How to Make Vietnamese 3 Color Bean Dessert: Step-by-Step Guide for a Refreshing Treat

Have you ever craved a sweet treat that’s both refreshing and satisfying? Vietnamese 3 color bean dessert, or “chè ba màu,” might just be what you need. This colorful dish combines beans, coconut milk, and jelly to create a delightful dessert that’s perfect for any occasion.

Overview of Vietnamese 3 Color Bean Dessert

Vietnamese 3 color bean dessert, or “chè ba màu,” features three distinct layers filled with complementary flavors and textures. This refreshing dessert combines sweet mung beans, adzuki beans, and vibrant jelly. Each component brings its own unique taste, creating a delightful harmony.

You’ll find the mung beans as the base layer. Soft and slightly sweet, they provide a creamy foundation. Above that, the adzuki beans add a richer, nuttier flavor. The top layer often consists of colorful coconut jelly or pandan jelly, giving both a visual appeal and a subtle fragrance.

Coconut milk acts as a syrup, drenching the layers in creaminess. When served cold, the dessert offers a perfect balance of sweetness, creaminess, and texture. You’ll enjoy it even more with a sprinkle of crushed ice.

Chè ba màu is not only popular as a street food treat, but it also appears at various celebrations and family gatherings. Making this dessert can be a fun and interactive experience. The vibrant colors and unique flavors make it a favorite among all ages.

Ingredients Required

To create Vietnamese 3 color bean dessert, you’ll need a few essential ingredients that come together to make this delightful treat. Gather the following items for an authentic experience.

Beans and Legumes

• Mung Beans: Use 1 cup of dried mung beans for the creamy bottom layer. Soak them overnight for best results.
• Adzuki Beans: Use 1 cup of dried adzuki beans. Boil them until soft, about 30 minutes.
• Red Beans: If using canned adzuki beans, rinse and drain them to save time.

• Coconut Milk: Aim for 2 cups of full-fat coconut milk. This adds creaminess and flavor throughout.
• Sugar: Use ½ cup of sugar, adjusting based on your sweetness preference.
• Pandan Leaves or Extract: Optional, but 1 to 2 pandan leaves enhance the flavor and provide a beautiful green layer. If unavailable, pandan extract works too.
• Agar-Agar Powder: Use 1 tablespoon to create the jelly layer. It’s a vegetarian alternative to gelatin.
• Ice: Having crushed ice on hand improves the dessert’s texture, especially when served cold.

With these ingredients, you’re ready to embark on your journey to make this vibrant and tasty dessert.

Preparation Steps

Creating Vietnamese 3 color bean dessert involves several straightforward steps. Follow these instructions to prepare each layer and assemble the dessert.

Cooking the Beans

1. Prepare the Mung Beans: Rinse 1 cup of dried mung beans under cold water. Soak them overnight in water for at least 6 hours. Drain and rinse before cooking.
2. Cook the Mung Beans: Place the soaked mung beans in a saucepan, cover with water, and simmer on medium heat until soft, about 15-20 minutes. Mash them lightly and sweeten with sugar as desired.
3. Prepare the Adzuki Beans: Rinse 1 cup of dried adzuki beans under cold water. Boil them in a separate pot for about 30 minutes, or until tender. Drain and add sugar to taste when finished.

Making the Coconut Sauce

1. Combine Ingredients: In a saucepan, pour 1 cup of full-fat coconut milk. Add 2 tablespoons of sugar and a pinch of salt, then stir to combine.
2. Heat the Mixture: Cook over low heat until the sugar dissolves completely. Avoid boiling. If using pandan leaves or extract for flavor, stir them in at this stage.
3. Adjust Consistency: If the sauce is too thick, add a little water to achieve the desired consistency for drizzling over the dessert.

1. Layer the Ingredients: Start with a layer of cooked mung beans as the base in a serving glass or bowl. Follow with a layer of cooked adzuki beans on top.
2. Add Jelly Layer: Prepare agar-agar jelly according to package instructions, using pandan leaves for fragrance if desired. Allow it to cool slightly, then pour over the adzuki beans.
3. Pour Coconut Sauce: Once the jelly has set, drizzle the coconut sauce generously over the top layer.
4. Finish with Ice: Serve the dessert cold, adding crushed ice for a refreshing touch.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Vietnamese 3 color bean dessert, or chè ba màu, chilled with crushed ice for a refreshing treat. This dessert can be easily customized to suit your taste.

Garnishing Tips

• Sprinkle toasted coconut flakes on top for added texture.
• Drizzle extra coconut milk or syrup over the layers for creaminess.
• Add fresh fruits like mango or strawberries for a burst of flavor and color.
• Use mint leaves as a garnish for a touch of freshness.

• Pair chè ba màu with Vietnamese coffee for a rich contrast.
• Enjoy it alongside a light fruit salad for a balanced dessert spread.
• Consider serving it with crispy spring rolls to create an appealing contrast in texture.
• Complement with a glass of iced tea for a refreshing beverage option.

Conclusion

Making Vietnamese 3 color bean dessert is not just about satisfying your sweet tooth; it’s a delightful experience that brings a splash of color and flavor to any occasion. You’ll find that the combination of textures and tastes creates a treat that’s both refreshing and comforting.

Whether you’re enjoying it on a hot day or sharing it with friends and family, each layer tells a story of tradition and creativity. So don’t hesitate to experiment with your favorite ingredients or garnishes to make it your own.

Get ready to impress everyone with this vibrant dessert that’s sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. Happy cooking!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is chè ba màu?

Chè ba màu is a Vietnamese three-color bean dessert made with layers of sweet mung beans, adzuki beans, and colorful jelly, often served with coconut milk and crushed ice for a refreshing treat.

How is chè ba màu made?

To make chè ba màu, soak mung beans overnight and boil adzuki beans until tender. Layer the cooked mung beans, adzuki beans, and jelly, then drizzle with coconut milk before serving chilled.

What ingredients are needed for chè ba màu?

Essential ingredients for chè ba màu include dried mung beans, adzuki beans, full-fat coconut milk, sugar, agar-agar powder for the jelly, and optional pandan leaves for flavor.

When is chè ba màu typically served?

Chè ba màu is popular as a street food treat in Vietnam and is commonly enjoyed at celebrations, family gatherings, and as a refreshing dessert on hot days.

How can I serve chè ba màu?

Serve chè ba màu chilled with crushed ice. You can garnish it with toasted coconut flakes, fresh fruits, or mint leaves, and pair it with Vietnamese coffee or iced tea for a delicious complement.