Imagine, embarking on an adventure that tantalizes your taste buds, with the flavors of tradition and the comforting warmth of home. Sweet and dessert soups, a realm in the universe of culinary delights offer just that. These dishes, deeply rooted in history and culture showcase the ingenuity and versatility of dessert making across societies.
Today, we will explore five timeless sweet/dessert soup recipes, each possessing its allure and taste. From the velvety indulgence of Chè Bà Ba to the refinement of Red Bean Soup, these culinary creations promise to elevate your dessert experience to extraordinary heights.
Recipe 1. Chè Bà Ba (Vietnamese Soup, with Sweet Potatoes, Taro and Cassava)
Ingredients:
- 250 gms peeled and diced potatoes
- 250 gms peeled and diced taro
- 250 gms peeled and diced cassava
- 125 gms pearl tapioca
- 1 can coconut milk
- 250 gms granulated sugar
- 500 ml water
- A pinch of salt
Instructions:
- Begin by bringing water to a boil in a pot. Start by adding potatoes, taro and cassava to a pot. Cook them until they reach a tender consistency.
- In a bowl, soak the pearl tapioca in water for approximately 20 minutes, then drain the excess water.
- Add the soaked tapioca to the pot. Continue cooking until it turns translucent.
- Stir in coconut milk, sugar and a pinch of salt. Reduce the heat. Let it simmer for another 10 minutes, occasionally stirring.
- You can enjoy this dish either warm or chilled with a sprinkle of roasted sesame seeds on top.
Recipe 2. Chinese Red Bean Soup Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 125 gms of dried adzuki beans
- 750 ml of water
- 85 gms of rock sugar
- 1 strip of dried orange peel
- A pinch of salt
Instructions:
- Begin by soaking the adzuki beans in water.
- Drain them and put them into a pot with water (6 cups). Bring it to a boil. Then let it simmer for an hour or until the beans become tender.
- Add rock sugar, dried orange peel and a pinch of salt, into the pot while stirring until all the sugar dissolves completely.
- Continue simmering for another 30 minutes. Until the soup slightly thickens.
- Serve the dish while it’s still hot to enjoy the contrast between the beans and the sweet citrusy flavors.
Recipe 3. Thai style Sweet Pumpkin Soup
Ingredients:
- 500 gms of diced pumpkin
- 450 ml of coconut milk
- 125 gms of palm sugar
- A pinch of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Combine the pumpkin and coconut milk in a pot. Bring them to a boil.
- Reduce the heat. Let it simmer until the pumpkin becomes tender.
- Add palm sugar, salt and vanilla extract while continuing to simmer until the soup reaches a creamy consistency.
- Serve this comforting soup warm, garnished with a sprinkle of toasted coconut flakes.
Recipe 4. Filipino style Ginataang Halo-Halo
Ingredients:
- 250 gms of sago pearls
- 250 gms of sweet potatoes
- 250 gms of sliced plantains
- 125 gms of jackfruit strips
- 750 ml of coconut milk
- 125 gms of sugar
- A pinch of salt
Instructions:
- In a pot, partially cook potatoes by boiling them in water.
- Add plantains, jackfruit and sago pearls to the pot. Continue cooking for another five minutes.
- Pour in coconut milk, sugar, and a pinch of salt. Stir gently and simmer until everything is tender and the soup is slightly thickened.
- Serve the soup warm. Savor its range of textures and flavors.
Recipe 5. Hungarian Sweet Cherry Soup (Meggyleves)
Ingredients:
- 500 gms of pitted cherries
- 750 ml of water
- 275 gms of sugar
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 250 gms of cream
- 2 tablespoons of all purpose flour
Instructions:
- In a pot, bring together the cherries, water, sugar and a cinnamon stick. Allow it to come to a boil.
- Reduce the heat. Let it simmer for ten minutes.
- In a bowl combine the cream and flour until smooth. Gradually, add this mixture into the soup while stirring.
- Continue cooking for five minutes until the soup slightly thickens.
- Before serving, refrigerate the soup to offer a refreshing and tangy delight.
Conclusion:
These five traditional sweet/dessert soups are not just recipes; they are tales woven with flavors and textures that reflect their cultures, essence and evoke nostalgic warmth. As you delve into these delightful soups, you not only savor their delectable flavors but also embark on a voyage spanning different continents and eras. Embrace the thrill of this adventure. Allow these luscious soups to serve as your gateway to the mesmerizing realm of dessert cuisine.