7 Simple Che Thung Recipes for Summer Delights

As the summer season approaches, nothing beats the heat quite like a chilled, delicious che thung (Vietnamese pudding). Known for its vibrant colors, sweet taste, and the assortment of textures, che thung or che is a popular Vietnamese dessert. Here, we will explore seven easy-to-follow recipes that promise to bring a burst of flavor to your summer days.

1. Classic Mango Che Thung

Mango, with its sweet, creamy flesh, is a perfect base for che thung. Here’s how you can make it:

• Ingredients:
  • 2 ripe mangoes, diced
  • 1 cup coconut milk
  • ¹⁄₂ cup sugar
  • ¹⁄₂ cup water
  • 1 tablespoon agar agar powder
  • Pinch of salt
• Instructions:
  • Boil water, sugar, and agar agar until completely dissolved.
  • Add coconut milk and salt, bring to a simmer.
  • Layer mango at the bottom of your serving dishes, pour over the coconut milk mixture.
  • Let it cool, then refrigerate until firm.

🥭 Note: Make sure your mangoes are ripe and sweet for the best flavor.

2. Lotus Seed and Longan Che

This combination provides a subtly sweet taste with an exotic twist:

• Ingredients:
  • ¹⁄₂ cup dried lotus seeds
  • ¹⁄₂ cup dried longans
  • 1 cup coconut milk
  • ¹⁄₂ cup sugar
  • 1 tablespoon agar agar powder
• Instructions:
  • Soak lotus seeds and longans for hydration.
  • Boil agar agar with sugar and water, then add coconut milk.
  • Mix lotus seeds and longans into the mixture.
  • Chill until set.

3. Pandan and Mung Bean Che

Integrating pandan for its aromatic essence, here’s how to make this che:

• Ingredients:
  • ¹⁄₂ cup mung beans, soaked overnight
  • 1 cup coconut milk
  • ¹⁄₂ cup sugar
  • 1 tablespoon agar agar powder
  • 2 tablespoons pandan extract
• Instructions:
  • Cook mung beans until soft.
  • Combine sugar, agar agar, and water, then add pandan extract for color and flavor.
  • Mix in the mung beans and coconut milk.
  • Let it set in the refrigerator.

4. Coconut and Pandan Agar Agar Che

A delightful blend of flavors with the rich coconut and fragrant pandan:

• Ingredients:
  • 1 cup coconut milk
  • ¹⁄₂ cup sugar
  • 1 tablespoon agar agar powder
  • 2 tablespoons pandan extract
• Instructions:
  • Heat coconut milk, sugar, and agar agar together.
  • Add pandan extract, simmer, then pour into molds.
  • Cool and refrigerate to set.

5. Taro and Coconut Che

The earthiness of taro pairs wonderfully with the sweet and creamy coconut:

• Ingredients:
  • 1 cup taro, diced and steamed
  • 1 cup coconut milk
  • ¹⁄₂ cup sugar
  • 1 tablespoon agar agar powder
• Instructions:
  • Combine agar agar with sugar and water, heat until dissolved.
  • Stir in coconut milk and steamed taro.
  • Chill until set.

6. Coffee and Sweet Corn Che

An unconventional yet delightful mix that’s sure to impress:

• Ingredients:
  • ¹⁄₂ cup sweet corn kernels
  • 1 cup brewed coffee
  • ¹⁄₂ cup sugar
  • 1 tablespoon agar agar powder
  • ¹⁄₂ cup coconut milk
• Instructions:
  • Combine coffee, sugar, and agar agar, heat until well mixed.
  • Add coconut milk and corn, stir gently.
  • Let it set in the fridge.

7. Mixed Fruit Che

Perfect for those who love variety in their dessert:

• Ingredients:
  • Various fruits like mango, papaya, lychee, etc., diced
  • 1 cup coconut milk
  • ¹⁄₂ cup sugar
  • 1 tablespoon agar agar powder
• Instructions:
  • Cook agar agar with sugar and water until clear.
  • Stir in coconut milk.
  • Layer fruits at the bottom, then pour in the mixture.
  • Let it cool and set.

The versatility of che thung allows for endless variations, making it an ideal dessert for exploring flavors. Each recipe not only refreshes the palate but also offers a unique textural experience. As summer arrives, these recipes will help you cool down with delightful treats that are both visually appealing and incredibly tasty. Enjoy experimenting with different ingredients to create your own signature che thung, perfect for any occasion.

What is che thung?

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Che thung, or simply che, is a traditional Vietnamese dessert pudding made from various ingredients like fruits, seeds, beans, and gelatin or agar agar.

Can I use gelatin instead of agar agar?

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Yes, you can substitute agar agar with gelatin. Use the same amount, but remember to let gelatin bloom in cold water before dissolving in hot liquid.

How long can I store che thung?

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Che thung can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Ensure it’s kept in a sealed container to prevent it from absorbing odors.