Banh Nam Dau Xanh: Vietnamese Mung Bean Rice Pudding

Introduction

Banh Nam Dau Xanh, a traditional Vietnamese delicacy, is a delightful mung bean rice pudding that beautifully blends savory and sweet flavors. This dish, originating from Central Vietnam, showcases the intricate flavors and textures typical of Vietnamese cuisine. Whether enjoyed as a snack, dessert, or even a light meal, Banh Nam Dau Xanh offers a unique and delicious experience that is sure to impress.

Ingredients

To prepare Banh Nam Dau Xanh at home, you will need the following ingredients:
– 1 cup of glutinous rice flour
– ½ cup of mung beans
– 1 cup of coconut milk
– 3 cups of water
– 2 shallots, thinly sliced
– 1 tablespoon of cooking oil
– 1 teaspoon of salt
– Freshly ground black pepper
– Banana leaves or parchment paper (for wrapping)

Directions

1. Begin by soaking the mung beans in water for at least 2 hours. Once soaked, drain the beans and set them aside.
2. In a pan, heat the cooking oil over medium heat. Add the sliced shallots and sauté until fragrant.
3. Add the soaked mung beans to the pan and stir well. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook the beans until they soften and are easily mashed.
4. In a separate saucepan, combine the glutinous rice flour, water, and coconut milk. Cook over low heat, stirring continuously until a thick, smooth mixture forms.
5. Take a small portion of the rice mixture and flatten it on a piece of banana leaf or parchment paper. Place a spoonful of the cooked mung beans in the center and fold the leaf to enclose the filling securely. Repeat this process to make multiple parcels.
6. Steam the wrapped Banh Nam Dau Xanh for about 30 minutes or until the rice is cooked through and has a sticky consistency.
7. Once cooked, unwrap the parcels and serve the Banh Nam Dau Xanh hot, allowing the beautiful aroma to tantalize your taste buds.

Enjoy the delightful combination of flavors and textures in this Vietnamese Mung Bean Rice Pudding – a true culinary gem that reflects the rich culinary heritage of Vietnam.

FAQ about Banh Nam Dau Xanh

What is Banh Nam Dau Xanh?

Banh Nam Dau Xanh is a traditional Vietnamese dessert made from mung bean and rice. It is a delicious pudding-like dish that is popular in Vietnamese cuisine.

How is Banh Nam Dau Xanh prepared?

To make Banh Nam Dau Xanh, soaked mung beans and glutinous rice are blended into a smooth batter. This batter is then placed in banana leaf pouches along with seasonings and steamed until cooked.

What does Banh Nam Dau Xanh taste like?

Banh Nam Dau Xanh has a subtly sweet and nutty flavor from the mung beans, combined with the sticky texture of glutinous rice. It is often served with a savory dipping sauce to balance the sweetness.

Is Banh Nam Dau Xanh gluten-free?

Yes, Banh Nam Dau Xanh is gluten-free as it is made from mung beans and glutinous rice, which do not contain gluten. It is a suitable dessert option for individuals with gluten sensitivities.

Can Banh Nam Dau Xanh be refrigerated?

Banh Nam Dau Xanh can be refrigerated for a few days. However, it is best enjoyed fresh when the texture and flavors are at