
Che Dau Do (vietnamese Red Bean Dessert)
Lunch • India
How to Make Che Dau Do (Vietnamese Red Bean Dessert) (Traditional & Healthy Version)
Che Dau Do, also known as the Vietnamese Red Bean Dessert, is a delightful sweet dish that has found a place in Indian kitchens, especially among those who love experimenting with legumes in desserts. While its roots are Vietnamese, Indian cuisine often celebrates the versatility of rajma (red kidney beans) in both savory and sweet forms. This dessert is naturally vegetarian, making it perfect for lunch or as a mid-day treat during festivals like Holi or Diwali, when sweets are enjoyed in abundance. The dish features soft, simmered red beans cooked with jaggery (gur), coconut milk, and subtly flavored with cardamom, creating a nutritious, guilt-free treat. Che Dau Do is ideal for health-conscious Indians, offering plant-based protein, complex carbohydrates, and natural sweetness from gur. Its creamy texture and rich taste appeal to all age groups, and the recipe adapts easily to regional preferences, such as adding elaichi (cardamom) or substituting coconut milk with toned milk. Whether served warm or chilled, Che Dau Do can be enjoyed during festive gatherings or as a wholesome lunch dessert. Its simplicity aligns with Indian culinary traditions, where legumes and jaggery are often paired for their flavor and health benefits.
Ingredients(for 1 medium bowl (about 150g per serving))
- 1/2 cup Red kidney beans (rajma)
- 1/4 cup Jaggery (gur)
- 1 cup Coconut milk (nariyal doodh)
- 1/2 tsp Cardamom powder (elaichi)
- 1/4 tsp Vanilla essence - optional
- 1 pinch Salt (namak)
- 2 cups Water
- 1 tbsp Chopped nuts (badam/pista) - optional
- 1 tbsp Desiccated coconut (optional for garnish) - optional
Instructions
- 1
Rinse and soak rajma (red kidney beans) overnight or for at least 8 hours. Drain and wash before cooking.
5 minutes
Soaking helps soften beans and reduces cooking time.
- 2
Pressure cook rajma with 2 cups water and a pinch of salt for 15 minutes, or until beans are soft but retain shape.
15 minutes
Do not overcook; beans should be tender but not mushy.
- 3
Drain excess water if any. Transfer cooked beans to a heavy-bottomed pan. Add jaggery (gur) and cook on low flame, stirring gently till jaggery dissolves.
5 minutes
Stir continuously to prevent sticking.
- 4
Pour in coconut milk (nariyal doodh) and cardamom powder (elaichi). Simmer for 3-4 minutes till the dessert thickens slightly.
4 minutes
Do not boil coconut milk; simmer gently to avoid splitting.
Why This Dish is Healthy
This Che Dau Do recipe is a healthy dessert option because it uses natural sweeteners like jaggery, avoids refined sugar, and incorporates protein-rich beans. Coconut milk offers heart-healthy fats, making the dish suitable for those looking to manage cholesterol. The use of whole ingredients, minimal oil, and inclusion of nuts make it a balanced choice for lunch or festive occasions, supporting overall wellness and weight management.
Che Dau Do is rich in plant-based protein from rajma (red kidney beans), making it an excellent choice for vegetarians. The use of jaggery (gur) instead of refined sugar provides iron and trace minerals, while coconut milk adds healthy fats and vitamins like B6 and C. The dessert is also a good source of dietary fiber, which aids digestion and helps maintain stable blood sugar levels. Chopped nuts further enhance the nutritional profile by contributing healthy fats and antioxidants.
Pro Tips
- 💡Tip 1: Use fresh coconut milk for best flavor and creaminess.
- 💡Tip 2: Adjust jaggery based on your sweetness preference.
- 💡Tip 3: Soak beans overnight for faster cooking and better digestion.
Storage & Serving
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently before serving or enjoy chilled. Avoid freezing as coconut milk may separate.
Best served: Breakfast or Lunch
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Per 100g |
|---|---|
| Energy | 160.0 kcal |





