TM5 / TM6
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Thermomix® TM6RM7,488.00
RECIPES CARD
Red Bean Soup
Red bean soup is a traditional Asian dessert or sweet soup that is popular in many East Asian countries, including China, Taiwan, Japan, and Korea. It is made primarily from red adzuki beans, which are soaked overnight and then cooked until soft and tender. The soup is typically sweetened with sugar or other sweeteners and can also include additional ingredients for flavor, such as tangerine peel, pandan leaves, or coconut milk.
Rinse the red beans and place them in your Thermomix® mixing bowl. Add water and tangerine peel. Tie the pandan leaves into a knot and add them to the bowl for extra flavor. Cook for 70 min | 100°C | Speed 2 until the red beans are tender.
Once the red beans are tender, remove the tangerine peel and pandan leaves. If using sago, rinse it and add it to the mixing bowl. Cook for an additional 10 min | 100°C | Speed 2.
Add rock sugar and salt to the mixing bowl. Cook for 5 min | 100°C | Speed 2. Serve the red bean soup hot in bowls as a dessert or comforting snack.
Optional: For a smoother consistency, blend the red bean soup for a few seconds at a higher speed (e.g., Speed 5) before serving.
Ingredients
Directions
Rinse the red beans and place them in your Thermomix® mixing bowl. Add water and tangerine peel. Tie the pandan leaves into a knot and add them to the bowl for extra flavor. Cook for 70 min | 100°C | Speed 2 until the red beans are tender.
Once the red beans are tender, remove the tangerine peel and pandan leaves. If using sago, rinse it and add it to the mixing bowl. Cook for an additional 10 min | 100°C | Speed 2.
Add rock sugar and salt to the mixing bowl. Cook for 5 min | 100°C | Speed 2. Serve the red bean soup hot in bowls as a dessert or comforting snack.
Optional: For a smoother consistency, blend the red bean soup for a few seconds at a higher speed (e.g., Speed 5) before serving.
