Banh Chung is a traditional dish enjoyed by Vietnamese families during the Lunar New Year. However, as it is quite filling, there are often leftovers after the festive season. A popular way to repurpose Banh Chung is to fry it. While fried Banh Chung is delicious, it can be greasy and heavy.
A unique and creative alternative is to make porridge with Banh Chung. This dish is similar to green bean porridge and has a wonderful aroma. You can also add boiled chicken to create a nutritious and hearty meal.
The preparation is simple. Cut the Banh Chung into thin slices. If it has been stored in the freezer, let it thaw slightly so you can easily remove the banana leaf wrapping and cut it into pieces. Then, either wait for the Banh Chung to fully defrost, or speed up the process by placing it in the microwave on the defrost setting.
Transform your leftover Banh Chung into a delicious porridge.
Boil a pot of water, preferably using the chicken broth for added flavor. Once the water is boiling, add the sliced Banh Chung and mash it as it cooks. Reduce the heat to a gentle simmer to prevent burning and add more water if the porridge becomes too thick. Stir continuously to avoid sticking and season to taste. Continue cooking until the porridge reaches your desired consistency.
For the chicken, simply warm it up and shred the meat, adding it to the porridge. Garnish with chopped scallions, fried shallots, and a sprinkle of black pepper to taste.
This Banh Chung porridge recipe is easy, quick, and delivers a delightful flavor profile. If you’re tired of fried Banh Chung, give this unique twist a try. It’s a great way to use up leftovers and discover a new favorite dish.
