Luk chup

From WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Luk Chup is a traditional Thai dessert that is known for its colorful and intricate designs. The dessert is made from mung beans, sugar, and coconut milk, which are shaped into miniature fruits and vegetables and then coated with a glossy layer of gelatin. The name "Luk Chup" is derived from the Thai words for "look" and "mould", which reflect the process of shaping the dessert.

Etymology[edit | edit source]

The term "Luk Chup" is derived from the Thai language. "Luk" translates to "child" or "offspring", while "Chup" means "to mould" or "to shape". This reflects the process of shaping the mung bean paste into various forms, often resembling miniature fruits and vegetables.

Ingredients and Preparation[edit | edit source]

The main ingredients of Luk Chup are mung beans, sugar, and coconut milk. The mung beans are soaked overnight, then boiled and mashed into a paste. This paste is mixed with sugar and coconut milk to create a dough. The dough is then shaped into miniature fruits and vegetables, which are painted with food coloring and coated with a layer of gelatin to give them a glossy finish.

Cultural Significance[edit | edit source]

Luk Chup is often served at special occasions and festivals in Thailand, such as weddings and Songkran (Thai New Year). The dessert's intricate designs and vibrant colors make it a popular choice for these celebrations. In addition, the process of making Luk Chup is often seen as a form of art, with the dessert makers taking great care to create realistic and detailed representations of fruits and vegetables.

Related Terms[edit | edit source]

  • Mung Bean: A type of legume that is the main ingredient in Luk Chup.
  • Coconut Milk: A liquid extracted from the grated pulp of mature coconuts. It is used in many traditional Thai dishes, including Luk Chup.
  • Songkran: The Thai New Year's festival. Luk Chup is often served during this celebration.
Luk chup Resources

Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD