Tau Suan is a comforting and simple dessert popular in Singapore, Malaysia, and Southeast Asia. This warm, sweet treat is made from split mung beans cooked in a slightly thick, starchy syrup and usually topped with crispy fried dough, known as Youtiao(Chinese crullers).
Dear Lykkers! With a smooth, subtly sweet flavor, Tau Suan is loved for its unique blend of textures—soft mung beans and crispy Chinese cruller.
Origins and Cultural Significance
Tau Suan has its origins in traditional Chinese cuisine, with roots in the Guangdong and Fujian provinces. In these regions, it's considered a classic dessert, often enjoyed during festivals or as a breakfast treat. The name "Tau Suan" means "split beans," referring to its main ingredient.
Ingredients in Tau Suan
The simplicity of Tau Suan lies in its basic yet harmonious ingredients:
Split mung beans: These are the star of the dish, providing a creamy texture and mild taste.
Sweet potato starch or tapioca starch: This thickens the soup, giving it a velvety consistency.
Sugar: Used to sweeten the dessert, though the level can be adjusted according to preference.
Pandan leaves: These aromatic leaves add a fragrant, slightly vanilla-like scent to the dish.
Chinese crullers: A crispy topping that complements the dessert's smooth texture.
How to Make Tau Suan at Home
Making Tau Suan is relatively simple, as it requires only a few steps. Here's a general outline of the process:
1. Preparing the Mung Beans
Start by soaking the split mung beans for about an hour to soften them slightly. This step is important to achieve the right texture.
2. Cooking the Mung Beans
After soaking, steam the mung beans until tender but not mushy. This typically takes about 20 minutes. Steaming preserves their shape while ensuring a soft bite.
3. Preparing the Starch Base
While the beans are steaming, make a starchy mixture by combining sweet potato starch or tapioca starch with water. This will be used to thicken the dessert.
4. Making the Tau Suan Soup
In a saucepan, combine water, sugar, and pandan leaves, bringing the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, remove the pandan leaves, then slowly add the starch mixture, stirring constantly until it thickens.
5. Combining Ingredients
Once the soup reaches a smooth, thick consistency, add the steamed mung beans and gently stir to incorporate them evenly.
6. Serving
Serve the warm Tau Suan in bowls and top it with pieces of Chinese crullers for a delightful crunch. It's best enjoyed hot to preserve the crispness.
Health Benefits of Tau Suan
Tau Suan is not only comforting but also provides some nutritional benefits:
Mung beans: These are high in protein, fiber, and essential nutrients like potassium and magnesium.
Pandan leaves: Often used for their aromatic properties, pandan also has antioxidant benefits.
Balanced dessert: While Tau Suan is sweet, it's often less sugary than other desserts, making it a lighter treat.
Tau Suan is a simple yet flavorful dessert that embodies the warmth and comfort of traditional Southeast Asian flavors. The combination of soft mung beans, sweet broth, and crispy crullers creates a unique texture and taste, making it a beloved choice for many. Enjoyed on a rainy day or as a satisfying snack, Tau Suan brings a taste of tradition with every spoonful. So want to try something new at home, don't miss out on the charm of this classic dessert!
