Banh Dau Xanh: Vietnamese Mung Bean Sticky Rice Cake
Banh Dau Xanh: Vietnamese Mung Bean Sticky Rice Cake
Introduction
Banh Dau Xanh, a delightful Vietnamese dessert, translates to Mung Bean Sticky Rice Cake. This traditional dish is a sweet and flavorful treat enjoyed during special occasions or as a daily snack. Combining the creaminess of mung beans and the chewiness of glutinous rice, Banh Dau Xanh offers a unique texture and taste that is sure to please your palate. Let’s dive into how you can create this delicious delicacy in your own kitchen.
Ingredients
To prepare Banh Dau Xanh, you will need the following ingredients:
– 1 cup of mung beans
– 2 cups of glutinous rice
– 1 cup of sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon of salt
– Pandan leaves (for fragrance and color)
– Water for soaking and cooking
Directions
1. Start by soaking the mung beans in water for at least 2 hours or overnight. Drain the beans before use.
2. Rinse the glutinous rice until the water runs clear, then soak it in water for about 4 hours.
3. Drain the glutinous rice and mix it with salt. Steam the rice until it’s cooked and set it aside to cool.
4. In a separate pot, cook the soaked mung beans with water until they are soft. Add sugar to sweeten the beans.
5. Once the mung beans have a creamy consistency, blend them into a smooth paste or mash them with a fork.
6. Line a square or rectangular pan with banana leaves or parchment paper.
7. Spread a layer of cooked glutinous rice at the bottom of the pan.
8. Add a layer of mung bean paste on top of the rice layer.
9. Continue layering the rice and mung beans until all the mixture is used up, ensuring the top layer is glutinous rice.
10. Steam the Banh Dau Xanh for about 30-40 minutes until it is firm and cooked through.
11. Allow the cake to cool before slicing it into squares or rectangles.
12. Serve the Banh Dau Xanh at room temperature and enjoy the harmonious blend of textures and flavors in each bite.
Now, you’re ready to savor the authentic taste of Banh Dau Xanh – a Vietnamese Mung Bean Sticky Rice Cake that captures the essence of Vietnamese culinary traditions.