Che is a beloved Vietnamese dessert drink renowned for its refreshing taste and diverse ingredients. This delightful concoction has a rich history rooted in Vietnamese culinary traditions and cultural heritage.

The recipe for Che involves a combination of various ingredients such as beans, fruits like mung beans, black-eyed peas, or tropical fruits such as jackfruit and lychee, creamy coconut milk, and sometimes chewy jelly or tapioca pearls. These ingredients are cooked and sweetened to create a flavorful, sweet, and sometimes creamy drink, perfect for cooling off on hot days.

Historically, Che has been enjoyed for centuries in Vietnam, with each region and family adding its unique twist to the recipe. It's not just a dessert but also a symbol of Vietnamese hospitality and culinary creativity. Over time, Che has evolved to include modern variations, incorporating new ingredients while still honoring its traditional roots.

Whether enjoyed as a refreshing treat during summer or as a comforting dessert year-round, Che remains a cherished part of Vietnamese cuisine, showcasing the country's vibrant flavors and cultural heritage.

Ingredients:

- 1 cup cooked beans (such as mung beans or black-eyed peas)

- 1 cup chopped fruits (such as jackfruit, lychee, or mango)

- 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk

- 1/2 cup jelly cubes or tapioca pearls (optional)

- Sugar to taste

- Ice cubes (for serving)

Method of Preparation:

1. Cook the beans according to package instructions until tender. Drain and set aside to cool.

2. In a large bowl, combine the cooked beans, chopped fruits, coconut milk, and jelly cubes or tapioca pearls if using.

3. Sweeten the mixture with sugar to your desired level of sweetness, stirring until well combined.

4. Chill the Che mixture in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

5. To serve, place ice cubes in glasses and pour the chilled Che mixture over the ice.

6. Enjoy your refreshing Vietnamese dessert drink!

This recipe focuses on simplicity and clarity, making it easy for anyone to follow and prepare delicious Che at home.

Nutrition Value:

1. Cooked Beans (such as Mung Beans or Black-Eyed Peas):

  - Calories: Approximately 220 kcal per cup (cooked)

  - Carbohydrates: About 40 grams

  - Protein: Around 15 grams

  - Fat: Less than 1 gram

  - Sodium: Varies based on preparation, typically around 2-10 mg

  - Cholesterol: Zero

  - Vitamins and Minerals: Good source of folate, iron, magnesium, and potassium

  - Nutritional Benefit: Provides complex carbohydrates for energy, high in protein for muscle repair and growth, and rich in vitamins and minerals for overall health.

2. Chopped Fruits (such as Jackfruit, Lychee, or Mango):

  - Calories: Varies based on fruit type, approximately 70-150 kcal per cup (chopped)

  - Carbohydrates: Around 15-40 grams

  - Protein: Negligible

  - Fat: Negligible

  - Sodium: Very low, typically less than 5 mg

  - Cholesterol: Zero

  - Vitamins and Minerals: Excellent source of vitamin C, vitamin A, potassium, and dietary fiber

  - Nutritional Benefit: Provides essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, promotes digestion due to fiber content, and supports immune function with vitamin C.

3. Coconut Milk (1 can, 14 oz):

  - Calories: Approximately 750 kcal per can

  - Carbohydrates: About 10 grams

  - Protein: Around 8 grams

  - Fat: Approximately 78 grams (mainly saturated fats)

  - Sodium: Varies but generally low, around 30-50 mg

  - Cholesterol: Zero

  - Vitamins and Minerals: Contains small amounts of calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus

  - Nutritional Benefit: Provides energy from healthy fats, may support heart health, and adds creaminess and flavor to dishes.

4. Jelly Cubes or Tapioca Pearls (optional, 1/2 cup):

  - Calories: Varies based on type and preparation, approximately 100-150 kcal per 1/2 cup

  - Carbohydrates: About 20-30 grams

  - Protein: Negligible

  - Fat: Negligible

  - Sodium: Varies based on preparation, typically low

  - Cholesterol: Zero

  - Vitamins and Minerals: Minimal, may contain small amounts of calcium or iron depending on the type

  - Nutritional Benefit: Adds texture and sweetness to the dessert, but limited nutritional value compared to other ingredients.

5. Sugar (to taste):

  - Calories: About 15 kcal per teaspoon (varies based on amount used)

  - Carbohydrates: Approximately 4 grams per teaspoon

  - Protein: Negligible

  - Fat: Negligible

  - Sodium: Zero

  - Cholesterol: Zero

  - Vitamins and Minerals: No significant vitamins or minerals

  - Nutritional Benefit: Adds sweetness to the dessert but should be used in moderation due to its high calorie content and impact on blood sugar levels.

6. Ice Cubes (for serving):

  - Calories: Zero

  - Carbohydrates: Zero

  - Protein: Zero

  - Fat: Zero

  - Sodium: Zero

  - Cholesterol: Zero

  - Vitamins and Minerals: None

  - Nutritional Benefit: Provides a refreshing and cooling element to the dessert without adding any calories or nutrients.