Winter Melon Tea
Winter Melon Tea (Tra bi dao) is a tasty drink which is said to have cooling and detox effects in Vietnam. Learn the easy way to make this tea at home.
- Prep time
- 10 min
- Cook time
- 2 hr
- Yield
- 6 servings
- Difficulty
- HARD
Ingredients
Quantities are shown as originally provided.
- 2.5 lbs winter melon, washed and pat dry
- 1 oz dried longan, rinsed ((about ¼ cup))
- 3 tablespoons rock sugar ((or more, to taste))
- 6 cups water
Instructions
- 1
Cut off the very top and bottom parts. Quarter it lengthwise and discard the white spongy part with seeds in the center. Then cut into 1-1½ inch wide and 3-4 inch long pieces.
- 2
Heat a grill pan (or a cast iron pan) over medium heat until it is very hot. Add the winter melon slices in a single layer skin side down. Grill for about 8-10 minutes until the skin is lightly charred. Increase the heat up to medium-high if needed. Rotate the winter melon slices to grill all the other sides until they are lightly charred and look a little dried out. Remove from the grill pan.
- 3
Place the dried longan, rock sugar and charred winter melon slices in a medium pot. Add water and then place the pan over medium heat. Once the water starts to boil, reduce to low heat to maintain a very gentle simmer. Cover the pot and simmer for 90-120 minutes.
- 4
Strain the tea and let it cool before storing in an air-tight bottle in the refrigerator. It can be enjoyed either warm or chilled (with or without ice).