Banh Chay: Vietnamese Vegetarian Rice Cake with Mung Bean Filling

Introduction

Banh Chay is a delightful Vietnamese vegetarian dish that features a scrumptious rice cake filled with savory mung beans. This traditional delicacy is not only delicious but also a symbol of good luck and prosperity. Whether you’re a fan of Vietnamese cuisine or looking to explore new flavors, Banh Chay is a must-try dish that will surely impress your taste buds.

Ingredients

Here are the key ingredients you’ll need to prepare Banh Chay:

• 1 cup glutinous rice flour
• 1/2 cup rice flour
• 1/2 cup mung beans
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup shredded coconut
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• Banana leaves (for wrapping)
• Water

Directions

Follow these simple steps to create your delicious Banh Chay:

1. Prepare the Mung Bean Filling:

1. Rinse the mung beans and soak them in water for a few hours.
2. Steam the mung beans until they are soft, then mash them and mix with sugar and shredded coconut. Set aside.

2. Make the Rice Cake:

1. In a bowl, mix glutinous rice flour, rice flour, salt, and water to form a smooth batter.
2. Divide the batter into small portions and flatten each portion into a circular shape.

3. Assemble the Banh Chay:

1. Place a spoonful of the mung bean filling in the center of each rice cake circle.
2. Fold the edges of the rice cake over the filling to create a half-moon shape.
3. Wrap the Banh Chay in banana leaves and steam for about 15-20 minutes.

Once steamed, unwrap the banana leaves and serve your delicious Banh Chay warm. Enjoy the delightful combination of soft, sticky rice cake and sweet mung bean filling!

FAQ About Banh Chay: Vietnamese Vegetarian Rice Cake

What is Banh Chay?

Banh Chay is a traditional Vietnamese vegetarian rice cake filled with mung beans, symbolizing purity and simplicity.

What are the key ingredients in Banh Chay?

The main ingredients in Banh Chay include rice flour, mung beans, coconut milk, sugar, and sometimes pandan leaves for flavor.

How is Banh Chay prepared?

Banh Chay is made by steaming a mixture of rice flour and coconut milk to create the outer layer, then filled with cooked mung beans sweetened with sugar before being wrapped and steamed again until firm.

Is Banh Chay gluten-free?

Yes, Banh Chay is naturally gluten-free as it is made with rice flour instead of wheat flour.

What is the significance of Banh Chay in Vietnamese culture?

Banh Chay is often enjoyed during vegetarian festivals or special occasions as a symbol of cleansing and starting anew. It is believed to bring luck and prosperity to those who consume it.