Banh Tet

Banh Tet is a traditional Vietnamese sticky rice cake filled with savory mung beans and tender pork belly, wrapped in fragrant banana leaves. Enjoy this delightful dish during Lunar New Year or any family gathering for a taste of home.

• 4 cups glutinous rice
• 1 cup mung beans
• 1 cup pork belly
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 5 pieces banana leaves
• 1 piece string

Method

1. 1

   Rinse the glutinous rice and soak it in water overnight. Drain before use.

2. 2

   Soak the mung beans for at least 2 hours, then steam them until cooked. Mash and set aside.

3. 3

   In a bowl, mix the pork belly with salt and pepper. Set aside to marinate for 30 minutes.

4. 4

   Prepare the banana leaves by steaming them to make them pliable. Cut them into rectangular pieces approximately 20x30 cm.

5. 5

   Lay two pieces of banana leaves in the shape of a cross. Place a layer of glutinous rice, followed by a layer of mung beans, and then a layer of marinated pork belly. Top with another layer of mung beans and finish with glutinous rice.

6. 6

   Fold the banana leaves over the filling to form a square package. Tie securely with string.

7. 7

   In a large pot, bring water to a boil. Place the wrapped Banh Tet into the pot and boil for about 6 hours, adding water as needed.

8. 8

   Remove the Banh Tet from the pot and let them cool before unwrapping. Serve sliced.