Exploring the Flavors of Glutinous Rice in Chung and Tét Cakes

Bánh chung is a traditional dish enjoyed during the Vietnamese Tet feast. However, it requires skill to create a soft, fragrant, and perfectly green cake. In addition to the meticulous preparation and cooking techniques involved in packaging, boiling, and selecting the leaves, the choice of rice is also crucial. Good glutinous rice is essential for achieving a delicious banh chung or banh tet, as it determines the cake’s softness, greenness, and aroma.

References: Beautiful and delicious home recipes

1Types of High-Quality Glutinous Rice for Cakes

The selection of high-quality glutinous rice is crucial in creating delicious banh chung and banh tet. While there are several types of glutinous rice available in the market, such as yellow blossom sticky rice, green leaf sticky rice, oily sticky rice, and fragrant sticky rice, the common factor in choosing sticky rice is the preference for round and uniform grains, smooth texture, and fragrant aroma. The best option is yellow blossom sticky rice due to its fragrance and softness.

You can find irresistible products made with good quality glutinous rice, such as:

Vi?t San green leaf sticky rice features plump, long, opaque white grains. When cooked, it produces soft, lightly sweet, and naturally fragrant sticky rice.

Green leaf sticky rice is versatile and suitable for various types of sticky rice dishes, traditional cakes, and porridge.

In addition, Bac Viet San sticky rice is an excellent choice. It offers moderate expansion and sticky, fragrant grains that are ideal for making banh chung and banh tet.

Bac sticky rice, originating from the Northern region, possesses round, short, evenly white grains with a subtle fragrance. When cooked, the sticky rice becomes soft, lightly sweet, and emits a distinctive aroma.

The uniqueness of banh chung lies in the savory taste of sticky rice, the fragrant flavor of mung beans, and the richness and aroma of the meat. Therefore, it is important to add the right amount of salt while evenly distributing it with the beans and meat. To achieve a greener and more fragrant sticky rice, soak it in ground green leaf water before wrapping it in the cake.

2Preparing Sticky Rice for Cake Making

During the preparation process, simply soak the sticky rice in cold water, ensuring it is not soaked for too long, as it may become sour and cause the cake to spoil.

+ Dryland sticky rice: 10-12 hours.

+ Delta sticky rice: 4-6 hours.

After purchasing sticky rice, rinse it thoroughly until the water runs clear. This step removes the husk particles surrounding the grains, resulting in a beautiful green color for the cake.

3Considerations When Choosing Sticky Rice for Making Banh Chung and Banh Tet

Sticky rice is a nutritious food option, particularly beneficial for individuals with digestive problems or vestibular disorders.

Postpartum women and individuals with weakened bodies can benefit from sticky rice as it contains many essential nutrients.

When selecting sticky rice for consumption, it is important to:

– Choose sticky rice with a natural fragrance. Avoid types of sticky rice with strange or overpowering scents, as they may have been artificially scented.

– Avoid white or overly polished rice. These rice types go through excessive processing or multiple rounds of polishing, resulting in a loss of nutrients from the outer layer of the grains.

By selecting premium rice and combining it with requisite ingredients like wrapping leaves, fillings, and strings, you can create a delicious and authentic cake.

With these tips for choosing sticky rice, you’ll be able to make delectable banh chung and banh tet. For more recipes, explore further. Wishing you a joyful Tet celebration surrounded by loved ones and filled with laughter.