Baked Banana Leaf Rice

Baked Banana Leaf Rice is a fragrant and flavorful Thai dish that combines aromatic jasmine rice with a medley of vibrant vegetables and spices, all wrapped in banana leaves for a unique presentation. This dish not only delights the senses but also offers a healthy, plant-based meal option.

Ingredients

• Jasmine rice - 150 grams
• Coconut milk - 200 ml
• Vegetable broth - 100 ml
• Shiitake mushrooms, sliced - 100 grams
• Red bell pepper, diced - 1 medium
• Carrot, julienned - 1 medium
• Green peas - 50 grams
• Fresh cilantro, chopped - 2 tablespoons
• Lime juice - 1 tablespoon
• Garlic, minced - 2 cloves
• Ginger, grated - 1 tablespoon
• Soy sauce - 1 tablespoon
• Salt - 1 teaspoon
• Black pepper - 1/2 teaspoon
• Banana leaves - 2 large pieces

Steps

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. Rinse the jasmine rice under cold water until the water runs clear, then soak it in water for 30 minutes.
3. In a saucepan, heat the coconut milk and vegetable broth over medium heat. Once warm, add the soaked rice, salt, and pepper, and bring to a simmer. Cover and reduce heat to low, cooking for about 15 minutes until the rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
4. While the rice is cooking, heat a skillet over medium heat and add a splash of oil. Sauté the minced garlic and grated ginger until fragrant, about 1 minute.
5. Add the sliced shiitake mushrooms, diced red bell pepper, julienned carrot, and green peas to the skillet. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
6. Stir in the soy sauce and lime juice, mixing well. Remove from heat and fold in the chopped cilantro.
7. Once the rice is cooked, combine it with the sautéed vegetables in a large bowl and mix thoroughly.
8. Cut the banana leaves into large squares, about 30cm x 30cm. If needed, briefly pass them over an open flame to make them pliable.
9. Place a portion of the rice and vegetable mixture in the center of each banana leaf square. Fold the edges over to create a sealed packet.
10. Place the packets on a baking tray and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
11. Remove from the oven and let sit for a few minutes before unwrapping. Serve warm, garnished with extra cilantro and lime wedges, if desired.

Nutrition

• Calories: 450
• Protein: 9 g
• Carbs: 70 g
• Fiber: 5 g
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Cholesterol: 0 mg
• Total Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 13 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
• Water: 0.3 L

Health Benefits

• Rich in antioxidants from vegetables and herbs.
• High in fiber, promoting digestive health.

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