There’s nothing quite like cozying up with a warm bowl of sweet potato and lotus seed soup—it’s like a reassuring hug in culinary form, blending soothing sweetness with a hint of creamy decadence.
I enjoy making nourishing soups that I can serve as comforting, warm dishes. My recipe for sweet potato and lotus seed tong sui sweet soup is a perfect instance of such a serving.
This soup is thickened with blended sweet potatoes, which are a fiber-rich, orange-fleshed, vitamin A- and beta-carotene-laden superfood. Lotus seeds are not only delicious; they also have calming properties that soothe the spirit.
Sweetened with rock sugar and optionally enhanced with coconut milk, this tong sui may be enjoyed at any time.
Sweet Potato And Lotus Seed Tong Sui Sweet Soup What Is Lotus Seed Recipe Ingredients
- Sweet Potatoes: Rich in fiber and beta-carotene, they add natural sweetness and creaminess to the soup.
- Dried Lotus Seeds: High in protein and low in fat, they offer a subtle nutty flavor and creamy texture.
- Rock Sugar: Provides a delicate sweetness, complementing the flavors without overpowering them.
- Pandan Leaves: Infuses the soup with a fragrant aroma, adding depth and a hint of vanilla.
- Coconut Milk: Adds creaminess and a tropical aroma, enhancing the rich texture of the soup.
Sweet Potato And Lotus Seed Tong Sui Sweet Soup What Is Lotus Seed Recipe Ingredient Quantities
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1/2 cup dried lotus seeds
- 6 cups water
- 1/2 cup rock sugar (or to taste)
- 2 pandan leaves, tied in a knot (optional)
- 1/2 cup coconut milk (optional, for creaminess)
How to Make this Sweet Potato And Lotus Seed Tong Sui Sweet Soup What Is Lotus Seed Recipe
1. The dried lotus seeds should be rinsed completely and soaked in water for around 2 hours in order to soften them. After this, they should be drained and set to the side.
2. In a sizable pot, bring 6 cups of water to a boil.
3. Place the lotus seeds that have been soaked in water into the pot and turn the heat down so that it is just barely bubbling. Let the pot simmer for 30 minutes and check if the seeds are tender.
4. Continue to simmer for another 20 minutes or until the sweet potatoes are soft after adding the diced sweet potatoes to the pot.
5. Mix in the rock candy, according to your taste. Let it dissolve first before continuing on.
6. If you are using them, add the pandan leaves to the pot for the extra fragrance and flavor they provide. Simmer for another 5 minutes.
7. If you like it creamy, stir in some coconut milk. Heat everything through, but don’t bring it to a boil.
8. Before serving, remove the pandan leaves.
9. If necessary, add more rock sugar to achieve the desired sweetness.
10. Warm the sweet dumpling soup in bowls and take in the warm comforts of the sweet potato and lotus seed flavors.
Sweet Potato And Lotus Seed Tong Sui Sweet Soup What Is Lotus Seed Recipe Equipment Needed
1. Bowl
2. Sieve or strainer
3. Large pot with lid
4. Measuring cups
5. Knife
6. Cutting board
7. Wooden spoon or ladle
8. Stove
FAQ
- What are lotus seeds?The seeds of the lotus, an aquatic herbaceous perennial, are consumed as food. Highly esteemed in Asian cuisine, they are prized for their mildly sweet flavor and their nutritional benefits. Yet, for all the culinary renown these little seeds enjoy, virtually every other aspect of the delicate and unique lotus plant receives far more attention than its seeds. So far, I’ve initiated the restoration of the seeds to the cuisine’s consideration.
- How should I prepare the dried lotus seeds before cooking?Place the dried lotus seeds in water for a minimum of 2 hours or overnight to allow them to soften before cooking.
- Can I use a sweetener other than rock sugar?You can indeed use alternatives such as white sugar, brown sugar, or even honey. Adjust the amount to your taste.
- Is the pandan leaf necessary?The soup has a fragrant aroma that comes from optional pandan leaves, making the overall flavor enhanced and better.
- Can I make this dessert vegan?Indeed, if you want to introduce creaminess, just substitute coconut milk for the dairy, and make sure all the components are plant-based.
- How do I store leftovers?Any unused tong sui should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep there for up to 3 days.
- What is the cooking time for this recipe?The soup should be cooked on low until the sweet potatoes and lotus seeds are tender, which usually takes around 45 minutes to 1 hour.
Sweet Potato And Lotus Seed Tong Sui Sweet Soup What Is Lotus Seed Recipe Substitutions and Variations
Lotus seeds, when dried, can be substituted with dried white beans or split mung beans for a similar texture. Do you want to substitute with something other than these?
Rock sugar: Substitute with brown sugar or granulated sugar, adjusting the amount to your desired taste.
Pandan leaves: Substitute with several drops of vanilla extract, or exclude altogether if not available.
Coconut milk: Use evaporated milk or almond milk instead. This will change the flavor profile of whatever you are making.
Pro Tips
1. Soaking Lotus Seeds: To ensure the lotus seeds cook evenly and have a smooth texture, try soaking them overnight instead of just 2 hours. This extra soaking time will make them even softer and quicker to cook.
2. Even Sweet Potato Pieces: Dice the sweet potatoes into uniformly sized pieces. This helps them cook evenly and ensures a consistent texture throughout the soup.
3. Rock Sugar Substitute: If you don’t have rock sugar on hand, you can substitute it with regular granulated sugar or palm sugar for a slightly different flavor profile. Adjust the amount to your taste preference.
4. Enhance Pandan Flavor: To maximize the flavor from pandan leaves, lightly bruise them with a knife or rolling pin before tying them into a knot and adding to the soup. This releases more of their aromatic oils.
5. Creamy Texture: For an ultra-creamy texture, you can add a small amount of cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water) along with the coconut milk. Stir it in gently while the soup is simmering, but avoid boiling once added to prevent curdling.
Sweet Potato And Lotus Seed Tong Sui Sweet Soup What Is Lotus Seed Recipe
My favorite Sweet Potato And Lotus Seed Tong Sui Sweet Soup What Is Lotus Seed Recipe
Equipment Needed:
1. Bowl
2. Sieve or strainer
3. Large pot with lid
4. Measuring cups
5. Knife
6. Cutting board
7. Wooden spoon or ladle
8. Stove
Ingredients:
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1/2 cup dried lotus seeds
- 6 cups water
- 1/2 cup rock sugar (or to taste)
- 2 pandan leaves, tied in a knot (optional)
- 1/2 cup coconut milk (optional, for creaminess)
Instructions:
1. The dried lotus seeds should be rinsed completely and soaked in water for around 2 hours in order to soften them. After this, they should be drained and set to the side.
2. In a sizable pot, bring 6 cups of water to a boil.
3. Place the lotus seeds that have been soaked in water into the pot and turn the heat down so that it is just barely bubbling. Let the pot simmer for 30 minutes and check if the seeds are tender.
4. Continue to simmer for another 20 minutes or until the sweet potatoes are soft after adding the diced sweet potatoes to the pot.
5. Mix in the rock candy, according to your taste. Let it dissolve first before continuing on.
6. If you are using them, add the pandan leaves to the pot for the extra fragrance and flavor they provide. Simmer for another 5 minutes.
7. If you like it creamy, stir in some coconut milk. Heat everything through, but don’t bring it to a boil.
8. Before serving, remove the pandan leaves.
9. If necessary, add more rock sugar to achieve the desired sweetness.
10. Warm the sweet dumpling soup in bowls and take in the warm comforts of the sweet potato and lotus seed flavors.