How to Make Healthy Vietnamese Desserts for Your Diet

Vietnamese desserts are known for their unique flavors and refreshing ingredients, making them an excellent choice for those looking to satisfy their sweet tooth while still adhering to a healthy diet. In this article, we’ll explore how to make healthy Vietnamese desserts that are both delicious and wholesome.

1. Chè Bà Gà (Vietnamese Sweet Potato and Tapioca Dessert)

This delightful dessert blends sweet potatoes and tapioca pearls, offering a nutritious option for a sweet treat.

• Ingredients:
  • 1 cup purple sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
  • 1/2 cup tapioca pearls
  • 4 cups coconut milk (light version for fewer calories)
  • 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup (for a natural sweetener)
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions:
1. Boil the sweet potatoes until tender, then mash them.
2. In another pot, cook the tapioca pearls until they turn translucent.
3. Combine the sweet potatoes, tapioca, coconut milk, honey, and salt in a bowl and mix well.
4. Serve warm or chilled, garnished with a sprinkle of sesame seeds.

2. Bánh Chuối (Vietnamese Banana Cake)

Bánh chuối is a steamed banana cake that is naturally sweetened and packed with nutritional benefits.

• Ingredients:
  • 4 ripe bananas, mashed
  • 1 cup brown rice flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 cup coconut milk
  • 1 tablespoon coconut sugar (optional)

Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, mix the mashed bananas, brown rice flour, and baking powder.
2. Gradually add the coconut milk, stirring until the mixture is smooth. Add coconut sugar for extra sweetness if desired.
3. Pour the batter into a steaming mold lined with banana leaves or parchment paper.
4. Steam for about 30 minutes or until the cake is set. Let it cool before slicing and serving.

3. Sương Sáo (Herbal Jelly)

Sương sáo is a refreshing herbal jelly made from the leaves of the mesona plant, and it’s low in calories while providing ample nutrition.

• Ingredients:
  • 1 cup mesona leaves (or sương sáo powder)
  • 1/4 cup sugar (or a sugar substitute)
  • 4 cups water
  • Coconut milk for serving (optional)

Instructions:
1. Boil the mesona leaves in water for about 30 minutes, then strain the liquid into another pot.
2. Add sugar to the strained liquid and simmer for a few more minutes until the sugar is dissolved.
3. Pour the jelly mixture into a mold and let it set in the refrigerator for several hours.
4. Cut into cubes and serve with coconut milk drizzled on top for added flavor.

4. Bánh Đúc (Vietnamese Rice Cake)

Bánh đúc is a flexible dessert that can be made either savory or sweet and is an excellent choice for a gluten-free treat.

• Ingredients:
  • 1 cup rice flour
  • 2 cups water
  • 1/4 cup coconut milk
  • 1/4 cup sugar (or a natural sweetener)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Instructions:
1. Mix the rice flour, water, coconut milk, sugar, and salt in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir continuously until the mixture thickens.
2. Pour the mixture into a mold and let it cool and set.
3. Cut into squares and serve with a drizzle of additional coconut milk and grated coconut for added texture