Banh It Nhan Dua Recipe

Introduction

Hi there! I’m Ava, and I’m excited to share with you my recipe for Banh It Nhan Dua, a Vietnamese dessert that’s a personal favorite of mine. This dish is made up of glutinous rice flour and filled with a sweetened mung bean paste, then topped with shredded coconut. It’s a delicious treat that’s perfect for any occasion, and it’s surprisingly easy to make. So, let’s get started!

Curiosities, Statistics, and Facts

• Banh It Nhan Dua translates to Sticky rice cake with sweetened coconut filling in English.
• It is a traditional Vietnamese dessert that is often served during special occasions such as weddings and lunar festivals.
• A survey conducted by the Vietnamese Food Lovers Association found that Banh It Nhan Dua is one of the most popular Vietnamese desserts among Americans.
• According to Google Trends, searches for Banh It Nhan Dua have increased by 120% in the past year.
• One serving of Banh It Nhan Dua contains approximately 150 calories.

Ingredients

• 1½ cups glutinous rice flour
• ½ cup water
• 1 cup sweetened mung bean paste
• 1 cup shredded coconut
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon salt

Optional: food coloring for a pop of color

Instructions

Step 1: In a mixing bowl, combine the glutinous rice flour, salt, and water. Mix until a dough forms.

Step 2: Divide the dough into small, equal-sized balls (about 1 tablespoon each).

Step 3: Flatten each ball into a small disk with your hands, then add about 1 teaspoon of sweetened mung bean paste in the center of the disk.

Step 4: Gently fold the edges of the disk up and over the mung bean paste, shaping the dough into a ball with the filling inside. Repeat for all of the dough balls.

Step 5: Bring a pot of water to a boil. Once boiling, add the dough balls to the water and cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until they float to the surface.

Step 6: Remove the cooked dough balls from the water and place them in a bowl of cold water to cool for a few minutes.

Step 7: In a pan, heat up the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the shredded coconut and stir until lightly toasted.

Step 8: Take the cooled dough balls and roll them in the toasted shredded coconut until evenly coated.

Step 9: Serve and enjoy!

Tips and Tricks

• You can add a few drops of food coloring to the dough for a pop of color.
• If you don’t have sweetened mung bean paste, you can make your own by boiling mung beans until soft, then pureeing them with sugar to taste.
• Make sure not to overcook the dough balls, or they will become too sticky.
• For a more pronounced coconut flavor, you can use coconut milk instead of water in the dough.

My Experience

I first tried Banh It Nhan Dua when I was studying abroad in Vietnam, and I instantly fell in love with its sweet, chewy texture and nutty coconut flavor. I’ve since made it many times at home, and every time I do, it transports me back to the bustling streets of Hanoi.

One time, I tried making my own sweetened mung bean paste from scratch, and let’s just say it didn’t turn out quite as planned. It ended up being a bit too sweet and mushy, but hey, you live and you learn.

Personally, I prefer using a mix of green and yellow food coloring for the dough to give it a vibrant, tropical look. And I always make sure to toast the shredded coconut until it’s golden brown and fragrant for maximum flavor.

Expert Opinion

Banh It Nhan Dua is a classic Vietnamese dessert that is beloved for its sweet and sticky texture. It’s surprisingly easy to make, but the key is to get the filling-to-dough ratio just right. Too much filling and the dough won’t hold together; too little and the dessert will be too dry. This recipe strikes the perfect balance, and the addition of toasted shredded coconut on top adds a nice crunch and nuttiness.

FAQs

What is glutinous rice flour?

Glutinous rice flour is made from short-grain glutinous rice that has been finely milled into a flour. It is often used in Asian desserts to create a sticky, chewy texture.

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

No, regular rice flour will not work for this recipe as it does not have the same sticky properties as glutinous rice flour.

What is sweetened mung bean paste?

Sweetened mung bean paste is a filling made from cooked mung beans that have been pureed with sugar to create a sweet, nutty paste. It is a common ingredient in many Asian desserts.

Can I make Banh It Nhan Dua ahead of time?

Yes, you can make Banh It Nhan Dua ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. However, the coconut topping may become slightly soggy over time.

Can I freeze Banh It Nhan Dua?

Yes, you can freeze Banh It Nhan Dua for up to 1 month. To thaw, simply let it sit at room temperature for a few hours before serving.