VIETNAMESE BLACK SESAME DESSERT
Vietnamese black sesame dessert (Chè Mè Đen) is a traditional, nourishing and comforting dish often served warm. This silky, pudding-like treat blends toasted black sesame seeds with water, honey and a touch of glutinous rice flour for thickening. The dessert boasts a deeply roasted flavour complemented by gentle sweetness, which is earthy and aromatic. While commonly enjoyed in colder seasons, its light yet satisfying qualities make it suitable year-round. A single serving can be prepared in minutes, making it a convenient way to indulge in something wholesome. This variation uses only a handful of ingredients and delivers a smooth texture and bold sesame profile. Naturally gluten-free and dairy-free, it caters to a range of dietary needs without sacrificing authenticity. Whether you’re familiar with Vietnamese sweets or exploring them for the first time, this black sesame delight offers comfort in every spoonful.
RECIPE CATEGORY
Desserts
SERVING SIZE
1
CUISINE
Vietnamese
PREPARATION/TECHNIQUES
Simmer
OCCASION/HOLIDAY
Winter
SPECIAL CONSIDERATION/DIETARY CONCERNS
Dairy-Free
DISH TYPE
Custard
INGREDIENTS
- 1 tablespoon black sesame seeds
- ½ cup water
- ½ teaspoon honey
- ½ teaspoon glutinous rice flour (for thickening)
FULL NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION
- Calories: 74 Kcal
- Total Fat: 5.9 G
- Saturated Fat: 0.8 G
- Cholesterol: 0 Mg
- Sodium: 2 Mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 4.2 G
- Dietary Fibre: 1.6 G
- Sugars: 1.3 G
- Protein: 2.2 G
- Vitamin A: 0 Mcg
- Vitamin C: 0 Mg
- Calcium: 88 Mg
- Iron: 2.1 Mg
- Potassium: 46 Mg
PREPARATION
- Toast The Sesame Seeds: Place black sesame seeds in a dry skillet over medium heat. Stir frequently and toast for 2–3 minutes until fragrant.
- Grind Into A Paste: Transfer toasted seeds to a mortar and pestle or small food processor. Grind into a fine powder or paste.
- Simmer With Water: Add the ground seeds to a small saucepan with ½ cup water. Stir it to combine and bring it to a gentle boil.
- Thicken With Rice Flour: In a small bowl, mix glutinous rice flour with 1 teaspoon of cold water to form a slurry. Slowly whisk into the sesame mixture.
- Sweeten And Simmer: Add honey and reduce heat to low. Simmer for another 2–3 minutes, stirring continuously until thickened to desired consistency.
- Serve Warm: Pour into a small bowl and serve warm for the best flavour and texture.
PREP TIME
3 minutes
COOKING TIME
7 minutes
TIPS
- Toast Properly: Do not skip toasting; the aroma and depth of flavour depend on it.
- Adjust Sweetness: Add more honey if you prefer a sweeter dessert.
- Prevent Clumps: Stir the rice flour slurry well before adding to avoid lumps.
- Use Blender If Needed: A blender can also puree the seeds in a mortar, but a pestle is not available.
- Watch Heat Levels: Keep the heat low after thickening to avoid burning.
VARIATIONS
- Coconut Milk Addition: Add a tablespoon of coconut milk for creaminess and added richness.
- Sugar-Free Version: Use a sugar-free sweetener instead of honey for a low-sugar dessert.
- Chilled Option: Refrigerate and serve cold with crushed ice for a summer twist.
- Add Tapioca Pearls: For extra texture, stir it in pre-cooked tapioca pearls.
- Nutty Finish: Sprinkle with toasted white sesame seeds for contrast and crunch.
PREPPING AND STORAGE
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in a sealed container for up to 2 days in the fridge. Reheat gently before serving.
- Freezing Not Recommended: Freezing may affect the texture and separation of ingredients.
- Meal Prep Friendly: Pre-toast and grind sesame seeds in batches for future servings.
- Reheat Gently: Always reheat over low heat with a splash of water to maintain consistency.