ขนมไข่หงส์ไส้ถั่ว
ขนมไข่หงส์ไส้ถั่ว — Thai Swan Egg Cakes with Mung Bean Filling
Introduction to ขนมไข่หงส์ไส้ถั่ว
ขนมไข่หงส์ไส้ถั่ว is a charming Thai dessert: small, golden cakes with a soft, sweet mung bean (ถั่วเขียว) filling. This beginner-friendly recipe shows you how to make the coconut-scented batter and a smooth mung bean paste, then bake everything in a mini muffin tin or special cake mold. Perfect for afternoon tea, parties, or as a homemade treat, ขนมไข่หงส์ไส้ถั่ว is easy to learn and rewarding to serve.
Ingredients for ขนมไข่หงส์ไส้ถั่ว
- For the mung bean filling (ไส้ถั่ว):
- 200 g split mung beans (ถั่วเขียว) or 1 cup, soaked 2–3 hours
- 80 g palm sugar or brown sugar (about 1/3 cup), adjust to taste
- 1 tablespoon coconut milk
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (or melted coconut oil)
- Pinch of salt
- For the batter:
- 2 large eggs
- 100 g granulated sugar (1/2 cup)
- 200 ml coconut milk (about 3/4 cup + 1 tbsp)
- 120 g all-purpose flour (about 1 cup)
- 40 g rice flour or tapioca flour (about 1/3 cup) — optional for lighter texture
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (or melted coconut oil)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Optional: 1/2 teaspoon vanilla or a drop of pandan extract for aroma
- Equipment: mini muffin tin or small round molds (yields about 18–24 pieces)
Instructions to Make ขนมไข่หงส์ไส้ถั่ว
- Prepare the mung beans: Drain soaked mung beans and steam or simmer them in water until very soft (about 20–30 minutes). Drain any excess water.
- Make the mung bean paste (ไส้ถั่ว): In a nonstick pan, heat 1 tablespoon oil over low heat. Add the cooked mung beans and mash them lightly with a spatula or spoon. Add the sugar and a pinch of salt. Stir constantly until the mixture becomes drier and starts to form a paste (about 8–12 minutes). Add 1 tablespoon coconut milk near the end to make the paste smooth and glossy. Remove from heat and cool. Once cool, roll into small balls (about 1 teaspoon each).
- Preheat the oven and prepare the pan: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Lightly grease a mini muffin tin or line with small paper liners. If using a stovetop mold, preheat it over medium-low heat and grease well.
- Make the batter: In a mixing bowl, whisk the eggs and sugar until the sugar is mostly dissolved and the mixture is slightly frothy (about 2–3 minutes). Stir in coconut milk, oil, and vanilla/pandan if using. In another bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, rice/tapioca flour (if using), baking powder, and salt. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet until smooth. Let the batter rest 10–15 minutes for better texture.
- Assemble the cakes: Spoon about 1 teaspoon of batter into each mini cup (just enough to make a base). Place a small ball of the mung bean filling in the center, then cover with another teaspoon of batter so the filling is enclosed but not overflowing.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for 12–15 minutes, or until the tops are lightly golden and spring back when touched. If using a stovetop mold, cover the pan and cook over low heat for 6–8 minutes until golden.
- Cool and serve: Let the ขนมไข่หงส์ไส้ถั่ว cool in the pan for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Cooking Tips for ขนมไข่หงส์ไส้ถั่ว
Practical tips to get the best results when making ขนมไข่หงส์ไส้ถั่ว:
- Soak mung beans: Soaking shortens cooking time and helps create a smooth filling.
- Control sweetness: Adjust the sugar in the mung bean paste to your taste. Palm sugar gives a traditional, caramel-like flavor.
- Don’t overfill the molds: Leave a small gap at the top so the cakes can expand without spilling the filling.
- Use coconut milk for richness: Full-fat coconut milk gives the batter a creamy texture and authentic Thai flavor.
- Make ahead: Mung bean paste keeps well in the fridge for up to 5 days and freezes nicely. Bring to room temperature before assembling.
- Alternate fillings: If you prefer, use sweetened peanut paste, red bean paste, or custard as a filling.
Nutritional Information for ขนมไข่หงส์ไส้ถั่ว
Approximate nutritional values per piece (assuming recipe makes 24 pieces):
- Calories: ~100–130 kcal
- Carbohydrates: ~14–18 g
- Fat: ~5–7 g (mainly from coconut milk and oil)
- Protein: ~2–3 g
- Fiber: ~1 g (mung beans add a little fiber)
Note: These values are estimates and will vary depending on exact ingredient brands, portion sizes, and whether you use palm sugar, white sugar, or alternate fillings. For a lighter version, reduce oil and use low-fat coconut milk or smaller portions.
Conclusion — ขนมไข่หงส์ไส้ถั่ว
ขนมไข่หงส์ไส้ถั่ว is a delightful, approachable Thai dessert that balances a tender coconut-scented cake with a sweet, earthy mung bean filling. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, home cooks and beginners can recreate this traditional treat easily. Try this recipe to bring a taste of Thailand to your kitchen — and feel free to experiment with fillings and flavors to make ขนมไข่หงส์ไส้ถั่ว your own.
