ขนมถั่วกวน
ขนมถั่วกวน (Thai Mung Bean Sweet) — Easy Homemade Recipe for Beginners
Introduction to ขนมถั่วกวน
ขนมถั่วกวน is a classic Thai dessert made from sweetened mung bean paste—rich, slightly creamy, and pleasantly fragrant with coconut and pandan. It’s a popular snack for festivals and afternoon tea. This beginner-friendly recipe breaks the process into simple steps so home cooks can make authentic ขนมถั่วกวน with minimal equipment.
Prep time: 20 minutes (plus soaking) • Cook time: 30–40 minutes • Yield: about 12 pieces
Ingredients for ขนมถั่วกวน
- 250 g split mung beans (hulled), rinsed and drained
- 150–200 g granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
- 120–150 ml canned coconut milk
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil or melted coconut oil
- 1/4 tsp fine salt
- 1–2 pandan leaves (optional), tied into a knot
- Water for soaking and cooking
Instructions to Make ขนมถั่วกวน
- Soak the mung beans in cold water for at least 2 hours or overnight to soften. Drain well.
- Steam or boil the soaked mung beans until completely soft (20–30 minutes). If boiling, use enough water to cover and simmer until beans break apart; drain any excess liquid.
- While still warm, mash the cooked beans into a smooth paste using a potato masher, fork, or food processor. For an extra-smooth texture, press the cooked beans through a fine sieve.
- In a non-stick pan or wok, heat the oil over low heat. Add the mashed mung bean paste and stir-fry gently for 2–3 minutes to remove excess moisture.
- Add the coconut milk, sugar, salt, and pandan leaves. Stir constantly over low-medium heat to combine. The mixture will first loosen and then thicken as moisture evaporates.
- Continue stirring and cooking for 10–15 minutes, scraping the bottom frequently to prevent sticking. The paste is ready when it forms a soft, cohesive dough that pulls away from the pan and holds shape.
- Transfer the hot paste to a lightly oiled tray or a bowl. Allow it to cool until comfortable to handle (about 10 minutes).
- Shape the ขนมถั่วกวน: press into small molds, form into a log and slice, or roll into small balls and flatten slightly. For neat slices, press the dough into a lined loaf pan, chill briefly, then slice.
- Let shaped pieces cool completely. Serve at room temperature.
Cooking Tips for ขนมถั่วกวน
– Use low to medium heat and stir constantly to avoid burning; a non-stick pan helps. Pandan leaves add aroma—remove them before shaping.
– Adjust sweetness gradually: taste as the sugar dissolves and reduce if you prefer less sweet ขนมถั่วกวน.
– For a smoother texture, process the cooked beans in a food processor or pass them through a sieve before stir-frying.
– If the paste becomes too dry while cooking, add a tablespoon of warm coconut milk or water and continue stirring.
– To shape neatly, lightly oil your hands or molds. Cooling the paste briefly makes it easier to cut cleanly.
– Make-ahead and storage: store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5–7 days. Rewarm gently in a pan over low heat before serving. Freeze portions for up to 1 month and thaw in the fridge overnight.
Nutritional Information for ขนมถั่วกวน (Approximate)
Values are estimates and will vary with exact ingredients and portion sizes. Recipe yields about 12 pieces.
- Serving size: 1 piece (about 40 g)
- Calories: ~150–200 kcal per piece
- Carbohydrates: ~20–30 g
- Protein: ~4–6 g
- Fat: ~6–10 g (from coconut milk and oil)
- Fiber: ~2–3 g
If you need precise nutrition facts for dietary reasons, weigh your portions and use a nutrition calculator with your exact ingredient brands and quantities.
Conclusion — Enjoy Making ขนมถั่วกวน at Home
ขนมถั่วกวน is a comforting, traditional Thai sweet that’s surprisingly easy for home cooks. With basic pantry ingredients and a little patience while stirring, you can make a smooth, fragrant mung bean paste snack to share with family and friends. Try shaping with molds, adding pandan for fragrance, or adjusting sweetness to your taste—enjoy your homemade ขนมถั่วกวน!
