durian green bean soup - an old-school treat!
having a bowl of this feels like a warm hug <3
as Asians, we love our warm soupy desserts & enjoying them after a savoury meal feels like a warm hug on a cold rainy day. recently, we were taught by a Aunty Shirley, a participant at a senior's centre on how to make a classic green bean soup! this was a dessert chef Azfar grew up eating and was a dessert staple made by his late grandmother, especially during durian season when the prices are low.
however, this dessert tastes just as good without durian as well. feel free to adjust the sweetness and consistency to your preference!
Durian Green Bean Soup (bubur kacang hijau durian)
400g green mung bean, washed and soaked overnight
2 litres water
40g ginger, slices
5 pandan leaves, knotted
1 tsp salt
500 ml coconut milk
100g gula melaka
3 tbsp white sugar (optional)
a few pieces of durian (optional)
directions:
combine green beans, water, ginger and pandan in a pot. turn on heat and bring to a boil. bring down to simmer, cover with a lid and cook until green beans are soft but not disintegrated, for about 30 minutes. add water if needed.
combine the coconut milk, gula melaka, and sugar. season with salt. simmer for another 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent the bottom from burning.
add in durian and simmer for 5 minutes. adjust for sweetness and saltiness. if you prefer a soupier, thinner porridge, adjust with water and coconut milk.
serve green bean soup as is or with a side of bread or cooked sticky rice.