Sticky Rice with Lotus Leaf

Sticky Rice with Lotus Leaf is a fragrant and savory Chinese dish that encapsulates the essence of traditional flavors through its aromatic lotus leaf wrapping. This dairy-free delicacy is perfect for sharing and offers a delightful combination of sticky rice and savory fillings that will transport you to the streets of China.

Ingredients

• Glutinous rice - 200 grams
• Lotus leaves - 2 large leaves
• Shiitake mushrooms - 50 grams, dried
• Dried shrimp - 30 grams
• Chinese sausage - 50 grams, diced
• Green onion - 2 stalks, finely chopped
• Soy sauce - 2 tablespoons
• Oyster sauce - 1 tablespoon (or mushroom sauce for a vegetarian option)
• Sesame oil - 1 tablespoon
• Salt - 1/2 teaspoon
• Water - 400 milliliters

Steps

1. Soak the glutinous rice in water for at least 4 hours or overnight for best results.
2. Soak the dried shiitake mushrooms in warm water for 30 minutes until rehydrated, then slice them thinly.
3. Soak the dried shrimp in warm water for 15 minutes, then drain and chop finely.
4. In a pan, heat sesame oil over medium heat, add the diced Chinese sausage, and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
5. Add the chopped dried shrimp and shiitake mushrooms to the pan, and stir-fry for another 2 minutes.
6. Add the soaked glutinous rice to the mixture, followed by soy sauce, oyster sauce, and salt. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
7. Add 400 milliliters of water to the mixture, stir, and bring to a gentle boil. Once boiling, cover and reduce heat to low. Cook for 30-40 minutes until rice is tender and water is absorbed.
8. While the rice cooks, prepare the lotus leaves by rinsing them under warm water, then steaming them for 5 minutes to make them pliable.
9. Once the rice is cooked, remove from heat and let it sit for 10 minutes. Fluff the rice with a fork and mix in the chopped green onions.
10. Lay a lotus leaf flat and spoon half of the rice mixture onto the center, fold the sides over the filling, and wrap securely. Repeat with the second leaf and remaining rice.
11. Steam the wrapped rice parcels in a steamer basket for 20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
12. Remove from the steamer, unwrap, and serve warm.

Nutrition

• Calories: 480
• Protein: 12 g
• Carbs: 90 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Cholesterol: 20 mg
• Total Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Water: 0.4 L

Health Benefits

• Glutinous rice is a good source of energy and provides essential carbohydrates.
• Lotus leaves are rich in antioxidants and have anti-inflammatory properties.

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