Teresa's Recipes
Banh Chung
Savor the rich, multi-layered flavors of Banh Chung, a traditional Vietnamese dish that symbolizes the earth, celebrated during Tet, the Vietnamese New Year. This delicacy combines the heartiness of sticky rice and ground pork, the subtle nuttiness of mung beans, and the unique aroma of banana leaves. Each bite is a harmonious blend of textures and tastes, taking you on a gastronomic journey to Vietnam.
Ingredients
- 8 large leaves Banana leaves
- 1 teaspoon Black pepper
- 2 tablespoons Fish sauce
- 3 cloves, minced Garlic
- 1 medium, finely chopped Onion
- 500 grams Ground pork
- 1 cup, soaked overnight, drained and rinsed Mung beans
- 2 cups, soaked overnight, drained and rinsed Sticky (glutinous) rice
- Enough to secure the leaves Kitchen twine
Dietary Notes
- Servings: 4
- Dish Type: Main
- Prep Time: 30 minutes (plus soaking overnight)
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Calories: 650
- Fat: 20g
- Carbs: 80g
- Protein: 30g
- Sodium: 1020mg
- Sugar: 2g
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the ground pork, chopped onion, minced garlic, fish sauce, and black pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Drain the soaked sticky rice and mung beans. Add to the pork mixture and mix until well incorporated.
- Lay out two banana leaves in a cross shape on your work surface. Spoon a quarter of the rice-mung bean-pork mixture into the center of the leaves.
- Fold the leaves over the filling, creating a square package. Secure the package with kitchen twine, making sure it's tight so the filling doesn't leak out during cooking.
- Repeat with the remaining mixture and banana leaves until you have four packages.
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Carefully lower the Banh Chung packages into the pot. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 6 hours.
- Carefully remove the Banh Chung from the pot using tongs. Let them cool completely before unwrapping and serving.
- Slice the cooled Banh Chung into wedges and serve as a substantial accompaniment to your main meal.
Tips
- Make sure to secure the banana leaves well with kitchen twine to prevent any filling from leaking out while cooking.
- The Banh Chung can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. Reheat in the microwave before serving.