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.

<h3>Origins and Cultural Significance</h3>

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.

<h3>Ingredients in Tau Suan</h3>

The simplicity of Tau Suan lies in its basic yet harmonious ingredients:

<b>Split mung beans:</b> These are the star of the dish, providing a creamy texture and mild taste.

<b>Sweet potato starch or tapioca starch:</b> This thickens the soup, giving it a velvety consistency.

<b>Sugar:</b> Used to sweeten the dessert, though the level can be adjusted according to preference.

<b>Pandan leaves:</b> These aromatic leaves add a fragrant, slightly vanilla-like scent to the dish.

<b>Chinese crullers:</b> A crispy topping that complements the dessert's smooth texture.

Tau Suan Recipe / Split Mung Bean Soup Dessert - 豆爽

Video by The Meatmen Channel

<h3>How to Make Tau Suan at Home</h3>

Making Tau Suan is relatively simple, as it requires only a few steps. Here's a general outline of the process:

<b>1. Preparing the Mung Beans</b>

Start by soaking the split mung beans for about an hour to soften them slightly. This step is important to achieve the right texture.

<b>2. Cooking the Mung Beans</b>

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.

<b>3. Preparing the Starch Base</b>

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.

<b>4. Making the Tau Suan Soup</b>

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.

<b>5. Combining Ingredients</b>

Once the soup reaches a smooth, thick consistency, add the steamed mung beans and gently stir to incorporate them evenly.

<b>6. Serving</b>

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.

<h3>Health Benefits of Tau Suan</h3>

Tau Suan is not only comforting but also provides some nutritional benefits:

<b>Mung beans:</b> These are high in protein, fiber, and essential nutrients like potassium and magnesium.

<b>Pandan leaves:</b> Often used for their aromatic properties, pandan also has antioxidant benefits.

<b>Balanced dessert:</b> 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!