To get your red beans ready, start by washing 1 cup of them really well under cold water in a bowl. Add a little pinch of salt while rinsing. Then, let the beans sit in the water for at least 4 hours. If you can, it's even better to leave them soaking overnight. This soaking step makes the beans softer and cuts down on the time it takes to cook them.

The method for making Red Bean Sweet Soup mentioned earlier is already pretty simple. But if you want to make the beans even tastier, here's an extra step you can add: after soaking them, put the red beans in a skillet and roast them for about 5 minutes until the skins start to wrinkle. Then, you can cook the beans using the same steps as before. This extra step adds a bit more flavor to the beans.

Combining Ingredients: After at least 4 hours, place the rinsed red beans in your pressure cooker, Instant Pot or a regular pot. Add the sugar and a pinch of salt to the pot. Pour in the desired amount of water to cover the beans.

Stovetop cooking: With stovetop, your waiting time will obviously be longer. It can take 1-2 hours for the red beans to soften over medium heat. Remember that the longer time you soak your red beans, the shorter time you need to cook them. Skim the foam on top of the pot. Add more water if necessary and check the beans every 30 minutes. Turn off the heat once the beans reach your preferred level of softness.Skim the foam while boiling.

Pressure cooking: Close the lid of your pressure cooker or Instant Pot, ensuring it's properly sealed. Set the cooker to high pressure and cook the beans for about 25-30 minutes. Exact timing may vary depending on your appliance, so consult the manual for guidance. Then, let the cooker release the steam slowly in the next 10-15 minutes before opening and check the beans. If they have not been cooked thoroughly yet, close the lid and cook for an additional 10-15 minutes until the beans reach your preferred softness.

The flavors have melded beautifully, creating a sweet and aromatic treat. Adjust the taste the last time. To serve Red Bean Sweet Soup, you can top it with coconut milk, grated coconut, and crushed peanuts. You can also try more toppings such as tapioca pearls, cooked lotus seeds and many more to add them to the dessert.