Red Bean Milk Pudding (Hong Dou Dun Nai)

Main Ingredients

• Fresh whole milk 3 cups (approx. 720ml)
• Egg whites 3 (approx. 90g)
• Red beans 1 cup (approx. 150g)
• Light cream 2 tbsp (approx. 30ml）
• Granulated sugar 4 tbsp (approx. 50g,）

Steps

1. Soak red beans in water overnight. Bring half a pot of water to a boil, add the soaked red beans, cover and cook over medium heat for about 45 minutes until tender. Drain and rinse the cooked beans under cold water, then drain thoroughly and set aside to cool.

   

2. In a bowl, combine 3 cups of fresh milk, 2 tablespoons of light cream and 4 tablespoons of granulated sugar. Whisk until well blended. Add 3 egg whites and continue whisking until fully incorporated

   

3. Strain the milk-egg mixture through a fine sieve to remove any lumps of egg white and foam. This is the key to achieving a silky, smooth texture.

   

4. Divide the strained mixture into 2 bowls (or 4 small bowls). Add 2 tablespoons of cooked red beans to each bowl. Gently stir to distribute the beans evenly.

   

5. Cover each bowl with plastic wrap (to prevent water droplets from dripping in and ruining the surface). Place in a steamer with boiling water. Cover and steam over medium-low heat for about 15 minutes, until the pudding is fully set.

   

6. Remove the pudding from the steamer and peel off the plastic wrap. Garnish with a few extra cooked red beans on top. Serve warm or chilled – both are delightful.

   

TCM Notes

Calcium-rich & beautifying: Milk is packed with high-quality calcium and protein, promoting bone health and smooth, radiant skin; egg whites provide high-quality complete protein for tissue repair and regeneration. Blood-nourishing & diuretic: Red beans are rich in iron, which helps regulate menstruation and nourish the blood; they are also high in potassium and dietary fiber, promoting diuresis and reducing edema. Digestive support: Dietary fiber in red beans promotes intestinal motility and relieves constipation; lactose and fats in milk also have mild laxative effects. Sleep aid: Tryptophan in milk is a precursor to melatonin and serotonin, helping to calm the nerves and improve sleep quality. Energy replenishment: Milk and eggs provide quality fats and proteins, while red beans offer complex carbohydrates – together they quickly restore energy and combat fatigue.

Suitable for：Women and teenagers needing calcium supplementation and skin nourishment Those with qi-blood deficiency, pale complexion, or light menstruation (red beans nourish blood) Individuals with mild edema or poor urination (red beans promote diuresis) Those with poor sleep quality or nervous tension (milk calms the mind) Growing children and adolescents (calcium and protein support) Those recovering from fatigue or needing gentle nourishment Health-conscious individuals seeking a wholesome dessert option (consume in moderation)

Not suitable for：Those allergic to milk, eggs or red beans (Strictly avoid!): May trigger skin rashes, itching and other allergic reactions. Diabetics (Caution): This dessert contains added sugar and natural sugars from red beans, with a relatively high sugar content. Reduce or omit sugar and strictly limit portion size. Those with dry, hard stools or internal heat (Use with caution): Red beans have astringent properties, while milk and eggs are rich and may worsen constipation and internal heat. Severe diarrhea or acute enteritis patients: Lactose and fats in milk may irritate the intestines and worsen diarrhea. Those with spleen-stomach deficiency-cold or poor digestion (Use with caution): Milk is slightly cold in nature – excessive consumption may cause bloating or diarrhea. Serve warm and control portion size. Those with kidney dysfunction (Consult a physician): Red beans are high in potassium, which may need to be restricted. Infants under 1 year old: Egg whites are a common allergen, and their digestive systems are underdeveloped – avoid.