Fujian Peanut Soup
花生汤
A sweet, creamy Fujian dessert soup of peanuts slow-cooked until they melt in your mouth. Simple, comforting, naturally vegan.
📋 Ingredients
What Is Fujian Peanut Soup?
💡 Ingredient Notes: Fujian Peanut Soup (花生汤, huā shēng tāng) is a beloved sweet dessert soup from Fujian, especially famous in Xiamen. Raw peanuts are slow-cooked for hours until they become incredibly soft — almost melting — in a sweet, milky broth. Despite having no dairy, the soup tastes creamy and rich from the peanut oils. Eaten warm for breakfast or as a dessert, it's comforting, healthy, and naturally vegan. The best version has peanuts so tender they dissolve on your tongue — locals judge a peanut soup by this texture.
Ingredients You'll Need
The Soup
- 250g raw peanuts (with red skin removed)
- 1.5 liters water
- ½ tsp baking soda (helps soften peanuts)
- 80g rock sugar (or to taste)
- Pinch of salt
Optional Add-ins
- 1 beaten egg (traditional Xiamen style)
- Pandan leaf for fragrance
📝 Instructions
Soak the peanuts
Soak peanuts in water overnight (8+ hours). If they have red skins, remove by rubbing after soaking. Drain.
Slow cook
Combine peanuts, water, and baking soda in a heavy pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a low simmer. Cook covered for 2-3 hours until peanuts are extremely soft — they should yield to gentle pressure and almost dissolve. Stir occasionally.
Sweeten
Add rock sugar and a pinch of salt. Stir until dissolved. Taste and adjust sweetness. Simmer 10 more minutes.
Serve (Xiamen style)
Optional: slowly drizzle a beaten egg into the simmering soup while stirring — it creates silky egg ribbons. Serve warm.
💡 Pro Tips
- 💡Soak overnight — this is non-negotiable for soft peanuts. Quick-soaking won't work.
- 💡Baking soda softens the peanuts faster — a traditional trick. Don't use too much or it affects taste.
- 💡Cook until the peanuts almost dissolve — that's the signature texture. If they're still firm, cook longer.
📊 Nutrition Facts
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a pressure cooker? Yes — pressure cook for 45-60 minutes with natural release. Cuts the time dramatically. Results are nearly identical.
Can I use roasted peanuts? No — use raw peanuts. Roasted peanuts have a different flavor and won't soften the same way.
