Pandan rice cake is a rustic, familiar dish for the people of Southern Vietnam, famous for the distinctive aroma of pandan leaves, its eye-catching green color, and light sweetness. Instead of buying it from stores, you can easily make this cake at home with the simple recipe we share below. Let’s explore the how to make pandan rice cake from Southern Vietnam deliciously and authentically to treat your family and friends!
Pandan Rice Cake from Southern Vietnam: Childhood Flavors in Every Bite
Rice cake is a familiar dish in Vietnam, appearing in various regions with different variations. From savory rice cakes served with fermented soybeans, rich peanut cakes, to hot rice cakes with meat sauce, each type carries its own unique flavor. However, pandan rice cake perhaps holds a special place in the hearts of many, especially those born and raised in the riverine Southern Vietnam.
The fresh green color of pandan leaves not only creates an attractive appearance but also brings a subtle, gentle fragrance. Pandan rice cake is soft, chewy, and mildly sweet with sugar, rich with coconut milk, blended with the characteristic aroma of pandan leaves, making it a refined and wonderfully cooling treat.
Pandan rice cake helps you and your family cool down on hot summer days
Prepare Ingredients for Southern Vietnam’s Pandan Rice Cake
To make delicious pandan rice cake, you need the following ingredients:
- Rice flour: 200g
- Cornstarch (or tapioca starch): 200g
- Fresh pandan leaves: 1 bunch (about 10-15 leaves)
- Granulated sugar: 300g
- Coconut milk: 200ml
- Salt: 1/2 teaspoon
- Fresh ginger: 1 small piece
Note:
- Choose fresh, dark green pandan leaves that are not wilted.
- Use pure coconut milk for the best flavor.
- You can adjust the ratio of rice flour and cornstarch according to your preference. If you want softer cake, increase the cornstarch; if you want chewier cake, increase the rice flour.
Detailed Instructions for Making Pandan Rice Cake from Southern Vietnam
Step 1: Juice the Pandan Leaves
- Wash and cut pandan leaves into small pieces.
- Place the pandan leaves in a blender, add 400ml water, and blend finely.
- Use a sieve to strain the mixture, keeping only the pandan juice.
Strain to keep the pandan juice
Step 2: Mix the Cake Batter
- In a large bowl, mix rice flour and cornstarch well.
- Gradually pour the pandan juice into the flour mixture, stirring continuously until the flour dissolves completely and there are no lumps.
- Add 100g sugar, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 50ml coconut milk into the flour mixture, and stir well.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the batter rest for about 30 minutes.
Mix the batter with prepared pandan juice
Step 3: Cook the Rice Cake
- After the batter has rested, pour it into a pot.
- Place the pot on the stove over medium heat, continuously stirring to avoid burning or clumping.
- When the batter starts to thicken, lower the heat, and keep stirring until the batter is clear and smooth.
Step 4: Steam the Cake
- Prepare a steaming mold, lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
- Pour the cooked batter into the mold.
- Steam the cake for about 20-25 minutes or until fully cooked. Check by inserting a toothpick; if it comes out clean, the cake is done.
- Let the cake cool completely before removing it from the mold.
Step 5: Make Ginger Syrup
- Peel and wash fresh ginger, thinly slice or finely chop.
- Add 200ml water to a pot, along with 200g sugar, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and fresh ginger.
- Cook over medium heat until the sugar dissolves and the syrup thickens.
- Add 150ml coconut milk to the ginger syrup, stir well, and turn off the heat.
Step 6: Finish and Enjoy
- Cut the pandan rice cake into bite-sized pieces.
- Drizzle ginger syrup over the cake.
- Add some crushed roasted peanuts for extra flavor.
The end product of pandan rice cake is truly delicious and appealing, isn't it?
Tips to Enhance Your Southern Vietnam Pandan Rice Cake
- To achieve a more vibrant green color, you can add a few drops of green food coloring to the batter.
- Stir consistently while cooking the cake to avoid lumps and ensure smoothness.
- If you don’t have a steaming mold, you can use a bowl or deep plate for steaming.
- Adjust the sweetness and spiciness of the ginger syrup to taste.
Pandan Rice Cake from Southern Vietnam: A Sweet Hometown Gift
With this simple how to make pandan rice cake from Southern Vietnam recipe we have shared, you can easily make this delightful cake to enjoy with family and friends. Pandan rice cake is not only a delicious treat but also a sweet hometown gift, rich in the flavors of Southern Vietnam. Wishing you success and enjoyable moments with your homemade pandan rice cake!