Sweet Potato and Ginger Dessert Soup, known as “Tong Shui” (糖水) in Chinese, is a popular and comforting dessert in Chinese cuisine. This particular variation includes sweet potatoes and ginger, creating a delicious and nutritious sweet soup.
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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.
- Natural Sweetness: Sweet potatoes provide natural sweetness, offering a healthier alternative to overly processed desserts.
- Balanced Flavors: The combination of sweet potatoes and ginger creates a harmonious blend of flavors — the sweetness of the potatoes complemented by the warmth of the ginger.
- Customizable Sweetness: The level of sweetness is adjustable, allowing you to tailor the recipe to your personal taste preferences.
- Nutrient-Rich Ingredients: Sweet potatoes are rich in vitamins and minerals, adding nutritional value to the dessert. Ginger is known for its potential health benefits, including anti-inflammatory properties.
- Versatility: The recipe is versatile, and you can experiment with additional ingredients like sago pearls, dried fruits, or different types of sweet potatoes for varied textures and flavors.
- Ease of Preparation: The straightforward preparation process and simple ingredients make it accessible for both novice and experienced cooks.
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)!
- Sweet Potato (cut into big chunks) – Sweet potatoes add natural sweetness and a hearty texture to the dessert soup. They are a good source of vitamins and minerals Yams or taro can be used as alternatives.
- Ginger (sliced) – Fresh ginger adds a warm and slightly spicy flavor to the soup, enhancing its overall taste. Ground ginger or ginger powder can be used if fresh ginger is unavailable.
- 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.
- Brown Sugar – Brown sugar adds sweetness and depth to the soup. It has a molasses flavor that complements the other ingredients. White sugar, rock sugar, or palm sugar can be used as alternatives. Adjust the quantity based on personal preference.
RECIPES TIPS
- Selecting Sweet Potatoes: Choose fresh, firm sweet potatoes with vibrant orange or purple flesh. Adjust the quantity based on your preference.
- Preparing Ginger: Slice ginger thinly for a subtle warmth, or grate for a stronger flavor.
- Adjusting Sweetness: Modify brown sugar quantity to taste. Honey or maple syrup can be alternatives.
- Pandan Leaves Knot: Tie pandan leaves into a knot for easy removal post-cooking, preserving their aromatic flavor.
- Simmering Time: Cook sweet potatoes until tender but not mushy. Simmer after adding sugar, avoiding excessive cooking.
- Texture Variation: Consider adding sago pearls, tapioca pearls, or glutinous rice balls for added texture.
- Garnish or Add-ins: Sprinkle dried osmanthus flower, or add fresh mint, dried longan, or goji berries.
- Storage and Reheating: Refrigerate for a day or two. Reheat gently on the stove, adding water if needed.
- Serve Warm: Enjoy the dessert soup warm, especially during colder seasons. Serve in small bowls for a comforting experience.
STEP BY STEP INSTRUCTIONS
Full recipes and Thermomix® instructions please refer to the recipes card (Click here)!
- Start by preparing your ingredients. Peel and cut the sweet potatoes into big chunks. Slice the ginger and tie the pandan leaves into a knot.
- In a pot, combine the sweet potatoes, sliced ginger, pandan leaves and water. Bring the mixture to a boil and then reduce the heat to simmer until the sweet potatoes are just tender.
- Once the sweet potatoes are almost tender, add the brown sugar to the pot. Stir until the sugar is fully dissolved. Adjust the sweetness according to your taste.
- Allow the soup to simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes to let the flavors meld. Check the sweetness and tenderness of the sweet potatoes, adjusting the sugar or cooking time if necessary.
- Once the soup is flavored to your liking, remove the tied pandan leaves from the pot.
- Ladle the Sweet Potato and Ginger Dessert Soup into bowls. If desired, garnish with additional toppings you prefer.
- Serve the dessert soup warm and enjoy the comforting flavors. Feel free to experiment with additional ingredients like sago pearls or dried fruits for added texture.
VARIATIONS
Sweet Potato and Ginger Dessert Soup is a versatile dish that can be customized in various ways to suit individual preferences. Here are some variations to consider:
- Additional Ingredients: Experiment with additional ingredients such as dried longan, red dates (jujube), lotus seeds, or black sesame seeds for added flavor and texture.
- Tapioca Pearls or Sago: Add tapioca pearls or sago to create a more substantial and textured soup. Soak them beforehand and cook them separately before adding to the soup.
- Glutinous Rice Balls (Tangyuan): Include homemade or store-bought glutinous rice balls filled with sweet fillings like red bean paste or sesame paste for a delightful surprise.
- Coconut Milk: For a richer and creamier variation, substitute some or all of the water with coconut milk. This adds a tropical and decadent touch to the soup.
- Pumpkin or Butternut Squash: Replace or combine sweet potatoes with pumpkin or butternut squash for a different flavor profile. These ingredients also offer a natural sweetness.
- Orange Zest: Add a burst of citrus flavor by incorporating orange zest. It complements the sweetness of the potatoes and provides a refreshing twist.
- Lemon or Lime Juice: Squeeze a small amount of lemon or lime juice into the soup just before serving to add a hint of acidity, balancing the sweetness.
- Honey or Maple Syrup: Instead of or in addition to brown sugar, sweeten the soup with honey or maple syrup for a different depth of sweetness.
- Chia Seeds: Add chia seeds for a nutritional boost and a fun, gelatinous texture. Let them soak in the soup before serving.
- Rose Water or Orange Blossom Water: Infuse the soup with floral notes by adding a small amount of rose water or orange blossom water. Be cautious with quantities, as these can be potent.
Remember to adjust ingredient quantities based on personal taste preferences, and don’t hesitate to get creative with your Sweet Potato and Ginger Dessert Soup variations!
WHAT ELSE TO SERVE WITH ?
Sweet Potato and Ginger Dessert Soup pairs well with a variety of complementary dishes. Here are some ideas for what to serve with this delightful dessert:
- Savory Dim Sum: Consider serving the dessert soup alongside savory dim sum dishes, such as dumplings, buns, or spring rolls. The contrast between sweet and savory can create a well-balanced meal.
- Coconut Rice Cake: Coconut rice cake or “nian gao” is a traditional Chinese New Year delicacy. It has a sticky, chewy texture and can be enjoyed as a sweet addition to complement the soup.
- Sesame Balls: Deep-fried sesame balls filled with sweet red bean paste or lotus seed paste can add a delightful texture and flavor contrast to the dessert.
- Mango Sticky Rice: If you’re looking for another sweet option, mango sticky rice is a popular Thai dessert that pairs well with the Sweet Potato and Ginger Dessert Soup.
- Almond Cookies or Biscuits: Light and nutty almond cookies or biscuits can be served as a crunchy side to balance the richness of the soup.
- Fresh Fruit Platter: A platter of fresh fruits, such as sliced oranges, grapes, or melon, can provide a refreshing and healthy contrast to the sweet soup.
- Custard Buns: Soft and fluffy custard-filled buns can complement the dessert soup, offering a different texture and flavor.
Remember, the key is to balance flavors and textures. Whether you choose savory or other sweet treats, the goal is to enhance your overall dining experience. Feel free to mix and match based on your preferences and enjoy the diverse combination of flavors!
MADE AHEAD INSTRUCTIONS
- Prepare the Base: Follow the recipe up to the point where the dessert has been cooked, and all the ingredients are combined. Ensure that the dessert is properly sweetened and has reached the desired consistency.
- Cool and Store: Allow the dessert to cool to room temperature. Once it’s cooled, transfer it to an airtight container with a lid. Make sure the container is clean and free from any moisture.
- Refrigerate: Store the dessert in the refrigerator. It can be kept in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. Be sure to label the container with the date to keep track of freshness.
- Reheating: When you’re ready to serve the dessert, gently reheat it on the stovetop over low to medium heat. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking or burning. You may need to add a bit of water to adjust the consistency if it has thickened in the fridge.
- Garnish: Just before serving, you can add garnishes or toppings, to freshen up the appearance and taste.
Making this dessert ahead of time can be a time-saving option, especially if you plan to serve it for a special occasion or meal. It allows you to enjoy a traditional and comforting dessert without the last-minute rush.
STORAGE & REHEATING
Storage: To store Dessert (TongSui), follow these guidelines:
- Cool It Down: Allow the dessert to cool to room temperature after cooking.
- Airtight Container: Transfer the cooled dessert to an airtight container with a lid.
- Refrigeration: Store the container in the refrigerator. The dessert can be stored for up to 2-3 days.
- Label and Date: Consider labeling the container with the date when it was prepared to keep track of its freshness.
Reheating: When you’re ready to enjoy the dessert again, follow these steps for reheating:
- Stovetop Reheating: Gently reheat the dessert on the stovetop over low to medium heat. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking or burning.
- Adjust Consistency: If the dessert has thickened in the refrigerator, you may need to add a small amount of water to reach your desired consistency. Add it gradually and stir well.
- Reheat Slowly: Reheat it slowly to avoid scorching or overcooking. You’re aiming to warm it through, not cook it further.
By following these storage and reheating instructions, you can maintain the quality and flavor of your Barley Beancurd Ginkgo Dessert when enjoying it again later.
RECIPES FAQS
Can I use other types of sweeteners?
Yes, you can use alternatives like honey, maple syrup, rock sugar, or palm sugar based on your preference.
How can I enhance the ginger flavor?
Increase the amount of ginger or use freshly grated ginger for a more pronounced flavor.
Can I add other ingredients for variety?
Absolutely! Consider adding ingredients like sago pearls, tapioca pearls, dried longan, or goji berries for texture and flavor variety.
Is it possible to make this soup ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the soup in advance and refrigerate it. Reheat gently on the stove before serving.
Can I freeze Sweet Potato and Ginger Dessert Soup?
Freezing may affect the texture of the sweet potatoes, so it’s not recommended. It’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated.
What if I don’t have pandan leaves?
Pandan leaves add a unique aroma. If unavailable, you can omit them or use a small amount of vanilla extract or pandan essence as a substitute.
How do I adjust the sweetness level?
Taste the soup after adding sugar and adjust the sweetness by adding more sugar or water as needed.
Can I use different types of sweet potatoes?
Yes, feel free to experiment with different varieties like orange or purple sweet potatoes for varied flavors and colors.
What garnishes work well with this dessert soup?
Dried osmanthus flower, fresh mint, or additional dried fruits make excellent garnishes.
How do I prevent the sweet potatoes from becoming mushy?
Cook the sweet potatoes until just tender. Avoid overcooking to maintain a desirable texture.
Can I serve it chilled?
While traditionally served warm, you can certainly chill the soup if you prefer a cold dessert. Adjust sugar levels accordingly.
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
Sweet Potato and Ginger Dessert Soup (番薯糖水)
With just four ingredients, this Sweet Potato and Ginger Dessert Soup is a healthy option to satisfy your sugar cravings. Indulge in the creamy sweetness of buttery sweet potatoes and the warmth of aromatic spices.
Place the sweet potatoes, ginger, pandan leaves and water in the Thermomix® bowl, cook for 25 min | 100°C | ⤺ Speed Spoon.
Add sugar and cook for another 5 min | 100°C | ⤺ Speed Spoon.
Ingredients
Directions
Place the sweet potatoes, ginger, pandan leaves and water in the Thermomix® bowl, cook for 25 min | 100°C | ⤺ Speed Spoon.
Add sugar and cook for another 5 min | 100°C | ⤺ Speed Spoon.
