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The Ultimate Guide to Cooking Purple Black Bean Sticky Rice: A Delicious, Fluffy, and Beautiful Dish That Stays Soft for Days

11 September, 2024

Black Bean Sticky Rice: A Nutritious and Delicious Vietnamese Treat

Black bean sticky rice is a popular Vietnamese dish that is often enjoyed as a hearty breakfast. While it is not typically used for religious ceremonies, it is a favorite among many due to its nutritional value and refreshing taste. The addition of black beans makes the sticky rice especially nutty and flavorful. However, achieving the perfect balance of softness, stickiness, and appealing color can be tricky.

There are two main methods for cooking black bean sticky rice: the traditional method of steaming in a bamboo steamer, and the modern approach of using an electric rice cooker. Regardless of the method chosen, it is crucial to pre-cook the black beans to ensure they are soft before mixing them with the sticky rice.

Preparing the Ingredients

The ratio of black beans to sticky rice is a matter of personal preference. However, it is important to avoid using too much or too little of either ingredient. A balanced ratio of 2 parts rice to 1 part beans is recommended to achieve the ideal taste and texture. Additionally, it is essential to prepare the accompanying condiments: fried shallots, and salted sesame peanut mix.

Before cooking, the black beans should be soaked to allow them to expand and reduce any bitterness. They are then simmered until soft, and the cooking liquid is reserved to soak the rice. This step helps the rice absorb the beautiful black color from the beans. If using an electric rice cooker, soak the rice and beans separately in clean water.

Thinly slice and fry the shallots until fragrant, then drain on a paper towel. Prepare the salted sesame peanut mix as well.

Cooking the Sticky Rice

For the traditional method, after soaking the rice in the bean cooking liquid, rinse it and mix with the softened beans. Add a pinch of salt to enhance the flavor. A tip from experienced cooks is to include a tiny amount of sugar to counter any bitterness and improve the overall taste. Mix the rice and beans with a small amount of salt and sugar, if desired.

Place the mixture in a cloth bag designed for steaming sticky rice and put it in the bamboo steamer. Steam for approximately 45 minutes until the rice is soft and sticky. Use chopsticks to fluff the rice gently. For a shinier and richer texture, add a small amount of oil or lard to the hot rice, being careful not to overuse it to prevent greasiness.

Using an Electric Rice Cooker

For a quicker approach, simply add the pre-soaked black beans and rinsed rice to the electric rice cooker. Ensure that the beans are just covered with water, and add a pinch of salt, a tiny bit of sugar, and a dash of oil. Press the cook button and let the cooker do its magic.

This method retains the bean cooking liquid, resulting in a more intense color for the sticky rice. The salt, sugar, and oil enhance the flavor and texture, creating a delicious and visually appealing dish.

Once the rice cooker indicates that the rice is ready, serve it in bowls or on plates, garnished with fried shallots and salted sesame peanut mix to taste. Enjoy the wonderful flavors and nutritional benefits of black bean sticky rice!

Frequently asked questions

Purple sticky rice, also known as Thai sticky rice or black sticky rice, is a unique variety of rice that boasts a stunning deep purple color. It’s special due to its distinct appearance, delicious flavor, and sticky texture when cooked. This type of rice is commonly used in Southeast Asian cuisine and is believed to have originated in Thailand or Laos.

Purple sticky rice has a delicate floral aroma with hints of sweet coconut and roasted nuts. Its flavor is mildly sweet with a subtle earthy tone, and it has a sticky yet fluffy texture when cooked properly.

This type of rice is nutrient-rich and offers various health benefits. It’s a good source of antioxidants, providing potential anti-inflammatory benefits. Purple sticky rice also contains fiber, which aids digestion, and is a good source of minerals like iron, zinc, and magnesium.

To cook purple sticky rice, it’s recommended to soak the rice for several hours or even overnight. This helps soften the grains and reduce cooking time. Use a ratio of 1:1 for rice and water, and cook the rice in a rice cooker or on the stovetop until the grains turn soft and fluffy. Allow the cooked rice to steam for a few minutes before serving to achieve the perfect sticky texture.

Yes, purple sticky rice can be used as a substitute for regular rice in various dishes. It works well in savory recipes, desserts, and even as a side dish. However, due to its sticky texture, it may not be suitable for dishes that require a light and fluffy rice texture.

Purple sticky rice is commonly used in desserts such as mango sticky rice, coconut rice pudding, and sweet rice dumplings. It can also be used to make colorful sushi rolls, rice salads, and as a base for rice bowls with vegetables and proteins.

You can find purple sticky rice in Asian grocery stores or specialty food markets. Online retailers also offer a convenient option for purchasing this type of rice. As for storage, it’s best to keep purple sticky rice in an airtight container at room temperature. It has a longer shelf life compared to white rice and can be stored for up to 6 months without losing its quality.