Banh Troi: Vietnamese Glutinous Rice Balls with Mung Bean Filling

Introduction

Banh Troi, a traditional Vietnamese dessert, is a delightful treat enjoyed during festivals and special occasions. These sweet glutinous rice balls filled with mung bean bring a wonderful combination of textures and flavors to the palate. Let’s dive into the recipe to create these heavenly treats in your own kitchen.

Ingredients

For the rice balls:

• 1 cup glutinous rice flour
• 1/2 cup lukewarm water
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1/4 tsp salt
• For the mung bean filling:
• 1/2 cup mung beans
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup coconut milk
• Pinch of salt

Directions

1. First, prepare the mung bean filling by cooking the mung beans until soft. Mash the beans and mix with sugar, coconut milk, and a pinch of salt. Form small balls from the mixture.
2. In a separate bowl, combine glutinous rice flour, sugar, salt, and lukewarm water. Knead the mixture until a smooth dough forms.
3. Take a small piece of dough, flatten it in your palm, and place a mung bean ball in the center. Enclose the filling with the dough and roll it into a smooth ball.
4. Boil water in a pot and gently drop the rice balls in. Cook until they float to the surface, then let them cook for another 2-3 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon and place in a bowl of cold water briefly.
5. Lastly, drain the water from the rice balls and serve them sprinkled with sesame seeds or coconut flakes. Enjoy your homemade Banh Troi with a cup of hot tea or as a delightful dessert after a delicious Vietnamese meal.

FAQ About Banh Troi

What is Banh Troi?

Banh Troi is a traditional Vietnamese dessert made of glutinous rice balls filled with sweet mung bean paste and typically served with a sweet ginger syrup.

How is Banh Troi made?

To make Banh Troi, glutinous rice flour is mixed with water to form a dough, which is then shaped into small balls filled with mung bean paste. These balls are boiled until they float, signifying they are cooked, and then served in a warm ginger syrup.

What does Banh Troi taste like?

Banh Troi has a delightful chewy texture from the glutinous rice, a sweet and earthy flavor from the mung bean filling, and a hint of warmth and spice from the ginger syrup.

Is Banh Troi gluten-free?

Yes, Banh Troi is gluten-free as it is made from glutinous rice flour, which despite the name, does not contain gluten. It is a safe dessert option for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease.