Delicious and Quick Black Bean Sweet Soup (Vietnamese Chè Đậu Đen)

Black bean sweet soup, or chè đậu đen, is one of Vietnam’s most beloved and refreshing summer desserts. However, many people hesitate to make it at home because they think it takes too long to cook. With just a few simple tricks, you can prepare a pot of perfectly soft, fragrant black bean sweet soup in far less time—without losing any of its rich, traditional flavor.

1. Prepare the Ingredients

Main ingredients:

• Black beans: Choose the right variety—preferably black beans with a green inner core (đậu đen xanh lòng). These beans have a glossy black shell, firm texture, and a pleasant nutty aroma when cooked. They taste better and are more nutritious than the yellow-core variety.

• Sugar: You can use white sugar, rock sugar, or palm sugar, depending on your taste preference. Palm sugar adds a slightly caramel-like aroma that enhances the dish’s depth.

• A pinch of salt and filtered water to balance the sweetness.

• Optional toppings: coconut milk, shredded coconut, tapioca pearls, or crushed ice—perfect for those who love a creamy or chilled dessert.

2. Soaking the Beans – The Secret to Perfect Texture

After selecting quality beans, remove any broken or worm-eaten ones. A quick tip: pour the beans into a bowl of water—those that float are hollow or stale, so discard them.

Soak the black beans for 6–8 hours or overnight. This step is crucial—it helps the beans soften faster and cook evenly without becoming mushy. Soaking also removes some phytic acid, a compound that can interfere with nutrient absorption. This not only improves digestion but also ensures the beans cook up creamy and flavorful from the inside out.

3. Lightly Roast the Beans Before Cooking

Once soaked, rinse the beans thoroughly and drain them. Then, place them in a dry pan and lightly roast for a few minutes until they release a mild aroma and the skins feel slightly dry. Be careful not to over-roast, as burned beans can produce a bitter taste.

This small but powerful trick does wonders—it enhances the beans’ aroma, reduces their cooling nature (which can sometimes upset the stomach), and helps them cook faster while keeping their shape. Seasoned home cooks swear by this method for consistently delicious results.

4. Cook the Beans Until Soft — The Efficient Way

After roasting, you can cook the beans using one of the following methods:

• Pressure cooker: The quickest option—cook for just 15–20 minutes.

• Rice cooker: Add beans and water (three times the volume of beans), switch on “Cook,” and let it simmer. Once it boils, switch to “Warm” mode for about 30 minutes, then check the texture.

• Stovetop: Cook over medium heat with the lid slightly open to prevent spilling. Remember to watch the water level and add more if it evaporates too quickly.

💡 Pro tip: If using a rice cooker, bring the beans to a boil for 5 minutes, unplug the cooker, and let it sit closed for about 30 minutes. The beans will continue to soften from the retained heat, saving both time and electricity.

5. Sweeten the Beans – A Key Step for Deep Flavor

When the beans are tender, strain out the cooking water and set it aside. Mix the beans with sugar and a pinch of salt while they’re still warm. Gently stir over low heat until the sugar melts and seeps into the beans.

By separating the liquid first, the sugar can penetrate deeply, creating a rich, well-balanced sweetness. This step prevents the soup from tasting bland or watery.

Once the beans are infused with flavor, pour back the reserved cooking liquid and simmer lightly for another few minutes. If you prefer a slightly thicker texture, dissolve a little tapioca or arrowroot flour in water and stir it into the pot until smooth.

For extra aroma, try adding a few slices of crushed ginger or a couple of jasmine flowers to the sugar syrup before cooking. The subtle fragrance adds a refreshing note that perfectly complements the earthy beans.

6. Serving Suggestions and Important Tips

You can enjoy black bean sweet soup warm or cold, depending on your mood and the weather. To serve, spoon the beans into a bowl or glass, drizzle with the sweet broth, top with coconut milk, shredded coconut, chewy tapioca pearls, and a handful of crushed ice for a perfect tropical treat.

A few things to keep in mind:

• Avoid adding too much sugar—it may cause internal heat and counteract the cooling effect of the dessert.

• Don’t use baking soda to soften the beans unless it’s food-grade and safe for cooking; improper use can harm your health.

• Enjoy in moderation, especially in the evening, since black beans are high in fiber and can cause a feeling of fullness.

Final Thoughts

With these easy yet effective tips, you can make delicious chè đậu đen at home—fast, fragrant, and perfectly soft without spending hours in the kitchen. This timeless Vietnamese dessert not only cools the body but also provides essential nutrients and energy on hot summer days.

So, save these little tricks and try making a batch this weekend—your family will love every spoonful of this sweet, comforting treat! 🌸