Cheng Tng - Refreshing Chinese Dessert Soup

Ingredients

• 50g dried longan (1.8 oz) 50g dried longan (1.8 oz)
• 50g barley (1.8 oz) 50g barley (1.8 oz)
• 30g lotus seeds (1.1 oz) 30g lotus seeds (1.1 oz)
• 20g white fungus (0.7 oz) 20g white fungus (0.7 oz)
• 20g gingko nuts (0.7 oz) 20g gingko nuts (0.7 oz)
• 100g rock sugar (3.5 oz) 100g rock sugar (3.5 oz)
• 2 pandan leaves 2 pandan leaves
• 1.5 liters water (6.3 cups) 1.5 liters water (6.3 cups)

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 150 kcal / 628 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 0g, 0g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 38g, 25g
• Protein: 2g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 0g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Rinse the dried longan, barley, lotus seeds, white fungus, and gingko nuts under cold water.
2. 2.
   In a large pot, bring the water to a boil.
3. 3.
   Add the rinsed dried longan, barley, lotus seeds, white fungus, and gingko nuts to the pot.
4. 4.
   Tie the pandan leaves into a knot and add them to the pot.
5. 5.
   Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 1 hour, or until the ingredients are tender.
6. 6.
   Add the rock sugar to the pot and stir until dissolved.
7. 7.
   Remove the pot from heat and let the soup cool to room temperature.
8. 8.
   Once cooled, refrigerate the Cheng Tng until chilled.
9. 9.
   Serve the Cheng Tng in bowls, garnished with additional dried longan if desired.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Dried Longan — Soak the dried longan in warm water for 10 minutes before using to rehydrate them and enhance their natural sweetness.

Tips & Tricks

• For a more vibrant flavor, you can add a few drops of rose water or osmanthus syrup to the Cheng Tng before serving.
• If you prefer a thicker consistency, you can add a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with water to the soup and simmer for an additional 5 minutes.
• Feel free to adjust the sweetness of the Cheng Tng by adding more or less rock sugar according to your taste preference.

Serving advice

Cheng Tng is best served chilled. You can garnish each bowl with a few additional dried longan for an extra burst of flavor. Enjoy this refreshing dessert soup as a light and satisfying end to a meal.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation of Cheng Tng, serve it in clear glass bowls or dessert cups to showcase the vibrant colors of the ingredients. You can also add a sprig of fresh mint or a pandan leaf as a decorative touch.