Chinese Sweet Soup Recipe: How to Make a Delicious Dessert Soup

If you have a sweet tooth, you're in for a treat! Chinese sweet soups are a delicious and healthy dessert option that you can easily make at home. These soups are typically made with a combination of fruits, beans, nuts, and other ingredients, and are often served hot or cold, depending on your preference.

Origins of Chinese Sweet Soups

Chinese sweet soups have been enjoyed for centuries and are an integral part of Chinese culture. They are often served during special occasions and celebrations, such as weddings and festivals. These soups are believed to have originated in ancient China, where they were used for medicinal purposes. Today, they are enjoyed for their delicious taste and health benefits.

Popular Chinese Sweet Soup Recipes

There are many different types of Chinese sweet soups, each with its unique flavour and texture. Some of the most popular recipes include red bean soup, black sesame soup, and sweet potato and ginger soup. These soups are easy to make and require only a few simple ingredients. You can even experiment with different ingredients to create your unique flavour combinations.

Key Takeaways

• Chinese sweet soups are a delicious and healthy dessert option that has been enjoyed for centuries.
• Red bean soup, black sesame soup, and sweet potato and ginger soup are some of the most popular recipes.
• You can experiment with different ingredients to create your unique flavour combinations.

Origins of Chinese Sweet Soups

Chinese sweet soups, also known as "tong sui," have a long and rich history in Chinese cuisine. They are a traditional dessert that has been enjoyed in China for centuries. The sweet soups are made with a base of either water or coconut milk, and are flavoured with a variety of ingredients such as fruits, beans, nuts, and herbs. They are often served hot or cold, and can be enjoyed as a dessert or a snack.

Traditional Roots

The origins of Chinese sweet soups can be traced back to ancient Chinese medicine. In traditional Chinese medicine, it is believed that certain foods have healing properties and can help to balance the body's yin and yang energies. Sweet soups were often prescribed as a remedy for various ailments, and were believed to have a cooling effect on the body.

Over time, sweet soups became a popular dessert in Chinese cuisine. They were enjoyed by people from all walks of life, and were often served at special occasions such as weddings and festivals.

Regional Variations

Chinese sweet soups are enjoyed throughout China, but there are also regional variations that are unique to certain areas. For example, in Hong Kong, sweet soups are often served with a variety of toppings such as tapioca pearls, grass jelly, and fruit. In Guangzhou, sweet soups are often made with a base of water and flavoured with ingredients such as red bean, lotus seed, and black sesame.

If you are looking to add a unique twist to your sweet soup recipe, consider incorporating seafood. Seafood such as scallops, clams, and shrimp can add a delicious and savoury flavour to your sweet soup. For example, you could try making a sweet soup with papaya, Japanese Lily Bulb, black fungus, white fungus, peach gum, almond flakes, water, rock sugar, and scallops. The combination of sweet and savoury flavours is sure to be a hit with your taste buds.

Popular Chinese Sweet Soup Recipes

Chinese sweet soups are a popular dessert in China, with a variety of flavours and textures to choose from. Here are some popular Chinese sweet soup recipes that you can try at home.

Red Bean Soup

Red bean soup is a classic Chinese sweet soup that is made with red beans, sugar, and water. The soup has a smooth texture and a sweet, nutty flavour. It is often served with glutinous rice balls (tang yuan) or lotus seeds.

To make red bean soup, you will need the following ingredients:

• 1 cup of red beans
• 6 cups of water
• 1/2 cup of sugar

1. Rinse the red beans and soak them in water for at least 4 hours or overnight.
2. Drain the beans and place them in a pot with 6 cups of water.
3. Bring the water to a boil and then reduce the heat to low. Simmer the beans for 1-2 hours or until they are soft.
4. Add sugar to taste and stir until dissolved.
5. Serve hot or cold with glutinous rice balls or lotus seeds.

Black Sesame Soup

Black sesame soup is a rich and creamy Chinese sweet soup that is made with black sesame seeds, rice, and sugar. The soup has a nutty flavour and a smooth texture. It is often served as a dessert.

To make black sesame soup, you will need the following ingredients:

• 1/2 cup of black sesame seeds
• 1/4 cup of glutinous rice
• 6 cups of water
• 1/2 cup of sugar

1. Rinse the black sesame seeds and soak them in water for at least 4 hours or overnight.
2. Rinse the glutinous rice and soak it in water for at least 1 hour.
3. Drain the sesame seeds and rice and place them in a blender with 2 cups of water. Blend until smooth.
4. Pour the mixture into a pot and add the remaining 4 cups of water.
5. Bring the water to a boil and then reduce the heat to low. Simmer the soup for 30-40 minutes or until it thickens.
6. Add sugar to taste and stir until dissolved.
7. Serve hot or cold.

Taro and Sago Soup

Taro and sago soup is a sweet and refreshing Chinese dessert soup that is made with taro, sago, and coconut milk. The soup has a creamy texture and a sweet flavour. It is often served cold.

To make taro and sago soup, you will need the following ingredients:

• 1 cup of taro, peeled and diced
• 1/4 cup of sago pearls
• 4 cups of water
• 1 can of coconut milk
• 1/2 cup of sugar

1. Rinse the sago pearls and soak them in water for at least 30 minutes.
2. Boil the taro in 4 cups of water until it is soft.
3. Add the sago pearls and cook for another 10-15 minutes or until they are translucent.
4. Add the coconut milk and sugar and stir until dissolved.
5. Chill the soup in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving.

Seafood can also be added to these sweet soups to enhance their flavour. For example, you can add snow fungus or dried scallops to the taro and sago soup to give it a more savoury taste.

Key Ingredients and Substitutions

Sourcing Ingredients

When it comes to making Chinese sweet soup, sourcing the right ingredients is crucial to achieving the right taste and texture. Many of the ingredients can be found at your local Asian grocery store, but if you're having trouble finding some of them, you can always order them online.

Some of the key ingredients you'll need include black sesame seeds, dried red dates, rock sugar, lotus seeds, and tapioca pearls. You can also add coconut milk or sweetened condensed milk to give the soup a richer flavour.

Healthy Alternatives

If you're looking for healthier alternatives, there are a few substitutions you can make. Instead of using regular sugar, you can use honey or maple syrup. You can also use sweet potatoes instead of rock sugar to sweeten the soup.

To make the soup vegan-friendly, you can use coconut milk instead of sweetened condensed milk. You can also substitute the tapioca pearls with chia seeds or quinoa.

Seafood can also be added to the soup to give it a unique twist. For example, you can use dried scallops or dried shrimp to add a savoury flavour to the soup. However, if you're vegetarian or vegan, you can skip this step.

Overall, the key to making a delicious Chinese sweet soup is to experiment with different ingredients and find the combination that works best for you. With a little bit of creativity, you can create a sweet soup that's both healthy and delicious.

Cooking Techniques and Equipment

Stovetop Methods

To make Chinese sweet soup, you will need a few basic kitchen tools. A saucepan is the most commonly used tool for cooking sweet soup on the stovetop. You can use a non-stick saucepan to prevent the soup from sticking to the bottom of the pot. Make sure you have a lid that fits tightly to the pot to keep the steam in and prevent the soup from boiling over.

When cooking sweet soup on the stovetop, it is important to keep the heat low and simmer the soup slowly. This allows the flavours to develop and the ingredients to cook evenly. Stir the soup occasionally to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pot.

Modern Kitchen Gadgets

If you have a modern kitchen gadget like an Instant Pot or blender, making Chinese sweet soup becomes even easier. An Instant Pot can be used to pressure cook the soup, which can save you time and energy. Simply add all the ingredients to the Instant Pot and set the cooking time according to the recipe.

A blender can be used to puree the soup and create a smooth and creamy texture. This is especially useful if you are using fibrous ingredients like sweet potato or taro. Simply blend the soup until it reaches your desired consistency.

Seafood Suggestion

If you want to add a twist to your Chinese sweet soup recipe, consider adding seafood. Shrimp and crab are popular seafood options that can be used in sweet soups. They add a unique flavour and texture to the soup, and are a good source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids.

To add seafood to your sweet soup, simply cook the seafood separately and add it to the soup at the end of cooking. You can also use seafood broth instead of water to add more depth to the soup's flavour.

Nutritional Information and Health Benefits

Caloric Content

Chinese sweet soups are generally low in calories, making them a great option for those trying to maintain a healthy weight. A typical serving of sweet soup contains around 150-200 calories. However, the exact calorie content will depend on the specific recipe and ingredients used.

Macro and Micronutrients

Sweet soups are also a good source of various macro and micronutrients. They are typically high in carbohydrates, which provide the body with energy. Some sweet soups may also contain small amounts of protein, depending on the ingredients used.

In addition, sweet soups often contain various vitamins and minerals. For example, black sesame seeds, which are commonly used in sweet soups, are a good source of calcium, iron, and magnesium.

Chinese Medicine

In traditional Chinese medicine, sweet soups are believed to have various health benefits. For example, some ingredients used in sweet soups, such as goji berries, are believed to promote good eye health. Other ingredients, such as snow fungus, are believed to help boost the immune system.

Nutrition Facts

Here are the approximate nutrition facts for a typical serving of Chinese sweet soup:

Nutrient	Amount per serving
Calories	150-200
Carbohydrates	30-40g
Protein	1-2g
Fat	1-2g
Fibre	2-3g
Calcium	10% DV
Iron	15% DV
Magnesium	20% DV

Overall, Chinese sweet soups can be a healthy and nutritious addition to your diet. If you want to add some extra protein to your sweet soup, you could consider adding some seafood such as shrimp or scallops. These types of seafood would complement the sweetness of the soup and provide some additional protein and nutrients.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some popular ingredients in traditional Chinese sweet soups?

Chinese sweet soups are known for their use of various ingredients such as beans, nuts, fruits, and grains. Some popular ingredients include red beans, lotus seeds, black sesame seeds, sweet potatoes, and taro. Other ingredients such as goji berries, snow fungus, and dried longan are also commonly used.

How do you make a simple Chinese sweet soup for beginners?

For a simple Chinese sweet soup, you can start with a base made of rock sugar and water. From there, you can add in your desired ingredients such as red beans or lotus seeds. Let the soup simmer on low heat until the ingredients are soft and the soup has thickened. You can also add in some coconut milk for a creamier texture.

Which Chinese sweet soup is considered the best by food enthusiasts?

There are many delicious Chinese sweet soups, but one that is widely considered the best by food enthusiasts is black sesame soup (Zhi ma hu). This soup is made with black sesame seeds, rice flour, and sugar. It has a nutty and sweet flavour and is often served as a dessert.

Could you share a recipe for Chinese tapioca dessert soup?

Certainly! For a tasty Chinese tapioca dessert soup, you will need tapioca pearls, coconut milk, rock sugar, and water. You can also add in some sliced fruits such as mango or pineapple for added flavour. Cook the tapioca pearls according to the package instructions, then add in the coconut milk and rock sugar. Let the soup simmer for a few minutes until the sugar has dissolved. Finally, add in your desired fruits and serve.

What's the secret to a creamy Chinese taro dessert?

The secret to a creamy Chinese taro dessert is to use fresh taro and to cook it until it is very soft. You can also add in some coconut milk for a creamier texture. Be sure to blend the taro mixture until it is completely smooth before serving.

How is snow fungus used in Chinese dessert soups?

Snow fungus is a popular ingredient in Chinese dessert soups due to its health benefits and unique texture. It is often added to sweet soups made with beans or nuts, and is known for its ability to add a gelatinous texture to the soup. If you are looking to incorporate seafood into your Chinese sweet soup recipe, you can try adding in some dried scallops or dried shrimp for added flavour.