Banh Da Lon: Vietnamese Steamed Layer Cake with Mung Bean
Banh Da Lon: Vietnamese Steamed Layer Cake with Mung Bean
Introduction
Banh Da Lon, also known as Vietnamese Steamed Layer Cake, is a delightful and traditional dessert that combines the textures of soft and chewy layers with the richness of mung bean paste. This sweet treat is popular in Vietnamese cuisine and is often enjoyed during special occasions and celebrations. Making Banh Da Lon at home allows you to experience the authentic flavors of Vietnam and share this delicious dessert with your family and friends.
Ingredients
- 1 cup rice flour
- 1/2 cup tapioca starch
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 cups coconut milk
- 1/2 cup mung bean paste
- 1/4 tsp salt
- Pandan leaves (optional for color and flavor)
- Banana leaves (for lining the pan)
Directions
- Prepare the steamer by bringing water to a boil.
- In a mixing bowl, combine rice flour, tapioca starch, sugar, coconut milk, and salt. Mix well until smooth.
- Divide the mixture in half. Mix mung bean paste into one half of the mixture.
- Line a square or round pan with banana leaves.
- Pour a thin layer of the mung bean mixture into the pan and steam for about 10 minutes.
- Once the first layer is set, pour a layer of the plain mixture on top and steam for another 10 minutes.
- Repeat the alternating layers until all the batter is used up, finishing with a plain layer on top.
- Steam the cake for an additional 30-40 minutes or until fully cooked.
- Allow the cake to cool before slicing into squares or diamonds.
- Serve the Banh Da Lon at room temperature and enjoy the delicious flavors!
Frequently Asked Questions About Banh Da Lon
What is Banh Da Lon?
Banh Da Lon is a traditional Vietnamese dessert made of layers of steamed glutinous rice flour and mung bean paste. It is known for its beautiful green and white layers resembling bamboo.
How is Banh Da Lon prepared?
To make Banh Da Lon, a batter is created by combining rice flour, tapioca starch, sugar, water, and coconut milk. This batter is then divided into two parts, with one part mixed with pandan leaf extract for the green layer. The mung bean paste is steamed separately and layered alternately with the green and white batter before being steamed again into a cake.
What does Banh Da Lon taste like?
Banh Da Lon has a unique taste that combines the sweetness of coconut milk and sugar with the earthy flavors of mung beans. The chewy texture of the glutinous rice flour adds a delightful mouthfeel to this delicious dessert.
Is Banh Da Lon gluten-free?
Yes, Banh Da Lon is gluten-free as it is made primarily from glutinous rice flour and tapioca starch, both of which are gluten-free ingredients.
Can Banh Da Lon be stored?
Banh Da Lon can be stored at room temperature for up to 2-3 days.
