Delicious and Youthful Xôi Đậu Xanh: Vietnamese Sticky Rice with Mung Beans

Xôi Đậu Xanh, a delectable Vietnamese festive dish, is a sweet and savory sticky rice recipe featuring mung beans. This dish is popular for breakfast or as a snack and is known for its beautiful yellow hue, derived naturally from mung beans. It’s a delightful combination of soft and chewy rice with rich and buttery mung beans, providing a perfect balance of flavors and textures.

Ingredients:
– 2 cups glutinous rice (sticky rice)
– 1 cup mung beans (split and hulled)
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or melted lard
– 1/2 cup grated coconut (optional)
– 2-3 green onions, finely chopped (optional)
– Fried shallots or onions for garnish

Instructions:
1. Prepare the Sticky Rice and Mung Beans:
– Soak the glutinous rice in water for at least 4 hours or overnight. Rinse well and drain.
– Soak the mung beans in water for at least 2 hours. Rinse well and drain.

2. Steam the Mung Beans:
– Add the mung beans to a steamer basket lined with cheesecloth or banana leaf.
– Steam over boiling water for about 20-30 minutes, or until the beans are tender but not mushy. Allow them to cool slightly, then gently mash or coarsely grind them.

3. Cook the Sticky Rice:
– While the mung beans are steaming, prepare the rice. In a large mixing bowl, combine the soaked and drained glutinous rice with salt and mix well.
– In a steamer, add the rice to a basket lined with cheesecloth or banana leaf.
– Steam over boiling water for about 20-30 minutes, until the rice is translucent and cooked through. Occasionally stir the rice to ensure even cooking.

4. Combine Rice and Mung Beans:
– Once both the rice and mung beans are cooked, combine them in a large mixing bowl.
– Drizzle with vegetable oil or melted lard and gently fold the mixture to incorporate the oil thoroughly and ensure the mung beans are evenly distributed through the rice.

5. Optional Add-ins:
– For an added layer of flavor, mix in grated coconut and chopped green onions if desired.

6. Serve and Garnish:
– Place the Xôi Đậu Xanh on a serving plate.
– Garnish generously with fried shallots or onions for a delightful crunch and savor.

Xôi Đậu Xanh is best enjoyed warm. It embodies the essence of Vietnamese cuisine — simple ingredients brought together in harmonious balance, creating a dish that’s both satisfying and nutritious. Whether enjoyed at breakfast, as a snack, or during festive occasions, this sticky rice with mung beans is sure to delight!