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Chung Cake
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Chung Cake

Chung cake, or Bánh Chưng in Vietnamese, is a venerable culinary treasure deeply embedded in Vietnamese culture and tradition. This iconic rice cake holds profound significance, particularly during the Lunar New Year, known as Tết Nguyên Đán, which marks the most important festival in Vietnam.
Prep Time4 hours
Cook Time8 hours
2 hours
Total Time14 hours
Keyword: Chung Cake
Servings: 4 people
Author: Saitama

Ingredients

  • 2 cups glutinous rice
  • 1 cup split mung beans
  • 200 g pork belly or pork shoulder (diced into small pieces)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper
  • 4-5 shallots (finely chopped)
  • 4-5 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 4 sheets banana leaves, cleaned and cut into squares (about 10x10 inches)
  • Bamboo strings or cooking twine

Instructions

Prepare Ingredients:

  • Rinse glutinous rice and mung beans separately in cold water. Soak them in water for at least 4 hours or overnight.
  • In a bowl, season diced pork with salt, pepper, chopped shallots, and minced garlic. Mix well and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes.

Assemble Chung Cakes:

  • Take two banana leaf squares and place them on top of each other to create a stronger base for wrapping.
  • Drain the soaked glutinous rice and mung beans.
  • Place a layer of glutinous rice on the banana leaf, followed by a layer of mung beans, and finally a layer of marinated pork.
  • Fold the banana leaf around the ingredients to form a square packet. Secure tightly with bamboo strings or cooking twine.

Cook Chung Cakes:

  • Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil.
  • Carefully place the wrapped Chung cakes into the pot, ensuring they are fully submerged in water.
  • Reduce the heat to low and let the Chung cakes simmer for 4 to 5 hours. Make sure to check periodically and add more water if needed to keep the cakes submerged.
  • Alternatively, you can steam the Chung cakes in a steamer for 4 to 5 hours.

Serve:

  • Once cooked, carefully remove the Chung cakes from the pot or steamer and let them cool slightly.
  • Unwrap the banana leaves and slice the Chung cakes into pieces.
  • Serve warm with pickled onions, mustard greens, or your favorite dipping sauce.