The Citrus Undertone
A pro tip for a great red bean soup is the addition of dried tangerine peel. It adds a subtle, citrusy fragrance that lifts the heavy bean flavour. Without it, the soup can feel a bit flat. It is a small detail that makes a massive difference.
Bean Softness
The beans should be cooked until they are just starting to burst. You want a mix of whole beans and a slightly thickened soup base from the bean starch. If the beans are hard, they haven't been soaked or boiled long enough. Simple is better.
Quick answers
- Hot or cold?
- Hot is more traditional and brings out the aroma of the orange peel, but the iced version is very refreshing on a humid afternoon.
- Does it usually come with toppings?
- Sometimes stalls add sago pearls or lotus seeds for extra texture, but the basic version is just beans and soup.