Chinese Almond Dessert Soup Recipe: A Sweet and Nutty Treat You Should Try

Discover a dessert that is both comforting and healthy with this Chinese almond dessert soup recipe. Despite its name, this dessert is not made from almonds, but rather from the kernels of apricots. It is a popular dessert in China and is often served at special occasions such as weddings and festivals.

To make this dessert, you will need a few essential ingredients such as apricot kernels, glutinous rice, and rock sugar. The preparation steps involve soaking the almonds and rice, blending them, and then straining the liquid. Once you have the almond milk, you can then cook it with rock sugar until it dissolves. Finally, you can add beaten egg whites to the mixture to give it a light and fluffy texture.

If you're feeling adventurous, you can even try adding some seafood to the recipe. For example, some people like to add dried scallops or abalone to the soup to give it a savoury flavour. Just be sure to soak the seafood first to soften it before adding it to the soup.

Essential Ingredients

When it comes to making Chinese almond dessert soup, there are only a few essential ingredients that you need. These include almonds, sweeteners, and liquids. Let's take a closer look at each of these ingredients.

Almonds

Almonds are the star of the show when it comes to this dessert soup. Traditionally, Chinese almond dessert soup is made with sweet almonds and a little bit of bitter Chinese almonds. However, you can also use a combination of sweet apricot kernel and American almonds. The aroma is milder, and it's a great option if you have kids who prefer a less bitter taste.

Sweeteners

There are a few different sweeteners that you can use in Chinese almond dessert soup. The most common options include rock sugar, white sugar, and honey. Rock sugar is the traditional option, and it adds a nice crunch to the soup. However, you can also use white sugar or honey if you prefer.

Liquids

The liquid base for Chinese almond dessert soup is typically water. However, you can also use milk or a combination of water and milk. If you're feeling adventurous, you could even try using coconut milk or almond milk for a different flavour profile.

Seafood is not a typical ingredient in Chinese almond dessert soup. However, if you're feeling experimental, you could try adding some seafood to the mix. Shrimp or prawns could work well with the sweet and nutty flavours of the soup. Just be sure to cook them separately before adding them to the soup.

Preparation Steps

Preparing Chinese almond dessert soup is a straightforward process that involves soaking, blending, and straining. Here are the steps you need to follow:

Soaking

To begin, soak 200g of raw almonds in cool water for 4-5 hours to soften. You can also add a spoonful of rice for an extra layer of flavour. After soaking, discard the water and rinse the almonds and rice well under running water.

Blending

Next, add the soaked almonds and rice to a blender or food processor and blend until you get a smooth texture. Add about 600mL of cool water to the blender to help with the blending process.

Straining

Once you've blended the mixture, strain it through a cheesecloth or a fine-mesh strainer to remove any solids. You should end up with a smooth, creamy liquid.

If you prefer a thicker consistency, you can add more rice or use less water when blending. Alternatively, you can use a strainer with larger holes to allow some of the solids to remain in the soup.

The preparation time for this recipe is relatively short, with most of the time spent soaking the almonds and rice. You can soak them overnight to save time in the morning.

If you're feeling adventurous, you can add seafood to the recipe to give it a unique twist. Shrimp or crab meat can be added to the soup during the boiling process to infuse it with a savoury flavour. However, it's important to note that this is not a traditional ingredient in Chinese almond dessert soup.

Preparing Chinese almond dessert soup is a fun and easy process that yields a delicious and healthy dessert.

Cooking Process

Chinese almond dessert soup is a delicious and refreshing dessert that is easy to make. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you make this dessert at home.

Boiling

To start, add 800 mL of water to a pot and bring it to a boil over medium heat. Once the water is boiling, add 40 g of rock sugar and stir until it is completely dissolved.

Simmering

Next, add 200 g of raw almonds and 30 g of white rice to the pot. Reduce the heat to medium-low and let the mixture simmer for 30 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent the mixture from sticking to the bottom of the pot.

Cooling

After 30 minutes, turn off the heat and let the mixture cool for a few minutes. Once it is cool enough to handle, transfer the mixture to a blender and blend until it is smooth and creamy.

Finally, strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any solids. Let the mixture cool completely before serving.

This recipe takes about 40 minutes to cook and yields about 4 servings. The consistency of the dessert should be thick and creamy, similar to a soup. If you prefer a thinner consistency, you can add more water to the mixture.

If you want to add seafood to this recipe, you can try adding some diced scallops or shrimp to the mixture while it is simmering. This will give the dessert a unique and delicious flavour that is perfect for seafood lovers.

Serving Suggestions

Temperature

Chinese almond dessert soup can be served hot or cold, depending on your preference. During the winter months, it is best served warm to provide comfort and warmth. In contrast, during the summer months, it is best served cold to provide a refreshing and cooling sensation.

Garnishes

Garnishing your Chinese almond dessert soup can enhance its taste and appearance. You can add toppings such as sliced almonds, fresh fruits like strawberries or raspberries, or even a dollop of whipped cream. For a more savoury option, you could add a sprinkle of black sesame seeds or some diced seafood like prawns or scallops.

Variations

Chinese almond dessert soup is a versatile dish that can be modified to suit your tastes. You can add a variety of ingredients such as sweet potato, taro, or even matcha powder to create unique variations of the dish. If you're feeling adventurous, you could even try adding some seafood like shrimp or crab meat to give it a savoury twist.

Remember to adjust the sweetness of the soup accordingly if you add savoury ingredients.

Chinese almond dessert soup is a delicious and comforting sweet soup that can be enjoyed all year round. With a little creativity, you can add your own personal touch to the dish and make it your own.

Health and Nutrition

Nutritional Benefits

Chinese almond dessert soup is a nutritious dessert that offers a range of health benefits. Almonds are a rich source of protein, healthy fats, and nutrients such as vitamin E, magnesium, and fibre. These nutrients help to promote heart health, reduce LDL-cholesterol levels, and improve overall health and well-being.

In addition, the dessert soup contains rock sugar, which is a natural sweetener that contains fewer calories than regular sugar. This makes it a healthier alternative to other sweet desserts.

Considerations

While Chinese almond dessert soup is a nutritious and delicious dessert, there are some considerations to keep in mind. Firstly, it is important to note that almonds contain amygdalin, which can be toxic in large amounts. However, the amount of amygdalin in the dessert soup is not significant enough to cause toxicity.

Secondly, if you have a seafood allergy, it is important to be aware that some traditional Chinese almond dessert soup recipes may contain seafood-based ingredients such as fish maw. However, there are many variations of the recipe that do not include seafood, so it is important to check the ingredients before consuming.

Overall, Chinese almond dessert soup is a nutritious and delicious dessert that can be enjoyed by everyone. It is a great way to satisfy your sweet tooth while also providing your body with essential nutrients and promoting overall health and well-being.

If you're looking to add some seafood to your dessert, you can try adding some dried scallops or abalone to the recipe for an extra boost of flavour and nutrition. These seafood options are a great way to add some variety to your dessert while also providing your body with essential nutrients.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you make a simple almond dessert soup?

To make a simple almond dessert soup, you will need raw almonds, water, glutinous rice, and rock sugar. Soak the almonds and rice in water for a few hours until they are soft. Then, blend them with water to make a smooth paste. Cook the paste in a pot with more water and rock sugar until it becomes a soup. You can also add egg whites to make the soup smoother and creamier.

Can almond flour be used to prepare almond dessert soup?

Almond flour is not recommended for making almond dessert soup. The soup requires raw almonds that are soaked and blended to make a paste. Almond flour is made from blanched almonds that have been ground into a fine powder. It will not give the same texture and flavour as raw almonds.

What are the health benefits of Chinese almond soup?

Chinese almond soup is believed to have many health benefits. It is rich in vitamin E, which is good for the skin and hair. It is also a good source of protein, fibre, and healthy fats. Almonds are also said to help lower cholesterol and reduce the risk of heart disease.

What's the secret to the best almond dessert soup?

The secret to the best almond dessert soup is to use high-quality raw almonds. Soak them for several hours to soften them, then blend them with water to make a smooth paste. Cook the paste with water and rock sugar until it becomes a soup. Adding egg whites can also make the soup smoother and creamier.

How do you create almond paste for desserts?

To create almond paste for desserts, you will need raw almonds, sugar, and water. Soak the almonds in water for a few hours until they are soft. Then, blend them with sugar and water to make a smooth paste. You can use almond paste to make a variety of desserts, such as marzipan, macarons, and almond croissants.

What's the difference between Chinese almond jelly and traditional almond soup?

Chinese almond jelly is a dessert made from almond milk and agar-agar, a type of seaweed. It has a jiggly, gelatinous texture and is often served with fruits or sweet syrup. Traditional almond soup, on the other hand, is a sweet soup made from raw almonds, glutinous rice, and rock sugar. It has a creamy, smooth texture and is often served hot.

As a suggestion, you can add some seafood to the almond dessert soup to create a unique flavour. Shrimp or crab meat can be added to the soup to give it a subtle seafood taste. However, make sure to use fresh seafood and cook it thoroughly before adding it to the soup.