Glutinous Rice and Bananas

Glutinous Rice and Bananas Recipe - Traditional Vegetarian Dish from Laos

Region / culture: Laos | Preparation time: overnight | Cooking time: 40 minutes | Servings: 10 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Glutinous Rice and Bananas is a delicious and comforting dessert that combines the sweetness of bananas with the sticky texture of glutinous rice. This recipe is a popular dish in many Asian countries and is often enjoyed during special occasions or as a sweet treat after a meal.

History

Glutinous Rice and Bananas has been a traditional dessert in many Asian cultures for centuries. The combination of glutinous rice and bananas is not only delicious but also provides a satisfying and filling treat. This dish is often served during festivals, celebrations, and family gatherings.

Ingredients

3 cups of glutinous rice
1 cup of soaked Adzuki beans
3 cups of coconut milk
2 tsp of salt
0.67 cup of sugar
5 bananas
20 pieces of foil measuring 6" X 8" each

How to prepare

Wash the rice. Cover with 10 cups of water and soak for at least 6 hours or overnight. Drain.
Simmer adzuki beans in 3 cups of water over medium heat for 40 minutes. Cook until they are tender but not mushy.
Put coconut milk in a large pot. Add salt and sugar and bring to a boil over medium heat. Add the rice and cook, stirring constantly, until all the milk has been absorbed.
Cut bananas in half lengthwise, then cut in half crosswise. Put 2 tbsp of rice in the middle of each piece of foil. Flatten and place a banana quarter on top. Arrange adzuki beans around the edges. Cover with another 2 tbsp of rice. Flatten to cover the banana. Bring two long sides of the foil up to meet above the rice. Fold twice and press down on the rice. Steam over medium heat for 20 to 25 minutes. Serve warm or at room temperature still in wrapper.

Variations

Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm and comforting flavor.
Top with a dollop of coconut whipped cream for a creamy and indulgent treat.
Mix in some chopped nuts or dried fruit for added texture and flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to soak the glutinous rice for at least 6 hours or overnight to ensure that it cooks evenly and has the right texture.

- Be careful not to overcook the adzuki beans as they should be tender but not mushy.

- When steaming the rice and bananas in foil packets, make sure to seal the packets tightly to prevent any steam from escaping.

Serving Suggestions

Glutinous Rice and Bananas can be served warm or at room temperature. It can be enjoyed on its own or with a drizzle of coconut milk or a sprinkle of sesame seeds for added flavor.

Cooking Techniques

Steaming the rice and bananas in foil packets helps to lock in the flavors and moisture, resulting in a tender and sticky dessert.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have adzuki beans, you can use red beans or mung beans as a substitute.

- Instead of bananas, you can use plantains or sweet potatoes for a different twist on this dessert.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the glutinous rice and adzuki beans ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until ready to assemble and steam. This can help save time when preparing this dessert for a special occasion.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Glutinous Rice and Bananas in the foil packets for a rustic and traditional presentation. You can also unwrap the foil packets and transfer the dessert to a plate for a more elegant presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Glutinous Rice and Bananas pairs well with a cup of hot tea or a scoop of coconut ice cream for a refreshing and satisfying dessert.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftover Glutinous Rice and Bananas can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, steam the foil packets over medium heat for 10-15 minutes or until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Glutinous Rice and Bananas contains approximately 300 calories. Calories provide energy for the body and are essential for overall health and well-being.

Carbohydrates

Glutinous Rice and Bananas is a high-carbohydrate dessert due to the glutinous rice and bananas. Carbohydrates provide energy for the body and are essential for overall health and well-being.

Fats

Coconut milk is a source of healthy fats in this recipe. Fats are important for providing energy, supporting cell growth, and aiding in the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins.

Proteins

Adzuki beans are a good source of protein in this recipe. Protein is essential for building and repairing tissues in the body and is important for overall health and muscle function.

Vitamins and minerals

Bananas are rich in potassium, vitamin C, and vitamin B6. Potassium is important for heart health, vitamin C is an antioxidant that supports the immune system, and vitamin B6 is essential for brain function.

Alergens

This recipe contains coconut milk, which may be an allergen for some individuals. Be sure to check for any allergies before preparing this dish.

Summary

Glutinous Rice and Bananas is a delicious dessert that provides a good source of carbohydrates, healthy fats, protein, vitamins, and minerals. It is a satisfying and comforting treat that can be enjoyed on special occasions or as a sweet ending to a meal.

Summary

Glutinous Rice and Bananas is a delicious and comforting dessert that combines the sweetness of bananas with the sticky texture of glutinous rice. This recipe is easy to make and can be enjoyed on special occasions or as a sweet treat after a meal. With a good balance of carbohydrates, healthy fats, protein, vitamins, and minerals, this dessert is a satisfying and nutritious option for those with a sweet tooth.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was hooked. It was a hot summer day and I was visiting my friend Huan in her small village in Vietnam. She invited me into her home and offered me a refreshing glass of iced tea. As we chatted, I noticed a delicious aroma coming from her kitchen. Curious, I peeked inside and saw Huan expertly preparing a dish of glutinous rice and bananas.

I had never tasted anything like it before - the sweet aroma of the bananas mixed with the sticky texture of the rice was a delight to my senses. Huan noticed my interest and offered to teach me how to make it. She explained that this dish was a traditional Vietnamese dessert, often served during special occasions and festivals.

As she guided me through the recipe, I marveled at the simplicity of the ingredients and the care that went into the preparation. We started by cooking the glutinous rice until it was soft and sticky. Then, we added a touch of coconut milk and sugar to sweeten it. Finally, we folded in the sliced bananas, letting their natural sweetness infuse the dish.

As we sat down to enjoy our creation, I couldn't help but feel grateful for Huan's generosity in sharing her recipe with me. From that moment on, I was determined to master the art of making glutinous rice and bananas.

Over the years, I have collected many recipes from various places and people, but this one has always held a special place in my heart. Whenever I make it, I am transported back to that hot summer day in Huan's kitchen, filled with laughter and the smell of delicious food.

I have since made some tweaks to the original recipe, adding my own twist with a sprinkle of cinnamon or a drizzle of honey. Each time I make it, I am reminded of the joy that comes from sharing food and recipes with loved ones.

As I sit down to enjoy a bowl of glutinous rice and bananas, I am grateful for the memories that this dish has brought me over the years. It is a reminder of the beauty of food and the connections that it can create between people.

I hope that one day, I can pass this recipe on to my own grandchildren, just as Huan did for me. In the meantime, I will continue to savor each bite of this delicious dessert and cherish the memories that it holds.