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!