How to Make Banh It Tran (Vietnamese Sticky Rice Dumplings)?

When it comes to Vietnamese cuisine, one cannot overlook the delightful world of traditional snacks and desserts. Among these delectable treats, Banh It Tran, Vietnamese Sticky Rice Dumplings, stands out as a beloved delicacy enjoyed by locals and visitors alike. These small, flavorful dumplings offer a burst of taste and cultural history that will undoubtedly leave you craving more. In this article, we’ll take you on a journey to discover the various types of Banh It Tran and learn how to make them in the comfort of your own kitchen.

Exploring Different Types of Banh It Tran

Banh It Tom Thit (Sticky Rice Dumplings with Shrimp and Pork)

The traditional Banh It Tran features a delicate, chewy outer layer made from glutinous rice flour. It is usually paired with a scrumptious filling, often comprised of shrimp, pork, or a combination of both. The dumplings are carefully molded by hand into small, round shapes before being steamed to perfection. Below, I will share the recipe of this dish in more detail.

Banh It Tran Chay (Vegetarian Sticky Rice Dumplings)

Banh It Tran Chay, also known as Vegetarian Sticky Rice Dumplings, is a mouthwatering Vietnamese delicacy that boasts a delightful blend of flavors and textures. This vegan version of Banh It Tran showcases the ingenuity of Vietnamese cuisine in creating plant-based dishes that are equally delicious and satisfying.

The dough for Banh It Tran Chay is made from a combination of glutinous rice flour and rice flour, resulting in a soft and chewy texture that envelops the flavorful filling. The filling, skillfully crafted using a medley of ingredients, includes wholesome elements like mung beans, bao ngu mushrooms, carrots, and meo mushrooms, adding both nutrition and taste to the dumplings.

Banh It Tran Ngot (Sweet Sticky Rice Dumplings)

On the other end of the spectrum, Banh It Tran Ngot caters to the sweet tooth. This delightful treat comes in two popular varieties, each boasting its unique filling.

Banh It Tran Nhan Dua (Sticky Rice Dumplings with Coconut Filling)

Banh It Tran Nhan Dua is a cherished traditional treat hailing from the southern regions of Vietnam. Its soft and tender greenish dough, naturally scented with pandan leaves, immediately catches the eye. The delightful filling, made with freshly grated coconut and a hint of roasted peanuts, offers the perfect balance of sweetness. This beloved dessert is often enjoyed during special occasions, festivals, and ancestral ceremonies, making it a treasured part of Vietnamese culinary heritage, and a significant vegetarian offering in religious rituals.

Banh It Tran Nhan Dau Xanh (Sticky Rice Dumplings with Mung Bean Filling)

Sticky Rice Dumplings with Mung Bean Filling is a delightful Vietnamese treat that captures the essence of the southern region’s culinary heritage. The soft and tender greenish dough, infused with the natural fragrance of pandan leaves, is visually appealing. The filling, made with creamy mung bean paste and a touch of aromatic roasted peanuts, strikes the perfect balance of sweetness. A beloved traditional delicacy, Banh It Tran Nhan Dau Xanh holds a special place in the hearts of many, often enjoyed during festive occasions, ancestral rituals, and family gatherings.

Hue-Style Banh It Tran Man Recipe

Cooking note

• Yield: 18 dumplings
• Prep time: 45 minutes
• Cook time: 30 minutes
• Total time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Course: Appetizer, Snack
• Cuisine: Vietnamese
• Equipment: Steamer

Ingredients

Mashed Mung Bean:

• 1/3 cup peeled split mung bean
• 1/8 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup water

Filling:

• 1 small shallot, finely chopped
• 1 bunch green onions, divided
• 1/2 lb ground pork
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp ground white pepper, divided
• 1 tsp vegetable oil

Dumpling Dough:

• 2 cups glutinous/sweet rice flour
• 2 tsp rice flour
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 cup water, less 1 Tbsp
• 1 1/3 Tbsp vegetable oil, divided

Scallion Oil:

• 2 Tbsp vegetable oil
• Dash of salt and ground black pepper

Accompaniments:

• 1/4 cup toasted shrimp flakes (Tom Chay)
• 2 Tbsp fried onions
• 1/4 cup carrot and Daikon pickles (Do Chua)
• 1/2 cup fish sauce dipping sauce

How to make banh it tran?

Making Banh It Tran at home is a delightful experience that allows you to customize the flavors to your liking. Here’s a step-by-step guide to crafting these delightful dumplings:

Mashed Mung Bean:

1. Rinse the split mung beans under cold water and drain.
2. In a saucepan, combine the mung beans, water, and salt.
3. Bring to a boil over medium heat, then reduce the heat to low and simmer until the mung beans are tender and fully cooked. This should take about 20 minutes.
4. Mash the cooked mung beans into a smooth and thick paste. Set aside.

Filling:

1. Finely chop half of the green onions and set aside the other half for garnishing.
2. In a skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat.
3. Add the chopped shallot and cook until translucent.
4. Add the ground pork, salt, and half of the ground white pepper. Cook until the pork is fully cooked and slightly browned.
5. Stir in the chopped green onions and remove from heat. Set the filling aside.

Dumpling Dough:

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the glutinous/sweet rice flour, rice flour, and salt.
2. Gradually add the water while kneading the mixture into a smooth and elastic dough.
3. Divide the dough into 18 equal portions and shape each portion into a ball.
4. Flatten each ball into a disc and brush the top with vegetable oil.

Assembling the Banh It Tran:

1. Take one disc of the dumpling dough and place a small spoonful of the mashed mung bean filling in the center.
2. Fold the edges of the dough over the filling, sealing it to form a round dumpling. Pinch the edges tightly to secure the filling inside.
3. Repeat the process for the remaining dough and filling.

Scallion Oil:

1. In a small saucepan, heat the vegetable oil over low heat.
2. Add a dash of salt and ground black pepper, and stir in the remaining chopped green onions.
3. Cook the scallion oil for a few minutes until the green onions become fragrant. Remove from heat and set aside.

Steaming the Banh It Tran:

1. Prepare a steamer and line it with parchment paper or banana leaves to prevent sticking.
2. Arrange the Banh It Tran on the steamer, leaving some space between each dumpling.
3. Steam the dumplings over medium heat for approximately 10-15 minutes or until the dough becomes translucent and cooked through.

Savoring Banh It Tran: Serving and Enjoyment

1. Once the Banh It Tran is steamed, transfer them to a serving plate.
2. Drizzle the scallion oil over the dumplings for added flavor and aroma.
3. Serve the Banh It Tran with toasted shrimp flakes, fried onions, carrot and Daikon pickles, and a side of fish sauce dipping sauce.

Enjoy the delightful Vietnamese sticky rice dumplings filled with savory mung bean paste and seasoned ground pork. The combination of textures and flavors makes Banh It Tran a true culinary delight that will leave you craving more!

Tips and Tricks for Perfect Banh It Tran

• To achieve the perfect texture, soak the glutinous rice before steaming.
• Experiment with various fillings and find the combinations that suit your taste buds best.
• Remember to seal the dumplings tightly to prevent the filling from leaking during steaming.

FAQs

Are Banh It Tran difficult to make at home?

While crafting Banh It Tran requires some skill, following our step-by-step guide will make the process much easier. With practice, you’ll master the art of making these delicious dumplings.

Can I freeze Banh It Tran for later consumption?

Yes, you can freeze Banh It Tran after steaming them. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply reheat the dumplings using a steamer or microwave.

Are there vegan options for Banh It Tran?

Absolutely! You can create vegan versions by using plant-based fillings, such as tofu, mushrooms, or vegetables.

What dipping sauce pairs best with Banh It Tran?

A popular choice is a mixture of fish sauce, sugar, lime juice, garlic, and chili. Adjust the proportions to suit your taste preferences.

Can I use regular rice flour instead of glutinous rice flour?

Glutinous rice flour is essential for achieving the chewy texture of Banh It Tran. Regular rice flour will not yield the same results.

Conclusion

Banh It Tran is a delightful Vietnamese delicacy that offers a diverse range of flavors and cultural significance. Whether you prefer the traditional savory options or the sweet variations, these sticky rice dumplings are sure to leave a lasting impression on your taste buds. With this article as your guide, you can now embark on a culinary adventure and create your very own Banh It Tran in the comfort of your kitchen.