Thai Coconut Mung Bean Delight
Indulge in the creamy, sweet flavors of Thai Coconut Mung Bean Delight, a traditional dessert that beautifully balances the earthiness of mung beans with the rich creaminess of coconut. This delightful pudding is both comforting and satisfying, perfect for servings at family gatherings or as a sweet finish to any meal. Drawing inspiration from authentic Thai culinary traditions, this dish showcases the unique taste and texture of steamed mung beans combined with a luscious coconut cream topping. With minimal ingredients and simple steps, you can recreate this beloved Thai dessert in the comfort of your home.
N/A
Servings
200
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
Peeled Split Moong Beans
0.5 (6 ounce) package (Soaked and steamed)
Water
4 cups (Divided; 3.75 cups for syrup and 0.25 cups for tapioca starch mixture)
Sugar
3/4 cup (Granulated)
Tapioca Starch
1/3 cup (Mixed with water)
Coconut Cream
1 cup (For topping)
Salt
1/2 teaspoon (Mixed with coconut cream)
Instructions
1
Begin by soaking the peeled split moong beans in warm water for at least 3 hours; this will help soften them. After soaking, rinse the beans thoroughly.
2
Steam the soaked mung beans over boiling water for 20 to 30 minutes until they are tender and cooked through. Set aside to cool.
3
In a medium saucepan, combine 3.75 cups of water with the sugar over medium heat. Stir continuously until the sugar dissolves completely and the mixture is simmering.
4
In a small bowl, combine the tapioca starch with 1/4 cup of cold water. Mix well until the starch is dissolved, then slowly pour it into the simmering sugar water while stirring constantly. Continue stirring for a few minutes until the mixture thickens and becomes clear.
5
Gently fold the steamed mung beans into the thickened sugar mixture, stirring carefully to ensure the beans are well coated without breaking them.
6
In another small saucepan, combine the coconut cream and salt. Cook over low heat, stirring until the mixture is smooth and heated through, but do not allow it to boil. This will serve as your topping.
7
To serve, scoop the mung bean pudding into small bowls or dessert cups and generously drizzle a tablespoon of the creamy coconut mixture on top.
Nutrition Information
8.75
Fat
25
Carbs
2.5
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Thai Coconut Mung Bean Delight?
Thai Coconut Mung Bean Delight is a traditional Thai dessert pudding made from steamed mung beans and a thickened sugar base, topped with a salty-sweet coconut cream.
How long should I soak the peeled split moong beans?
The beans should be soaked in warm water for at least 3 hours to ensure they soften properly before steaming.
How long does it take to steam the mung beans?
Once soaked and rinsed, the mung beans should be steamed over boiling water for 20 to 30 minutes until they are tender.
What is the thickening agent used in this recipe?
Tapioca starch mixed with cold water is used to thicken the sugar syrup into a clear pudding consistency.
How is the coconut topping prepared?
The topping is made by combining coconut cream and salt in a saucepan and heating it over low heat until smooth and warm, without letting it boil.
Is Thai Coconut Mung Bean Delight gluten-free?
Yes, this dessert is gluten-free as it uses mung beans and tapioca starch rather than wheat-based ingredients.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, all ingredients used in this Thai dessert are vegetarian-friendly.
How many calories are in a serving of this dessert?
Each serving contains approximately 200 calories.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 8.75 grams of fat per serving, primarily coming from the coconut cream.
How much sugar is required for the recipe?
The recipe calls for 3/4 cup of granulated sugar to sweeten the pudding base.
What type of mung beans are needed?
The recipe requires a 0.5 (6 ounce) package of peeled split moong beans.
Can I substitute the tapioca starch?
While tapioca starch is traditional for the clear texture, you would typically use cornstarch as a substitute, though it may change the clarity and mouthfeel.
Why shouldn't I boil the coconut cream topping?
Boiling coconut cream can cause it to separate or lose its smooth, creamy texture; it only needs to be heated through.
How do I ensure the mung beans don't break when mixing?
Gently fold the steamed beans into the thickened sugar mixture instead of stirring vigorously.
What is the total water amount needed?
A total of 4 cups of water is used: 3.75 cups for the sugar syrup and 0.25 cups to dissolve the tapioca starch.
Does this dessert contain cholesterol?
Based on the ingredients list, this dessert is cholesterol-free.
What is the protein content of this dish?
Each serving provides about 2.5 grams of protein from the mung beans.
How much salt is used in the coconut topping?
1/2 teaspoon of salt is mixed with the coconut cream to balance the sweetness of the pudding.
What should the sugar mixture look like after adding the starch?
The mixture should thicken and become clear as you stir it over medium heat.
How do I serve Thai Coconut Mung Bean Delight?
Scoop the mung bean pudding into small bowls and drizzle a generous tablespoon of the salted coconut cream on top.
Can I use coconut milk instead of coconut cream?
Coconut cream is preferred for its richness and thickness, but coconut milk can be used if you prefer a lighter, thinner topping.
What are the primary flavors of this dish?
The dish features an earthy sweetness from the mung beans balanced by the rich, savory-sweet flavor of salted coconut cream.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 6 main ingredients: mung beans, water, sugar, tapioca starch, coconut cream, and salt.
Is this dessert served hot or cold?
It is typically served warm or at room temperature to maintain the soft texture of the pudding and beans.
What is the carbohydrate count per serving?
There are 25 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Why are the beans steamed rather than boiled?
Steaming allows the beans to become tender while holding their shape, preventing them from becoming mushy or waterlogged.
How long does the entire preparation take?
The total time includes 3 hours of soaking plus approximately 40-50 minutes of active cooking and steaming.
Is this considered a comfort food?
Yes, its warm, creamy, and sweet profile makes it a popular Thai comfort food.
What texture should the steamed mung beans have?
They should be tender enough to bite through easily but still intact and not mashed.
Can I use unpeeled mung beans?
This specific recipe calls for peeled split moong beans to achieve the traditional yellow appearance and soft texture.