As summer unfurls its sweltering embrace, the quest for the ultimate cooling salvation leads us to the doorstep of a delightful concoction: the Mung Bean Milk Ice. This beverage, a staple in the arsenal of summer refreshments, not only quenches thirst but also offers a respite from the relentless heat.
Ingredients:
- Mung Beans: 250 grams
- Water: as needed
- Lemon Juice: 5 grams
- Milk: 150-200 grams
- Condensed Milk: 30-60 grams
- Matcha Powder (optional): 2 grams
- Ice Cubes: 180 grams
Recipe:
Begin with a meticulous cleansing of the mung beans, washing them no less than three times to ensure purity. Submerge them in water and allow them to bask in the frigid confines of a freezer at -18°C overnight. This step is crucial for the beans to bloom beautifully upon cooking.
1️⃣ The following day, release the frozen beans from their icy mold with a gentle rinse and transfer them to a pot. Add enough water to cover the beans and bring to a vigorous boil.
2️⃣ After reaching a boil, infuse the concoction with lemon juice, a citrus touch that locks in color, dispels any gaminess, and adds a fragrant zest.
3️⃣ Lower the heat and let simmer for 20-30 minutes until the mung beans have fully blossomed.
4️⃣ Intensify the flame to reduce the liquid, leaving behind a thick, grainy paste of about 650 grams of mung beans.
5️⃣ Allow the mixture to cool down to room temperature, aiming for a dry and concentrated consistency.
For the mung bean puree:
Take half of the cooked mung beans (approximately 325 grams), and place them in a blender along with condensed milk, matcha powder, and milk. Adjust the thickness by starting with less milk and adding as needed. Likewise, sweeten to taste, keeping in mind a 3/10 sweetness level for a mild flavor.
6️⃣ Blend the ingredients until you achieve a smooth mung bean paste. If a blender is not available, a meat grinder or juicer can serve as an alternative.
Assembly:
7️⃣ In each glass, place a foundation of ice cubes, followed by a pour of milk, and a layer of cooked mung beans.
8️⃣ Gently add the mung bean puree, creating a cascading effect along the glass walls for an aesthetic appeal.
9️⃣ The final touch is a gentle stir before serving, ensuring a symphony of flavors in every sip.
Pro Tips:
- The mung bean milk ice can be stored in the refrigerator for 1-3 days, ensuring a refreshing indulgence is always at hand.
- If a sweeter taste is desired, do not hesitate to enrich the beverage with additional condensed milk, even at the time of serving.
This mung bean milk ice is not merely a drink; it’s a statement of summer’s fleeting joys, encapsulated in a glass. It’s an invitation to replace the ubiquitous milk tea with something more rejuvenating, a testament to the simple yet profound pleasures of seasonal ingredients.