Sweet Red Bean Soup

Red bean soup is a dessert that I really enjoy drinking. It's also very popular in China and is an essential delicacy on Chinese dining tables every summer. Today, I'm here to share with you the simple and easy-to-learn recipe for red bean soup that I've made many times. It has a delicious taste that you'll surely enjoy.

In China, red bean soup is primarily made from red beans and either white granulated sugar or rock sugar, creating a sweet dessert snack. Consuming it in moderate amounts can offer certain health benefits. If you want to make and enjoy red bean soup, let me provide you with some information about what red bean soup is and what you should pay attention to when making it!

1. What is red bean soup?

Red bean soup is made from red beans. The red beans are cooked together with water and sugar until they are soft. In China, the method of making red bean soup varies in different regions. For those who enjoy sweet foods, honey can also be added for flavoring. Red bean soup can be served hot or cold, though it is typically consumed cold, as it has a cooling effect, which is particularly refreshing during hot weather.

Red bean soup is often paired with rice cakes. In China, people also enjoy adding small glutinous rice balls or pieces of taro to enhance the texture, resulting in a truly delightful eating experience.

2. What are the benefits of drinking red bean soup?

1. Diuretic and anti-inflammatory properties: Red bean soup contains a significant amount of saponin compounds, which, when consumed in moderation, can stimulate the intestines and have a beneficial diuretic effect, aiding in reducing swelling.

2. Promotes bowel regularity: Red bean soup is rich in dietary fiber, which helps to lubricate the intestines and promote bowel regularity.

3. Detoxification and dampness expulsion: Red bean soup is rich in B vitamins, iron, as well as protein, fat, carbohydrates, calcium, phosphorus, niacin, and other nutrients. It has properties that help clear heat, promote urination, and expel dampness from the body, aiding in detoxification.

3. How to cook red bean soup without it turning bitter?

There are primarily two reasons why red bean soup might turn bitter. Firstly, it could be due to the inherent bitterness of the red beans themselves. Red beans contain tannins and saponins, which impart bitterness. To reduce the bitterness of red beans, you can soak them in water beforehand to remove some of the bitterness.

Secondly, if the red beans have gone bad, it can cause the soup to taste bitter. Therefore, before cooking red bean soup, it's essential to check the red beans for any signs of damage or spoilage.

4. How long should red beans be soaked?

It's recommended to soak red beans for about 3-4 hours.

Before cooking red bean soup, soaking the red beans is essential. This process helps to remove the bitterness of the red beans and also makes them easier to cook thoroughly. Additionally, soaked red beans become softer and more tender after cooking, enhancing their taste.

However, it's important not to soak red beans for too long, as it may lead to nutrient loss. Generally, it's recommended to soak red beans for about 3-4 hours.

5. What can be added to red bean soup?

As mentioned earlier, the traditional ingredients for red bean soup are quite simple, primarily consisting of red beans, white granulated sugar or rock sugar, and water. However, if you like, you can add various other ingredients to enhance the flavor and texture of the soup. Some popular additions include lotus seeds, red dates, barley, lily bulbs, orange peel, and glutinous rice balls. These additions can elevate the taste of the soup. Today, I'm going to add red dates and barley to mine.

After introducing so many tips on making red bean soup, I believe everyone has gained a good understanding of how to make delicious red bean soup. Now, let's make some tasty red bean soup together!