Bánh Chưng Chay

Bánh Chưng Chay is a traditional Vietnamese vegan sticky rice cake filled with mung beans and mushrooms, wrapped in banana leaves for a delightful earthy flavor. This dish is not only visually appealing but also a nutritious snack option, perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

• Glutinous rice - 200 grams
• Mung beans (split) - 100 grams
• Shiitake mushrooms (dried) - 30 grams
• Fresh banana leaves - 4 large pieces
• Salt - 1/2 teaspoon
• Black pepper - 1/4 teaspoon
• Vegetable oil - 1 tablespoon
• Water - 500 ml

Steps

1. Soak the glutinous rice and mung beans in water for at least 4 hours or overnight.
2. Drain the soaked mung beans and steam them for about 15 minutes until soft, then mash them with a fork and mix in 1/4 teaspoon of salt.
3. Soak the dried shiitake mushrooms in warm water for 30 minutes, then drain and chop them finely.
4. In a pan, heat the vegetable oil and sauté the chopped mushrooms with the remaining 1/4 teaspoon of salt and black pepper for 5 minutes until fragrant.
5. Prepare the banana leaves by cutting them into squares (about 25x25 cm) and briefly passing them over an open flame to make them pliable.
6. In a mixing bowl, combine the drained glutinous rice, half of the steamed mung bean paste, and sautéed mushrooms; mix well.
7. To assemble, place a square of banana leaf on a flat surface, add a layer of glutinous rice mixture, followed by the remaining mung bean paste, and top with another layer of glutinous rice mixture.
8. Fold the banana leaves over the filling to form a rectangular shape and tie securely with kitchen twine.
9. In a large pot, bring 500 ml of water to a boil, then add the wrapped cakes and simmer for 2 hours, ensuring they are submerged in water.
10. Once cooked, remove from the pot and let cool for 30 minutes before unwrapping and slicing to serve.

Nutrition

• Calories: 320
• Protein: 8 g
• Carbs: 60 g
• Fiber: 5 g
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 400 mg
• Cholesterol: 0 mg
• Total Fat: 5 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Water: 0.5 L

Health Benefits

• Rich in fiber, promoting digestive health.
• Contains plant-based protein, supporting muscle repair and growth.

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