My grandmother used to tell us about traditional Asian desserts. The Sun Lee Buddha red bean recipe was one of her favorites. It was a dish that made simple ingredients into something special, warming our hearts and souls.
This red bean dessert is more than a recipe. It’s a journey through Asian culinary traditions. With a 5-star rating from 180 reviews, it’s a celebration of heritage, flavor, and health.
I love sharing this recipe because of its cultural significance and health benefits. Each serving is packed with 788 calories, 76 grams of carbs, and 43 grams of protein.
Key Takeaways
- Authentic traditional Asian dessert with deep cultural roots
- Nutritionally dense with high protein and carbohydrate content
- Perfect for family gatherings and holiday celebrations
- Rich in fiber and antioxidants supporting immune health
- Easy to prepare with simple, wholesome ingredients
Introduction to the Sun Lee Buddha Red Bean Dessert
I’m excited to share the world of Sun Lee Buddha Red Bean dessert. It’s more than a sweet treat. It’s a journey through cultural traditions that define Chinese sweet soup.
What is Sun Lee Buddha?
The Sun Lee Buddha is a delightful dessert from Chinese Buddhist vegetarian cuisine. It’s a exceptional sweet soup that combines simplicity with deep cultural meaning. Red beans, the main ingredient, add flavor and symbolic value in Asian cuisine.
- Origin: Chinese Buddhist vegetarian cooking
- Primary Ingredient: Red beans
- Cultural Importance: Symbolizes good fortune
Cultural Significance of This Dessert
In many Asian countries, this dessert is more than a treat. It’s a celebration of heritage. The way it’s prepared shows the connection between generations. Careful preparation is essential to honor its cultural roots.
“Food is our common ground, a universal experience.” – James Beard
| Country | Similar Dessert | Key Characteristics |
|---|---|---|
| Japan | Zenzai | Adzuki bean-based dessert |
| Korea | Pat Bingsu | Shaved ice with red beans |
| China | Sun Lee Buddha | Traditional red bean sweet soup |
With each spoonful, you’re not just enjoying a dessert. You’re experiencing a piece of cultural history. It connects food, health, and tradition.
Ingredients Needed for My Recipe
Making a true Buddhist recipe means picking the right ingredients. The Sun Lee Buddha Red Bean dessert is a tasty vegetarian dish. It shows how simple ingredients can create great flavors.
Choosing the right ingredients is key when making this classic dessert. The heart of this recipe is using top-quality red beans. They turn into a delicious paste.
Essential Ingredients for Red Bean Paste
- Dried Red Beans: The star of our recipe – choose premium quality for best results
- Granulated Sugar
- Filtered Water
- Pinch of Salt
Optional Ingredients to Enhance Flavor
Want to make your vegetarian recipe even better? Try these exciting additions:
- Vanilla Extract
- Coconut Milk
- Cinnamon Powder
- Orange Zest
Feel free to add these ingredients to give your dessert a special touch. This dessert is great because it can be made to fit your taste.
Preparing the Red Beans
Making an easy dessert with sweet red beans begins with the right prep. I learned the secret to making Sun Lee Buddha red bean dessert. It’s all about the technique that turns simple beans into a tasty treat.
Getting the perfect texture is all about soaking and cooking. Here’s how I make these sweet red beans a hit.
The Art of Soaking Red Beans
Soaking is key for a soft, tender dessert. Here’s what I do:
- Choose clean, high-quality red beans
- Soak them for exactly 8 hours or overnight
- Use room temperature filtered water
- Make sure the beans are fully covered in water
Cooking Techniques for Tender Beans
For cooking sweet red beans, I’ve found some top tips:
- Drain and rinse the soaked beans well
- Use a pressure cooker to cut down cooking time
- Add a pinch of salt to boost flavors
- Cook on high pressure for about 25 minutes
Pro tip: The beans are done when they mash easily with a fork. This makes your Sun Lee Buddha dessert smooth and creamy. It’s sure to wow your guests.
Making the Red Bean Paste
Making the perfect red bean paste is key to a traditional recipe. I’ll show you how to turn cooked beans into a smooth, creamy treat. This captures the heart of Asian desserts.
To start blending your red bean paste, you’ll need some tools and techniques. A food processor or high-powered blender is best for a smooth paste.
Blending Techniques for Smooth Texture
- Start with warm, fully cooked red beans
- Process in short pulses to control texture
- Add sweet lotus seeds for extra depth of flavor
- Scrape down sides periodically to ensure even blending
Sweetening Your Paste
Sweetening your red bean paste needs a gentle touch. I use a syrup ratio that balances sweetness with the bean’s natural flavor.
| Ingredient | Quantity | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Sugar | 1/4 cup | Primary sweetener |
| Water | 2 tablespoons | Creating smooth syrup |
| Sweet lotus seeds | 2 tablespoons | Texture and flavor enhancement |
Slowly add your sweetener, tasting as you go. Remember, you can always add more sweetness, but you can’t take it away! Aim for a balanced paste. It should highlight the red beans’ rich flavor with a hint of sweetness.
Crafting the Sweet Rice Dough
Making the perfect dough is key to a great Chinese sweet soup. The right steps can turn a simple dessert into a memorable treat. I’ll show you how to pick the best rice flour and make a dough that will make your red bean dessert stand out.
Selecting Premium Rice Flour
Choosing the right rice flour is important for your Chinese sweet soup. Look for these qualities:
- Finely ground texture
- Pure white color
- No clumping or moisture
- Preferably glutinous rice flour for best results
Step-by-Step Dough Preparation
Preparing the dough needs care and patience. Mix your rice flour with warm water until it’s smooth and easy to work with. Knead the mixture gently to avoid dry spots.
Pro tip: The perfect dough should feel soft but not sticky, similar to a well-rested bread dough.
This method will help you make delicate rice balls that pair well with the red bean paste. With practice, you’ll become great at making a delicious Chinese dessert that will wow your loved ones.
Assembling the Sun Lee Buddha
Making the Sun Lee Buddha dessert is like a work of art. It’s a journey into the world of Asian cuisine. I’m here to help you learn how to put this sweet treat together.
The secret to a great Sun Lee Buddha is layering ingredients just right. Here are my top tips for making it:
- Prepare a clean, flat surface for assembly
- Ensure your red bean paste is at the perfect temperature
- Have your sweet rice dough ready and pliable
Shaping the Perfect Dumplings
Shaping dumplings is like creating a delicate work of art. It needs gentle hands and a bit of practice. Here’s how to start:
- Flattening a small piece of rice dough
- Adding a precise amount of red bean paste in the center
- Carefully folding and sealing the edges
Ensuring Even Cooking
Getting the texture right is key in this recipe. Here are some tips for even cooking:
- Space dumplings evenly when steaming
- Maintain a consistent temperature
- Avoid overcrowding your cooking vessel
The beauty of Sun Lee Buddha lies in its simplicity. With a bit of practice, you’ll get the hang of making it. It will look as good as it tastes!
Cooking Methods: Steaming vs. Boiling
Choosing the right cooking method is key when making an easy dessert like Sun Lee Buddha Red Bean. As someone who loves cooking, I’ve found that steaming and boiling each have their own benefits. They help achieve the perfect texture and flavor.
Learning about cooking techniques can really improve your cooking skills. Asian cuisine is all about mastering precise cooking methods. Our Sun Lee Buddha Red Bean dessert is a great example of this.
Benefits of Steaming Dumplings
Steaming has many advantages for our vegetarian recipe:
- It keeps delicate nutrients in the red bean paste
- It keeps the dessert soft and gentle
- It prevents overcooking or drying out
- It ensures even heat distribution
How Boiling Impacts Texture
Boiling is another option for this easy dessert, but it needs careful attention. Boiling can:
- Lead to a loss of flavor nuances
- Make the dough too soft or mushy
- Increase the risk of breaking delicate dumplings
My advice? For the best Sun Lee Buddha experience, steam it. Steaming is a reliable method that keeps your dessert tender, flavorful, and true to its roots.
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Sun Lee Buddha Red Bean Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Red Bean Rice is a comforting and flavorful dish that pairs the aromatic qualities of Sunlee Buddha Jasmine Rice with tender red beans. It’s a versatile meal enjoyed in various Asian cuisines, offering a delightful blend of textures and tastes. Perfect as a main course or a hearty side dish.
Ingredients
• 1 cup Sunlee Buddha Jasmine Rice
• 1/2 cup dried red beans (azuki beans)
• 2 1/2 cups water
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
4. Instructions:
1. Prepare the Beans:
• Rinse the red beans under cold water.
• In a pot, combine the beans with 2 cups of water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
• Boil for 10 minutes, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for an additional 50 minutes, or until the beans are tender.
• Drain the beans, reserving the cooking liquid, and set aside to cool.
2. Prepare the Rice:
• Rinse the Sunlee Buddha Jasmine Rice under cold water until the water runs clear.
• In a heavy-bottomed pot, combine the rinsed rice, cooked red beans, reserved bean cooking liquid, and salt. If the reserved liquid doesn’t equal 2 1/2 cups, add additional water to reach the desired amount.
• Let the mixture soak for 30 minutes to enhance the texture.
3. Cook the Rice:
• After soaking, bring the pot to a boil over medium-high heat.
• Once boiling, stir gently, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 10 minutes.
• Remove from heat and let it rest, covered, for an additional 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
4. Serve:
• Fluff the rice with a fork or rice paddle.
• Serve warm, accompanied by your favorite side dishes or proteins.
Instructions
1. Prepare the Beans:
• Rinse the red beans under cold water.
• In a pot, combine the beans with 2 cups of water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
• Boil for 10 minutes, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for an additional 50 minutes, or until the beans are tender.
• Drain the beans, reserving the cooking liquid, and set aside to cool.
2. Prepare the Rice:
• Rinse the Sunlee Buddha Jasmine Rice under cold water until the water runs clear.
• In a heavy-bottomed pot, combine the rinsed rice, cooked red beans, reserved bean cooking liquid, and salt. If the reserved liquid doesn’t equal 2 1/2 cups, add additional water to reach the desired amount.
• Let the mixture soak for 30 minutes to enhance the texture.
3. Cook the Rice:
• After soaking, bring the pot to a boil over medium-high heat.
• Once boiling, stir gently, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 10 minutes.
• Remove from heat and let it rest, covered, for an additional 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
4. Serve:
• Fluff the rice with a fork or rice paddle.
• Serve warm, accompanied by your favorite side dishes or proteins.
Notes
• Bean Preparation: Soaking the red beans overnight can reduce cooking time.
• Rice Cooker Option: This recipe can be adapted for a rice cooker. After preparing the beans, combine all ingredients in the rice cooker and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Flavor Enhancements: For added flavor, consider cooking the rice with a pandan leaf or a splash of coconut milk.
- Prep Time: 40 minutes (including soaking time)
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Main Course, Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: ~200
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 0.5g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Red bean rice, jasmine rice recipes, Sunlee Buddha Jasmine Rice, azuki bean rice, Asian rice dishes
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
Presenting your Sun Lee Buddha Red Bean dessert right can make it a special treat. Here are some tips to make your Chinese sweet soup unforgettable.
Recommended Toppings for Extra Flavor
These toppings can make your dessert even better:
- Mochi – Adds a delightfully chewy texture
- Fresh fruits like mango or strawberries
- Toasted coconut flakes
- Crushed nuts for a crunchy element
- A drizzle of condensed milk
Best Drinks to Enjoy with This Dessert
Choosing the right drink can enhance your dessert’s flavors. Here are my top picks:
- Green tea – A classic pairing
- Jasmine tea
- Cold milk
- Coconut water
Pro tip: Think about the serving temperature. Some like it warm, others chilled. Find what you like best!
Fun fact: About 60% of people enjoy hot dessert soups during family gatherings and holidays.
My Tips for Perfecting the Recipe
Creating the perfect sun lee buddha red bean recipe takes patience and detail. I’ve tried many versions of this Buddhist dish. Red beans are full of protein and fiber, making them great for healthy meals.
Focus on cooking techniques. Use an Instant Pot or slow cooker, but watch the time. Beans cook in 30-40 minutes, but pressure cookers speed it up. Make sure the beans are soft but not mushy.
This recipe is flexible for vegans and those who avoid gluten. Try different sweeteners or add quinoa for more protein. Quinoa has 8 grams of protein per cup, boosting your dish’s nutrition.
Freezing is a great way to keep your dish fresh for up to 3 months. With practice, you’ll make this Buddhist-inspired recipe a hit. It’s both healthy and tasty.
