Recipe Bingsu

Bingsu, also known as Korean shaved ice, is a popular dessert in South Korea, especially during the hot summer months. This refreshing treat is made with finely shaved ice and various sweet toppings such as fruit, condensed milk, syrup, and red beans. Bingsu's popularity has spread worldwide, and it has become a favorite dessert for many due to its delightful combination of textures and flavors.

Ingredients and Preparation

Ingredients

• 2 cups of milk or water
• 1/2 cup of sweetened condensed milk
• 1/2 cup of red bean paste (optional)
• 1/2 cup of chopped fruits (strawberries, mangoes, kiwi, etc.)
• 1/4 cup of sweetened condensed milk (for drizzling)
• 1/4 cup of fruit syrup (optional)
• 1/2 cup of ice cream or frozen yogurt (optional)
• 1 tablespoon of slivered almonds or other nuts (optional)
• Mint leaves for garnish (optional)

Preparation

Step 1: Preparing the Ice

1. Freeze the Milk/Water: Pour the milk or water into ice cube trays and freeze until solid. This will be the base of your shaved ice.

Step 2: Shaving the Ice

2. Shave the Ice: Use a blender or a shaved ice machine to finely shave the frozen milk or water. If using a blender, pulse the ice cubes until they become fine and fluffy.

Step 3: Assembling the Bingsu

3. Layering the Ice: Place the shaved ice in a serving bowl, packing it lightly to create a mound.
4. Adding Toppings: Drizzle the sweetened condensed milk over the shaved ice. Then, add the red bean paste, chopped fruits, ice cream or frozen yogurt, and any other desired toppings.
5. Finishing Touches: Drizzle additional sweetened condensed milk and fruit syrup over the top. Garnish with slivered almonds and mint leaves if desired.

Tips for Making Perfect Bingsu

1. Use Fresh Ingredients: The quality of your ingredients will greatly affect the taste of your Bingsu. Use fresh fruits and high-quality condensed milk.
2. Adjust Sweetness: Tailor the sweetness to your preference by adjusting the amount of condensed milk and syrup.
3. Experiment with Flavors: Don't hesitate to experiment with different fruit combinations and toppings.
4. Serve Immediately: Bingsu is best enjoyed immediately after preparation to keep the ice from melting too quickly.

Variations of Bingsu

1. Green Tea Bingsu: Add a teaspoon of matcha powder to the shaved ice and top with sweet red beans and mochi.
2. Chocolate Bingsu: Mix cocoa powder with the shaved ice and top with chocolate syrup, chocolate chips, and brownie pieces.
3. Coffee Bingsu: Use coffee instead of milk or water for the ice base and top with whipped cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce.
4. Cheesecake Bingsu: Add small cheesecake bites and strawberry syrup to the shaved ice.

Calorie Information

The calorie content of Bingsu can vary significantly depending on the ingredients used and the portion size. On average, a serving of Bingsu can contain between 300 to 500 calories. The use of sweetened condensed milk, ice cream, and sugary syrups can increase the calorie count, while using fresh fruits and lighter toppings can help keep it lower.

Conclusion

Bingsu is a delightful and versatile dessert that can be customized to suit any taste preference. Whether you prefer traditional red bean Bingsu or a more modern version with unique flavors, this Korean shaved ice treat is sure to refresh and satisfy. Enjoy experimenting with different ingredients and creating your perfect bowl of Bingsu!