lotus seed longan dessert
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Lotus Seed Longan Dessert

Lotus seed longan dessert is a elegant but simple dessert popular in some Asian countries like Vietnam and China – where longans are cultivated and harvested. Not only delicious, lotus seeds and longans are also prized remedies in traditional Chinese medicine. Let’s try making lotus seed longan dessert!

lotus seed longan dessert

Ingredients of Lotus Seed Longan Dessert

As the name suggests, the main ingredients of this dessert are simply two things: longans and lotus seeds. In fact, there are two versions of this dish: lotus seed and fresh longan dessert or lotus seed and dried longan dessert.

  • Dried longans are dark brown in color and, when cooked, provide a naturally sweet flavor with a chewy and slightly sticky texture.
  • Fresh longans, on the other hand, offer a refreshing fruity taste and a soft, crisp texture.

For lotus seeds, both dried and fresh ones have similar texture and flavor once cooked.

lotus seed longan dessert

Additionally, with fresh longans, you can hollow out the seeds and stuff each fruit with a lotus seed in its place. This is the traditional way of preparing lotus seed longan dessert in Hanoi, Vietnam.

In the instructions below, I’ll be using fresh longans and dried lotus seeds. You can also opt for dried longans combined with either dried or fresh lotus seeds. I’ll provide detailed steps on how to remove the seeds from the longans while keeping the flesh intact, then carefully insert the lotus seeds for an interesting eating experience.

lotus seed longan dessert
Lotus seed is inserted into longan, giving a delightful eating experience

Recipe for Lotus Seed Longan Dessert

Here’s the recipe to make 4 bowls of lotus seed longan dessert:

  • 200g (7 oz) fresh longans or 100g (3.5 oz) dried longans
  • 100g (3.5 oz) dried lotus seeds
  • 300ml (1 1/2 cups) water
  • 50g (1.7 oz) granulated sugar or rock sugar
lotus seed longan dessert

Cooking Instructions

Step 1. Preparation

  • For dried lotus seeds: Soak the lotus seeds in hot water for at least 2 hours or overnight to soften them. After soaking, remove the green cores (if present) to prevent bitterness.
candied lotus seeds
  • For fresh longans: Gently peel the longans and carefully remove the seeds, keeping the fruit intact. Follow the steps shown in the image below for guidance.
lotus seed longan dessert
  • For dried longans: Rinse the dried longans under clean water to remove any impurities, and soak them in warm water for about 20 minutes to rehydrate.

Step 2. Cook the Lotus Seeds

  • After soaking, the lotus seeds will absorb water and swell, becoming plump like fresh lotus seeds. Boil the lotus seeds for 30 minutes until they are tender but still intact. While simmering, skim off any foam that forms on the surface to observe the seeds more easily. To test if they are fully cooked, try pressing a seed between your fingers—it should be soft yet maintain its shape. Refer here to learn how to cook dried lotus seeds in different ways.
boil lotus seeds
  • Reserve 300ml (1.5 cups) cooking water and dissolve 50g (1.7 oz) granulated sugar or rock sugar in it to serve with the longans and cooked lotus seeds.

Step 3.  Stuff the Longans & Serve

  • Carefully insert a cooked lotus seed into each longan, replacing the original seed.
lotus seed longan dessert
  • To serve, place a few lotus-seed-stuffed longans and additional lotus seeds in a bowl, then pour the sweetened lotus seed water over them. Enjoy chilled or at room temperature.
lotus seed longan dessert

So simple, right? The combination of fresh longans with lotus seeds in one bite is absolutely delightful! If you have fresh longans at home, give this recipe a try right away!

lotus seed longan dessert

Lotus Seed Longan Dessert

Lotus seed longan dessert is a elegant but simple dessert popular in some Asian countries like Vietnam and China – where longans are cultivated and harvested. Not only delicious, lotus seeds and longans are also prized remedies in traditional Chinese medicine.
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Course: Dessert
Cuisine: Chinese, Vietnamese
Keyword: lotus seed longan dessert
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Calories: 165kcal
Author: Mia Pham

Ingredients

  • 200 g fresh longans (7 oz) or 100g (3.5 oz) dried longans
  • 100 g dried lotus seeds 3.5 oz
  • 300 ml water 1.5 cups
  • 50 g granulated sugar or rock sugar 1.7 oz

Instructions

Step 1. Preparation

  • For dried lotus seeds: Soak the lotus seeds in hot water for at least 2 hours or overnight to soften them. After soaking, remove the green cores (if present) to prevent bitterness.
    candied lotus seeds
  • For fresh longans: Gently peel the longans and carefully remove the seeds, keeping the fruit intact. Follow the steps shown in the image below for guidance.
    lotus seed longan dessert
  • For dried longans: Rinse the dried longans under clean water to remove any impurities, and soak them in warm water for about 20 minutes to rehydrate.

Step 2. Cook the Lotus Seeds

  • After soaking, the lotus seeds will absorb water and swell, becoming plump like fresh lotus seeds. Boil the lotus seeds for 30 minutes until they are tender but still intact. While simmering, skim off any foam that forms on the surface to observe the seeds more easily. To test if they are fully cooked, try pressing a seed between your fingers—it should be soft yet maintain its shape. Refer here to learn how to cook dried lotus seeds in different ways.
    skim foam while boiling lotus seeds
  • Reserve 300ml (1.5 cups) cooking water and dissolve 50g (1.7 oz) granulated sugar or rock sugar in it to serve with the longans and cooked lotus seeds.

Step 3.  Stuff the Longans & Serve

  • Carefully insert a cooked lotus seed into each longan, replacing the original seed.
    lotus seed longan dessert
  • To serve, place a few lotus-seed-stuffed longans and additional lotus seeds in a bowl, then pour the sweetened lotus seed water over them. Enjoy chilled or at room temperature.
    lotus seed longan dessert

Nutrition

Serving: 150g | Calories: 165kcal

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