Especially Vietnamese cuisine is know for its diversity of flavors, textures! Though most people know of the savory delights from Vietnam, its desserts world is no less fascination with sweet soups which are all-time favorites! They had light and clean flavors, perfect for vegan eating.
Have you ever wanted to create a traditional Vietnamese dessert, however slightly more plant-friendly? If you like dessert soups, check out this vegan Vietnamese sweet soup recipe from my latest book The Vegan Instant Pot Cookbook!
What is a Vietnamese Chè (Vietnamese Sweet Soup)?
Chè: Chè is a blanket terme for many different types of Vietnamese sweet soups that are usually served warm or cold. Not only do they contain beans, rice and fruits but some even coconut milk or Jelly for Example. Chè is one of those things that are beautiful because it can be many many different delicious ways — a snack, desserts or even breakfast. From sugary to chewy, creamy and fruit-filled — chè satisfies every taste Bud.
This vegan Vietnamese sweet soup/work dessert recipe is a super simple Vegan Sweet Corn and Coconut Milk Work Dessert/Sweet Soup (or as we like to call it, Chè Bắp), one of few naturally occurring plant-based desserts in the Southeast Asian world.
Recipe: Vegan Che Bap (Corn Sweet Soup) — Step by step
Ingredients :
- 2 Corn on the Cob (or 1 Can of Corn)$0.
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 3 tablespoons of tapioca pearls
- 1/4 cup sugar as needed
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt
- Garnish (optional) 2 tbsps transformed sesame seeds or slightly ground peanuts
Method :
Step 1: Get Your Corn Ready
If using fresh corn, shuck the ears of corn and cut off the kernels with a knife. I also use the caned one when im in rush, and its fine for this Vegan Vietnamese Sweet Soup Dessert Recipe.
Step 2: Cook the tapioca pearls
In a creamy coconut broth, which they enliven with chewy tapioca pearls making the soup more of an experience in texture and not just another bowl to fill you up. Cook the pearls: Pour 1/4 cup of water in a small pot over medium heat, add the tapioca. Wait for 10-12 minutes until the pearls turn translucent. (This will also keep pearls from sticking together)
Step 3: Cook the Coconut Milk and Corn
Add the coconut milk, sweet corn kernels and sugar in a pot. Mix well so that the sugar dissolves uniformly. Stirring occasionally, bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat (this will prevent the coconut milk from burning at the bottom). Bring to a simmer and continue cooking for 10 minutes, or until the corn is cooked through & flavors combine.
Step 4: Pour in the Tapioca Pearls and Vanilla
When the corn is cooked, add in the half-cooked tapioca pearls to this coconut milk mixture. Make sure there are no lumps and help yourself with little water if you need while doing so. Vanilla extract will cover the sweetness of the soup but give it a great background aroma. Keep on Cooking for another 2 to 3 minutes mixture will nicley bind.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
PRO TIP: Can add toasted sesame seeds or peanuts on top for some additional texture and flavor as well! That crunchy garnish not only adds a sensation of crunch, but also introduces the nutty background that works so well with carbohydrate to this soup. The best part is that this vegan Vietnamese sweet soup dessert recipe can be served warm or cold, depending on your mood.
Why Che Bap?
A traditional Vietnamese corn pudding called chè Bắp is a basic, but delicious example. Corn is not only frequently used in savory food but also as desserts and this dish pretty much sums up how versatile corn could be prepared for a delicious sweet soup. The creamy coconut milk serves as a velvety backdrop, which the tapioca pearls punctuate with chewiness — together these elements give each mouthful an appropriately decadent quality.
This simple vegan Vietnamese sweet soup recipe is very versatile. If desired, Play around with the liquid by trying different types plant based milk ie: almond or oatalmond to change up the richness and flavor. GO FOR A TROPICAL TWIST BY ADDING FRESH FRUIT LIKE MANGO OR LYCHEE [ESPECIALLY GOOD WITH COCONUT]
More Vegan Che Varieties
If you like the sound of those sweet Vietnamese soups but want to branch out, here are a few other vegan chè options just as tasty:
1. Che Chuoi, Vietnamese Banana and Coconut Milk Soup
And a classic — Che Chuoi; ripe bananas with Lush coconut milk and tapioca pearls. As the bananas cook, they become soft and caramel zed then merge into a velvety richness with the coconut milk. It’s a cold weather dessert that will warm you right up.
2. Che dau xanh (Mung Bean Sweet Soup)
In Vietnamese Che (pudding) but with Mung beans instead, there is something amazing about the natural sweetness and richness in coconut milk. I like to think of it as a some what healthier soup you can drink for dessert….Che dau xanh Vidéo(PointCook Copters): It is usually warmed through, making it a great dish for those cooler days.
3. Che Thai (Vietnamese Fruit Cocktail)
If you fancy refreshing treats, Che Thai is a colourful Vietnamese-style desert served with mixed tropical fruit and coconut milk. It is cold and perfect for those hot summer days.
Health Benefits of Vietnamese Sweet Soups Vegan
However, these vegan che chuoi are definitely sweet soup dessert recipes that you love and provide good nutrition. This is due to the fact that corn contains fiber, yamins and antioxidants which are exactly what you need as a healthy dessert. Coconut Milk is a plant-based alternative, and despite being heavy in fat it imparts healthy fats that can help provide support for your Energy levels as well as overall brain health.
On that note, there are lots of ways to make healthier sweet dishes,, simply by using natural sugar (coconut sugar and not adding a lot) still achieves sweetness,, or simple no added;;sugar. With tapioca pearls, this can offer a gluten-free twist for those on dites.
Serving Suggestions
Related to the previous point, chè is typically served in small bowls which are perfect if you have trouble controlling your portions on sweets. It makes a lovely summer treat cold and chilled, but warm for on the dark evenings or colder days . Enjoy with a cup of green Tea or jasmine Tea as its beautiful balance helps to cleanse the palette while providing an altogether new experience in contrast to sweetness.
Final Thoughts
Vegan Vietnamese desserts, as with the rest of the cuisine is a complex tapestry of flavors and textures. And this easy vegan Vietnamese sweet soup dessert recipe for Chè Bắp is only one of many the options available to those plant-based or looking a healthier alternative compared with other sweets. This recipe uses minimal ingredients and an easy cooking method that will make desserts a quick finish for any meal.
Next time you are craving a sweet and satisfying dessert, why not explore an unconventional option? It can be served warm or cold, and either way it will always impress your friends and family with its lovely unique comforting flavors.
