Go Back
A bowl of homemade green bean sweet gruel with soft mung beans in a creamy coconut milk base, served on a wooden table.

How to Cook Green Bean Sweet Gruel – Creamy, Sweet, and Easy!

Learn how to cook green bean sweet gruel with this easy, creamy, and delicious recipe. A perfect warm or chilled dessert packed with flavor!
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 49 minutes
Course Dessert, Snack
Cuisine Asian, Vietnamese
Servings 4
Calories 222 kcal

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients:

  • ½ cup mung beans green beans – The star ingredient, known for its soft, creamy texture when cooked.
  • 3 cups water – Helps the beans cook evenly and develop a smooth consistency.
  • ½ cup coconut milk – Adds a rich velvety touch to the gruel. Use full-fat for extra creaminess!
  • ¼ cup rock sugar or palm sugar – Provides natural sweetness with a slight caramel-like depth. Adjust to taste.
  • 1 pandan leaf optional – Infuses a delicate, floral aroma for an authentic touch.
  • Pinch of salt – Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.

Optional Additions:

  • 2 tablespoons sticky rice – Creates a thicker more filling texture.
  • 1 tablespoon tapioca pearls – Adds a fun chewy contrast to the creamy soup.
  • Coconut water in place of regular water – Enhances the flavor with a natural sweetness.

Instructions
 

Step 1: Prepare the Mung Beans

  • Rinse the mung beans thoroughly under running water until the water runs clear.
  • Soak them in water for at least 2 hours (or overnight) to speed up the cooking process and achieve a softer texture.
  • After soaking, drain and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Beans

  • In a medium pot, bring 3 cups of water to a boil.
  • Add the soaked mung beans and pandan leaf (if using).
  • Lower the heat to a gentle simmer and cook for 25–30 minutes, stirring occasionally. The beans should become soft and start to break apart.
  • Tip: If the water reduces too quickly, add more to keep the consistency smooth and soupy.

Step 3: Sweeten and Thicken the Gruel

  • Once the beans are tender, stir in the rock sugar (or palm sugar) and a pinch of salt to balance the flavors.
  • Pour in the coconut milk, stirring continuously to create a creamy texture. Let it simmer for 5 more minutes.
  • For a thicker consistency: Add sticky rice or a spoonful of tapioca pearls while simmering.

Step 4: Final Touches & Serving

  • Remove the pandan leaf and give the gruel a final stir.
  • Ladle into serving bowls and drizzle with extra coconut milk for added richness.
  • Garnish with toasted sesame seeds or crushed peanuts for a delightful crunch.

Notes

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
  • Calories: 220 kcal
  • Carbohydrates: 40g
  • Protein: 7g
  • Fat: 6g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Fiber: 6g
  • Sugar: 15g
  • Sodium: 20mg
Keyword Asian sweet soup, Green bean sweet gruel, mung bean dessert, Vietnamese che