Tender mung beans are simmered into a lightly sweetened soup served warm or chilled. This traditional vegetarian family dessert is believed to have cooling properties in Chinese dietary tradition.
Rinse 1 cup of mung beans thoroughly under running water and drain.
In a large pot, combine mung beans with 7 cups of water and bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and simmer gently, partially covered, for 35–40 minutes, skimming off any foam.
When mung beans are tender and beginning to split, stir in 2 oz of rock sugar and a pinch of salt. Continue simmering for 8–10 minutes until the sugar fully dissolves.
Taste and adjust sweetness as desired. Serve the soup warm, or chill it in the refrigerator for several hours to enjoy cold.