Luk Chup – mung bean sweets

INGREDIENTS

• 250g dried Mung bean
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 cup coconut milk

FOR COATING

• 1 Tbsp agar agar powder
• 2 cups water
• 1/4 cup sugar
• Food colouring

DIRECTIONS

1. Rinse and soak the Mung bean in water for three hours and then steam for about 20 minutes or until cooked well.
2. In a blender or food processor, grind the Mung bean with the sugar and coconut milk until smooth.
3. Pour the mixture into a brass wok or non-stick pan and gently cook over medium low heat until it thickens and the paste is dry to a touch and shapeable.
4. Leave it to cool then mould into fruit or vegetable shapes.
5. Use the food colouring to colour the miniatures.

TO MAKE THE COATING

1. Dissolve the agar powder in water and bring to a boil then add sugar and reduce the heat to simmer for 5 minutes. Take off the heat.
2. Dip the fruit shapes in the liquid then leave to dry for a few minutes. Repeat twice more to get the shiny coating.