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Vietnamese Milk Pudding

Serves 4 to 6 Dessert vegetarian, Desserts

Vietnamese Milk Pudding

Vietnamese Milk Pudding, or 'bánh sữa,' is a beloved sweet treat often prepared and enjoyed at home. This dessert is a staple at family gatherings and casual meals, where the focus is on comfort and simplicity. Unlike its more elaborate cousins found in restaurants, this home-cooked version emphasizes a personal touch, with salt measured by instinct and richness embraced wholeheartedly. It's a dish that reflects the Vietnamese approach to home cooking: intuitive, generous, and made for sharing.

The pudding is smooth and creamy, with a gentle sweetness that highlights the lushness of the milk. The hint of vanilla adds a fragrant warmth, transforming the simple ingredients into a soothing dessert that melts in the mouth. Its texture is velvety, offering a satisfying finish to any meal or a delightful midday indulgence. As you savor each spoonful, you're reminded of the beauty in simplicity and the joy of flavors that are both familiar and comforting.

Ingredients

  • 1 Lmilk
  • 100 gsugar
  • 40 gstarch
  • 1 tspvanilla

Method

  1. Start by bringing 1 liter of milk to room temperature. This will help the milk mix smoothly with the other ingredients and prevent any curdling when heated. Ensure the milk is not too cold by letting it sit out for about 15-20 minutes before starting.
  2. In a medium saucepan, combine the room temperature milk with 100 grams of sugar. Stir gently with a wooden spoon until the sugar is fully dissolved. This step ensures the pudding will have a smooth texture without any graininess.
  3. In a small bowl, mix 40 grams of starch with a small amount of the milk mixture to create a slurry. This will help prevent lumps when added to the saucepan. Gradually whisk the slurry into the saucepan, ensuring it is well incorporated.
  4. Place the saucepan over medium-low heat and stir continuously. The mixture will gradually thicken; you will know it is ready when it coats the back of the spoon and leaves a clear line when you run your finger through it. This indicates the starch has fully activated and the pudding is thickening properly.
  5. Once thickened, remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla. The vanilla should be added off the heat to preserve its delicate aroma and flavor. Stir until the vanilla is evenly distributed throughout the pudding.
  6. Pour the pudding into individual serving dishes or a large bowl. Allow it to cool slightly at room temperature before transferring to the refrigerator. Chill until the pudding sets to a firm yet creamy texture, which should take a few hours.
  7. Serve the Vietnamese Milk Pudding chilled. Optionally, you can finish with a sprinkle of sugar on top for added sweetness and texture. Enjoy this dish as a refreshing and creamy dessert, perfect for sharing with family and friends.
Cover of Authentic Vietnamese Cuisine
From the cookbook

Authentic Vietnamese Cuisine

This recipe is from Authentic Vietnamese Cuisine by Yassine Sbiti — the Vietnamese volume in the ComidaTime International Cuisines series.

Available soon on Amazon…

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